Page 106 of Gathered Sparkle

For me, cars never became the enemy. I have my own shit to carry, my own scars, but Nova? It makes sense. It fucking makessense. And it guts me that I didn’t piece it together sooner. Another thing I’ve ruined for her.

Another way her life is harder because of me.

I squeeze her hand, trying to offer her something. Her grip tightens, but she doesn’t look at me. I hate that this is one more thing she has to fight against.

Because of me.

I shift in my seat, trying to stay calm for her. Trying to channel the steady energy she gave me earlier when we were at the Plaza.

Leaving the house had been the hardest part, but my mind had screamed at me to turn back as I climbed into the car, every nerve in my body begging to bolt. Even standing in front of the hotel, I almost cracked. Almost begged them to take me home, to let me escape this. But I didn’t. I’d clung to the breathing techniques my therapist drilled into me, pulling each inhale and exhale as a lifeline.

And then Sylus placed her hand in mine.

Her small, warm hand was all it took for the world to shift. Not completely. Not enough to make the fear vanish. But enough to make it manageable. Enough to keep me standing there instead of bolting like the coward I am.

After that, it got easier. Slowly, gradually, but it was easier. There was stuff to do, things to check, places to inspect. Annabelle to evaluate.

Annabelle, who’s laughing now at some joke Sylus made, her voice spilling into the car, sounding like sunshine. I like her. I really fucking like her. She’s exactly the kind of friend Nova deserves—loyal, sharp, and unshakably in her corner.

Still, my focus is on Nova.My girl.

She’s my motivation for everything now. Every step I take, every time I push myself further than I think I can go, it’s because of her. And if she’s with me, I can do fucking anything.

The car finally comes to a stop in the garage, and I let out a quiet breath of relief, not for me, but for Nova. As much as I hate letting go of her hand, I release her grip to push the car door open and step out. The cool air of the garage hits me like a balm, but it’s nothing compared to the warmth that shoots through me when she reaches out for my hand again as soon as we’re standing side by side.

Fuck if I’d ever let this hand go.

Her fingers slip into mine as though they’re meant to be there, and together, we walk into the house, the faint smell of soy sauce and sesame oil greeting us as we step through the door. Voices come from the living room, and Nova squeezes my hand as we head toward the sound, finding the twins, Nicholas, and Ezra sprawled out on the couch and armchairs around a ridiculous amount of takeout containers.

Levi spots us first, springing up from his spot beside Ezra, the motion making Pebble flutter her wings indignantly. “Whoa there, little one,” Levi murmurs, steadying the pigeon with a practiced hand before flashing us his trademark grin. “Hey, guys! Annabelle. So good to see you again.”

Annabelle freezes, her eyes darting between Levi and Nova like she’s trying to confirm reality. Her hands fly to her cheeks, and she whisper-shouts to Nova,“Levi Lane knows my name!”

Levi chuckles. “Of course, I know my bestie’s bestie’s name.”

“Bestie, huh?” Nova arches a brow, her lips curving into an amused smirk. “What, you’re not mad at me anymore?”

I glance at Nova. I know my girl. That outburst from Levi after she got caught has been weighing on her. She’d never admit it outright, never let it show, but it’s been there. It was clear as day, at least to me.

“No.” Levi’s grin falters for half a second before he steps closer. “I was a damn dick for how I reacted. I’m sorry.”

I choke on air. “You’resorry?”

Levi Lane apologizing?That’s gotta be a first.

Levi’s gaze flicks to Ezra, and his grin returns, though this time it’s softer, more genuine. “Yeah. I’m pretty blissed out right now, so everything’s nice and shiny.”

Nova lets out a huff of laughter, but my focus shifts to Ezra. He’s sitting there, watching me with what I can only describe as a smile. Not his usual expression of annoyance or judgment, but an actual small, genuine smile.

What the actual fuck?

I blink at him, and he gives the barest shrug as if this is totally normal like it’s not throwing me for a goddamn loop that he’s treating me with everything other than dislike for once.

Koen stands next and walks up to us. “Hey, Annabelle. How are you?”

Annabelle’s jaw drops, and she turns to Nova with wide eyes, pointing at Koen like she needs confirmation. Nova huffs again, clearly amused. “Yeah,Koen Lane knows your fucking nametoo. Get over it.”

Koen chuckles, leaning down to press a quick kiss to Nova’s temple. “That’s what happens when you’re with celebrities,” he teases.

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