Page 13 of Fractured Faceoff

I softened my stance slightly, studying her more closely. Isla always carried herself with a kind of fierce determination, but today she seemed brittle, like one wrong move could shatter her.

"Isla," I said quietly, "what's going on?"

She shook her head, looking away as if gathering her thoughts. "It's... it's nothing you need to worry about."

I wasn't convinced but knew better than to push her right now. Instead, I stepped aside to let her pass.

"If you need to talk," I offered.

She gave a tight nod, not meeting my eyes. "Thanks."

With that, she walked past me into the gym, leaving me standing there with more questions than answers.

"Hey," I called after her. I didn't know why I followed her, but I did. "You going to Kash and Ava's place tomorrow?"

She stopped, closing her eyes. "Shit," she whispered.

"What?"

"I totally forgot all about that," she said. "Yes, yes, I mean, I have to."

"You okay, sugar?" I asked, a smirk creeping onto my face.

"Don't call me that," she snapped flatly.

I chuckled. "Touchy this morning, aren't we?"

"Jared, I'm not in the mood for your games."

"Come on, Isla. Lighten up. It’s just a little fun."

She shot me a glare that could cut steel. "Your idea of fun usually involves making my life difficult. I mean, back when we were kids."

"Isn’t thatwhat brothers-in-law are for?"

She rolled her eyes and crossed her arms. "Do you ever get tired of being a pain in the ass?"

"Never." I leaned against the wall, crossing my arms to mirror her stance. "It's my specialty."

"Well, congratulations," she muttered. "You're excelling at it."

I shrugged. "I aim to please."

"Could you aim somewhere else for once?" She sighed and ran a hand through her hair.

I softened slightly at the sight of her clear exhaustion. “You sure you’re okay? You look like you’ve been through the wringer.”

“Just drop it,” she snapped, but there was no real bite to it this time.

“Fine, fine,” I held up my hands in mock surrender. “But seriously, what’s got you so rattled?”

“Can we not do this right now?” She started walking again toward the weight benches.

“Sure thing,” I said easily, falling into step beside her. “But you know where to find me if you need to talk.”

“I’m not talking to you about anything,” she shot back over her shoulder.

“No?” I raised an eyebrow. “Who else is going to give you brutally honest advice?”

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