Page 14 of Beautiful Collide

“Tell him,” I all but beg her, too worried to register the flash of alarm in her eyes before she smooths over her expression.

In its place is a calm, cool mask.

A mask of a stranger.

Dane bristles instantly, his broad shoulders squaring like he’s prepared for a brawl. He moves like a wall between us. “How do you know my sister?”

Molly’s lips part. For a split second, I think she’s going to tell him the truth. That I actually showed up early. That all of this is an innocent mix-up. That I’m not the asshole Dane clearly thinks I am.

But then she hesitates, her blue-green eyes darting to mine with something I can’t quite read. Guilt? Panic? An apology?

“Molly . . .” Dane keeps his voice low. Gentle. “Are you okay?”

His eyes narrow as he takes in his sister, clearly soaking up her distressed appearance. She can paste on a blasé expression all she wants, but it won’t hide her messy hair and wrinkled shirt.

Dane’s face takes on an even harder edge. “Did this guy upset you?”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

This is even worse. Now, I’m basically being accused of harassment on top of being late.

My stomach drops as Molly stands there, motionless. The tension thickens the air around us. The entire hallway is silent, awaiting her answer.

A part of me can’t believe this is happening.

Why isn’t she saying anything?

I expected her to jump in and back me up.

Instead, she remains silent, her eyes fixed on the floor like it holds all the answers.

“Just say something,” I urge, the plea coming out rougher than I intended.

I hate that my voice cracks a little.

I hate the injustice of this all.

Dane steps closer, and even though we’re about the same height, his towering frame casts a shadow over me.

His jaw tightens, and his glare sharpens into something deadly. “Leave my sister alone.” Theor elseis silent but there.

“I didn’t do anything to her. I swear.” I lift my hands up defensively, trying to de-escalate the situation before it blows up even further, if that’s possible at this point. “I don’t even know her.”

“So youdon’tknow her.”

It escapes his mouth like agotcha.

I glance at Molly, desperate for her to explain.

But she doesn’t.

Her shoulders are tense, her arms crossed tight against her chest as she stares at a spot over my shoulder, refusing to meet my eyes.

“Molly,” I say, quieter now. “Tell him the truth.Please.”

I feel like I’m in the fucking twilight zone.

Molly’s lips press into a thin line.

---