Page 18 of Fractured Faceoff

“I’m not?—”

“Get out,” I repeated, louderthis time.

Brody opened his mouth to argue but seemed to think better of it. He nodded stiffly and turned on his heel, throwing the door open.

He stormed out, the door nearly hitting Jared as he stepped in. Brody muttered a quick "Excuse me," barely making eye contact.

"Yeah," Jared responded, his tone flat.

I watched Brody leave, my hands still trembling with rage. Jared stepped into the office, his presence like a gust of fresh air after a storm. He leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed over his chest, surveying me with those sharp eyes that missed nothing. Jared had an aura about him, one that commanded respect and fear in equal measure. His dark hair was slicked back, revealing a forehead etched with the lines of experience and hardship. He wore a leather jacket over a plain white shirt, and his jeans hung low on his hips, giving him an air of effortless rebellion. There was something raw and untamed about him, like a coiled serpent ready to strike.

Jared's gaze shifted to me, eyes scanning my face. He stepped further into the room and shut the door behind him.

"Isla—"

"I don't want to hear it," I snapped, still seething from the confrontation.

Jared raised his hands slowly, palms out in a gesture of peace. "I'm not here to argue," he said. "Need me to break his jaw?"

Despite myself, a chuckle escaped my lips. I shook my head, the anger momentarily lifting. "Sorry," I murmured, running a hand through my hair. "I just…" I sighed heavily. "I don't know how I even got here."

Jared leaned against the desk, arms crossed over hischest. His presence grounded me somehow, like an anchor in a stormy sea.

Which was weird, because he had a knack for pissing me off.

"You got here because you're human," he said simply. "You trusted someone who didn't deserve it. Happens to the best of us."

His words were straightforward but carried a weight that hit home. They cut through the fog of anger and hurt clouding my mind.

"That was almost… nice," I said, attempting a weak smile.

He smirked, one corner of his mouth curling up. "Don't get used to it. I've got a reputation to maintain."

I rolled my eyes but felt some of the tension in my shoulders ease. Jared had that effect—his blunt honesty and dry humor always managed to pull me back from the edge.

"Thanks," I said softly, meeting his gaze.

"Anytime," he replied, voice steady and reassuring. "We are family, after all. Actually, that's what I wanted to speak to you about. Are you going to Ava's place?"

I cursed under my breath. I had completely forgotten about dinner despite Ava's earlier text. "Damn it," I muttered, running a hand through my hair again.

"Well, Hazel can't make the evening, so I was wondering if I could tag along with you," he continued, his eyes steady on mine.

I narrowed my eyes at him. There was more going on here. "What's the deal, Jared? Why are you so keen on riding with me?"

"I'll buy you a hot chocolate," he said with a smirk. "Extra whip cream, just likeyou like it."

I sighed, feeling the last remnants of my anger ebb away. The fight had drained me. "Sure," I said, my voice softer now. "I had been meaning to head back ho—to head back to Autumn's, but Brody distracted me."

"Want to talk about it?" he asked, his tone genuine.

"I'd rather jump off a bridge," I replied flatly.

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Well, make sure you aim for water. Aiming for pavement never ends well."

Another small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "You're an idiot," I muttered.

"But I'm your idiot for the evening," he shot back with a grin.

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