“I don’t know what’s come over you,” I said as my voice was now sharp. “But if this is some twisted plan to make me fall for you by acting like this, then let me make it clear, it’s not going to work. It will never work.”I hoped those words would push him back. But they didn’t.“Why is it so hard to answer my question?” he asked, his tone low and persistent.“Because your question is ridiculous,” I shot back.I was already at the edge of the bed, trying to shift away from him, anything to create space between us but in the rush of it all, I misstepped. My balance tipped, and I was about to fall back, until he caught me.His arm slipped around my waist, firm and fast, pulling me back before I could hit the bed. In that second, I found myself pressed against him, my breath caught in my throat.I looked up and he was already looking at me.He didn’t let go.I felt his arm tighten slightly around my waist, not enough to hurt, but enough to remind me that I was trapped in that space ? in
After our conversation, Kael offered to drive me back to the house. Midway through the ride, he got a text but didn’t say much , just promised he’d see me some other time.When we got to the front of the house, he unlocked the car door and I stepped out. He got out too, just stood there beside the car like he was waiting to make sure I got inside safely.I gave him a small nod, a silent thanks for the drive, and turned to head in when….“Kyrie,” he called.I turned around, and saw him picking something from the seat . My scarf. I must’ve dropped it in the car.I expected him to just hand it over, but instead, he stepped closer and slowly wrapped it around my neck. His eyes didn’t leave mine the whole time.I wasn’t even cold. We were literally in front of the house. But I didn’t move or say a word. I just stood there, letting him.When he was done, he lightly tapped my shoulder and gave a soft smile.“You should go inside now. I have a date,” he said.I laughed under my breath. I kn
Hearing that made me look away for a moment.No matter how dangerous someone is… even without emotions… could he really be capable of letting his own sister die?Kael didn’t stop.“Yeah, maybe he only admitted it because of guilt. He was still young. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t dangerous,” he said, his voice low but firm. “He blamed himself for taking her there. He believed he was the reason she died. And… yeah, I blame him too.”I turned to look at him, eyes narrowing slightly. “Wait… so does that mean he didn’t actually kill Emily?” I asked and there was a heavy silence.Then he spoke, slower this time. “It wasn’t really his fault. Not completely. The room they were in… it was locked. And no one came. He was just a kid. But he still blames himself for taking her there, for not getting help, for not breaking the damn door down.”Kael’s voice was steady, but there was something brittle underneath it. I could tell this wasn’t just a story to him, it still haunted him too.I wanted t
He continued looking at me, like he was waiting, daring me to say it again. To push him one more time. And honestly? A part of me wanted to. Just to see what he’d do. But something about the way his jaw clenched, how his eyes darkened... made me pause.Seconds passed and then he let out a long breath and raked his hand through his hair, frustrated. Agitated and vulnerable?Whoever Emily was, she clearly meant something. No…., a lot.So if he was this wrapped up in her… where the hell is she?“You shouldn’t speak of the dead that way,” he finally said in a low voice and strained. Like he regretted losing his cool. Like the words tasted bitter just leaving his mouth.But it wasn’t how he said it that hit me.It was what he said.Dead.Emily was dead? That made me froze.I reminded him of someone who wasn’t even alive anymore?He took a few steps back, eyes still on me for a moment like he was trying to hold something in then turned and headed up the stairs without another word.I watche
After seeing all that, my first instinct was to grab my phone and call Tiara. My hands were shaking so badly I nearly dropped it as I tapped her name.She didn’t pick up.“Come on, Tiara... pick up, pick up,” I muttered, pacing as my heart beat louder with each ring.Still nothing.My thoughts were spiraling. How could this be possible?Did this mean Ethan knew me before I even came here?Did he know I was Skylar all along?No. No, that can’t be. That’s impossible… right?Just then, my phone buzzed in my hand. It was Tiara.“Hello Tiara!” I said the moment I answered.“Levi’s okay,” she said quickly, like she already knew that was my biggest concern. And honestly, it was at least, until a few minutes ago.“Thank God,” I breathed out, but I didn’t waste time. “Tiara, listen. That’s good to know, but something’s not right. I think Ethan... I think he’s known who I am this whole time. Even before I met him.”“What??” she practically yelled, and I nodded even though she couldn’t see me.“
I was still reeling, and Tiara wasn’t letting up."You might want to speak with the reporter yourself," she said in a low tone. "But he’s insisting on keeping his identity anonymous."I glanced in Ethan’s direction. He stood there, casually leaning against the wall, watching me, his lips curved in a small, smile.I turned back to Tiara, still trying to process. “You really think it was him? Why the hell would he do something like that to Levi?”She raised a brow. “Are you seriously asking that right now? You, of all people?”Her eyes narrowed slightly. “What happened between you two last night?”My stomach twisted, and I quickly looked away. “No…nothing. Absolutely nothing happened.”Except the dream.That stupid, heated, messy dream I’d rather erase from existence. But I wasn’t about to tell her that.She tilted her head, eyeing me like she could read my thoughts. I tried to keep my expression blank.“You didn’t even return my calls,” I said, changing the subject.She scoffed. “Retur