Page 43 of Twisted Fate

He looked uncomfortable as we reached my car and he leaned against it, pulling me against his chest to kiss me softly.

I could almost feel the emotions racing through him, the nerves obvious in his voice.

“What if it ends up not being what I want though? Jense and I…”

“You’ll work through it. C’mon, trust me on this. I love you,” I answered affectionately, stroking my thumb over his cheek.

He finally gave me a genuine smile, kissing the tip of my nose sweetly.

“I love you too. Here comes Claire, so I’ll see you later?”

“You will,” I promised as I moved away from him, blowing him a kiss as he grinned and walked off, just as Claire approached me.

She seemed unsure as she glanced around, obviously making sure I wasn’t setting her up.

I didn’t really blame her, so I didn’t mention it as she spoke.

“We still good to talk?”

“Yeah. Did you drive today?” I asked, a frown pulling at her lips.

“Yes, why?”

“Want to come hang out at mine? The guys are heading to Ty’s, and Caden’s mom’s not home. We can just relax by the pool or something?”

She was on the defence as she crossed her arms and gave me a dirty look.

“Are you setting me up?”

“Honestly, if I wanted you jumped, I’d do it myself in class with no fucks given. I no longer have a problem with you, as long as you don’t have a problem with me.”

“Alright. Can we use the pool?” She asked hopefully, her arms still crossed tightly, but her face expression had softened.

“Sure. I’ll meet you there,” I nodded, climbing into the Corvette and lighting a cigarette.

I started the engine, enjoying it when people glanced over as it rumbled to life.

I gave Claire a little wave before we drove towards the Holloway mansion.

Once both of us had parked, I led her inside to the fridge, grabbing two beers and handing one to her.

She seemed nervous but suspicious at the same time.

Again, I couldn’t really blame her.

I narrowed my eyes, deciding to just ask the burning question that had been on the tip of my tongue.

“I doubt I scare you that much all of a sudden that you’re being nice to me. Do you actually want to get along, or do you have an agenda?”

She gave me a smile, one that I wasn’t sure I trusted.

“To be honest, you’re well known to be a little crazy lately. I guess that since you turned out to be my sister…”

“Are you being nice because you think you’ll get money from Max’s death? He was in debt,” I cut in, her blue eyes going wide at my bluntness.

“No! I just thought I’d try to be nice and get to know you properly!”

I watched her for a moment before shrugging, leading her out the back to the pool area.