Page 39 of Fractured Faceoff

"Then came the rainstorm," I added dramatically. "The power went out at the event, and everyone scrambled for cover. We ended up stuck under that big oak tree in the garden for nearly an hour, talking about everything and nothing while waiting for it to pass."

Isla nearly choked on her water at that one. “You think they’ll believe that?”

“If we show 'em,” I said confidently. “Dates, things like that. The season ticket dinner."

"But… you were still with Ava," Isla pointed out, her eyes narrowing.

I nodded, feeling the weight of the truth in her words. "It wasn't until Ava betrayed me that I realized my feelings for you," I admitted, my voice steady. "Because you'd never do such a thing. And you tried to stay away, but after that dinner, you were still hurting because of that son of a bitch."

"And then?" she whispered, her voice barely audible over the restaurant's soft hum.

"And then," I repeated, leaning in closer.

She swallowed hard; her gaze dropping to the table. "I don't know," she said, uncertainty creeping into her tone. But she didn't pull away.

Good.

"Isla, let's just give it a try," I urged gently, my hand reaching out to brush hers. "You know they deserve it."

She looked up at me, and for a moment, we just stared at each other, the world around us fading into the background.

"Okay," she said finally. "Let's… let's try."

A broad smile spread across my face. "Great," I said with genuine excitement. "Oh, and one more rule, sugar? Don't fall in love with me."

Isla rolled her eyes at that, a small smile tugging at the corner of her lips despite herself.

"Yeah, right," she muttered under her breath, shaking her head slightly.

I chuckled softly, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. This was it—the start of something new and unpredictable.And for the first time in a long while, I felt like things might actually work out.

As we settled back into our seats and resumed our meal, a comfortable silence enveloped us. The future was uncertain, but for now, we had a plan.

Ava would be pissed, and then she'd come crawling back.

Chapter 11

Isla

Istill couldn’t believe I’d agreed to Jared’s insane proposal. As we sat at the dimly lit table, the remnants of our dinner scattered around us, a strange mix of exhilaration and trepidation twisted in my gut. I watched him from across the table, his easy smile and confident demeanor masking the turbulence beneath. There was something thrilling about this plan, a wild departure from my usual adherence to the rules.

“Are you sure about this?” His eyes sparkled with mischief as he leaned back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest.

“Not really,” I replied, tapping my fingers against the edge of my wineglass. “But I’m tired of always being the good girl. Look where that’s gotten me.”

Jared’s laughter was low and genuine. “So, you’re ready to shake things up?”

I shrugged, trying to ignore the heat creeping up my neck. “Let’s just say I’m open to new experiences.”

He leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “We’re going to make them regret hurting us.”

His words sent a shiver down my spine. This wasn’t just about Brody or Ava; it was about reclaiming my power, something I’d let slip through my fingers for too long.

“Deal,” I said, extending my hand across the table.

Jared took it, his grip firm and reassuring. “Deal.”

As we finished up dinner, I felt an unfamiliar sense of liberation. Maybe this was reckless, maybe it was petty, but for once, I didn’t care. I wanted Brody to see what he’d lost, and Ava to realize she wasn’t the only one capable of making waves.

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