Chapter 18

On the drive back to my house, I couldn't shake the feeling of shame and disappointment as I sat there in silence, the weight of Brax's father's words hanging heavy in the air. I knew deep down that he was right—no matter how much I tried to separate myself from Stevon King, his name would always be a shadow looming over me.

Brax reached out a hand to touch my arm gently as he stopped the car outside Steve's house, his eyes filled with concern. "Are you okay?" he asked softly.

I nodded slowly, trying to push away the overwhelming emotions threatening to consume me. "I'm fine," I lied, forcing a small smile onto my face.

But Brax could see through my facade, his gaze searching mine. "You don't have to pretend with me, Willow," he said quietly.

I forced a bigger smile on my face, not wanting to deal with this right now. I needed time to work out what I was going to do. "I'm fine, I promise, just tired," I lied again.

Brax sat there for a second, trying to work out if I was lying or no