Page 19 of Fractured Faceoff

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling some of the weight lift from my shoulders. For now, at least.

"And you look delightful anyway," Jared said, a smirk playing on his lips. "The anger really flares in the eyes, and your red face is the perfect accent to your blouse."

I shook my head.

"Come on," he said, throwing his arm around me. He was warm and smelled like cedar and mint. "Let's go, hmm?"

I nodded, allowing myself one moment of being wrapped up in arms that actually wanted to hold me. His presence was solid, comforting in a way I hadn't felt in a long time.

"Ava's waiting for us."

Her name hit me like a splash of cold water.

Ava.

Right.

My sister. The person Jared was so obviously in love with.

I pulled myself away from him, straightening my posture and holding my head high. I wasn't going to let any man hurt me—not again.

Chapter 6

Jared

Islid into the driver’s seat, glancing at Isla from the corner of my eye. Her arms were crossed, jaw set in a way that told me she was pissed. She was always beautiful, but when she was angry, she had a fire that made her even more striking. There was a stubbornness in her that Ava never had—a fierce determination I couldn't help but admire.

I wanted to say something to her, but words felt inadequate. Instead, I focused on the road ahead, trying to keep my anger in check. It wasn't my place to fight Isla's battles for her, but damn if I didn't want to. It reminded me of why I’d always been so protective of Isla—she was strong, but even the strongest needed someone in their corner.

As we drove on into the dusk, the sky darkening around us, I couldn't help but think about Ava and what lay ahead with her.

The engine hummed beneath us as we drove towards Ava and Kash's house. The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a deep orange glow across the sky. I focused on the road, but my thoughts drifted to Ava and what this wholething was for in the first place. I clenched the steering wheel tighter, my knuckles turning white.

We drove through the quiet streets, the suburban neighborhood growing more familiar with each turn. When we finally pulled up to Ava and Kash's place, I took a moment to look at it. Their house stood at the end of a cul-de-sac, a two-story brick structure with white shutters and a wraparound porch. It had an air of Southern charm.

The lawn was meticulously maintained, green and lush even in the fading light. A couple of garden gnomes peeked out from under neatly trimmed bushes, adding a touch of whimsy to the otherwise orderly landscape. The porch light flickered on as we approached, casting a warm glow on the rocking chairs that flanked the front door.

Isla reached for the door handle, pausing just before opening it. "You ready for this?"

"Ready as I'll ever be," I replied, taking a deep breath.

We stepped out of the car and walked up the stone pathway leading to the front door. Each step felt heavier than the last. This wasn't just about me anymore; it was about Ava’s future too.

As we reached the porch, I hesitated for a moment before knocking. The sound echoed in the quiet night, and I felt my heart pounding in my chest. Moments later, footsteps approached from inside.

The door swung open to reveal Ava standing there, her eyes widening in surprise when she saw me and Isla together.

"You came," Ava said, her eyes darting between me and Isla. "Together."

"It's a long story," Isla muttered, stepping inside and disappearing down the hall.

I leaned in, ready to kiss Ava quickly,but she dodged the kiss. "What are you doing?" she demanded in a hushed voice.

I jerked back like I'd been slapped. We always liked the thought of getting caught. It added to whatever this was. But the way she was looking at me now… offended. I didn't understand.

She stepped back, her expression hardening. "You can't do that."

"What are you?—?"

---