All Chapters of GUARDED HEAT: Chapter 121 - Chapter 130

"I am not siding with them, and you fucking know that. You know damn well which side I am taking in this. And it's your fucking side! You fucking know that, so don't you dare question my loyalty to you!"I felt the pain and anger in Shawn's voice as he said those words. Even his eyes held the same emotions, though the anger was overpowering, as he looked straight into my eyes.I was a bit taken aback by his sudden burst of emotion, but I immediately could settle myself. Also, Shawn being emotional seemed to influence me, as it could make me pull myself out of the emotional part of me as well, making me calm myself down to think carefully and rationally. And once I could think rationally, only then did I realize how much of an asshole I was being towards my brother. Anger consumed me, and I directed that anger towards my brother, and for that, I felt so guilty.I sighed deeply. "I'm sorry," I said with full sincerity. "I didn't mean to say all that. I was angry and stressed, and just..

In all honesty, I was actually very surprised at myself. I still could not believe that I felt this confident when just two days ago, I had felt scared and so unsure with everything. And yet here I was now, feeling ready to conquer my fears, which were my parents, and fight against them to gain my freedom. And I knew why. I knew the reason for this sudden confidence and bravery.I looked at Shawn and Gunner, on whom my eyes lingered for a little while.These two, especially Gunner, were the reason I felt so strong and brave right now. These two, whom I just met, are the main reason I felt like I could do this, why I felt like I could conquer this fear.I was very lucky to have them as my support system. And I don't think the words "thank you" would be enough to show and tell them how grateful I was.Shawn nodded at me, then said, "Then let's get going. They're waiting for us." And without waiting for us to answer, he turned around and went to the driver's

"Now that those two are gone," my father centered the focus of his gaze on me again, "let us now have a proper talk."I mentally stomped on the emotions that rose inside me when Gunner left with Shawn and let my bravery take charge again."Talk? I don't think any of you are capable of that. Because if you guys were, then you would have talked to me first about the engagement and asked for my opinion before announcing it to everyone. Also, talking consists of more than one person speaking, which clearly isn't your style. You only listen to yourselves, never mind my opinion and my decisions.""That's because your opinion is shitty, and you always make bad decisions," my mother said while grimacing, her arms crossed over her chest, which made me turn my attention on her.I scoffed. "So, because my opinion does not align with yours, is it shitty? And when the fuck was I given a chance to make my own decision? It was always the two of you who made it!""And where did it lead you? To a brig

"Fix your face, young man. Stop looking gloomy as if you did not want this," my father said, making my expression turn sourer than it already was.I wanted to scream at him, tell him that I, indeed, do not want this, and I certainly do not want to be here. But I held myself back. I was not that emotional anymore. I was already rational and too determined to finish my part in the plan Shawn, Gunner, and I had created.My father gave me a stern look. "Remember what I told you, Layland. Do not fuck things up." Then, without waiting for me to respond to him, he got out of the car."I swear, if you try to be stupid again, I'll give you more than a slap," my mother said. And just like what my father did, she went out of the car before I could even answer her.God, I wish this night would be over soon.Like my father wanted, I fixed my face before I got out of the car, only to be greeted by the impatient look of my parents.My mother was scowling. "What took you so long?""Doing exactly what

"Staring at your phone won't make Layland call you faster, Gunner," says Shawn, who was not even looking at me as he was busy typing and reading something on his laptop.From my phone, my gaze went to my brother. "Are you suggesting that I should go to him instead, since staring at my phone won't fix anything?"He glanced at me for a while, but only to give me a cold stare. "I did not say that, dumbass.""That's what it sounded like to me, though.""Fuck off, Gunner.""Okay!" I exclaimed as I stood up. "That's what I have been waiting to hear."Shawn finally looked at me properly this time. He was frowning. "Where the fuck do you think you're going? Go sit down again!""You told me to fuck off. That's you, basically giving me permission to go to Layland."Shawn took a very deep and heavy sigh, closed his eyes, and then rubbed his temple. He's getting pissed and was losing his patience with me, which was exactly what I wanted to happen. Because once he lost his patience, he would ask m