TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 16

Becca

"Please, Becca. We really need to talk."

When he left me last night, after completely shattering the walls I had so carefully built to protect myself, not for a second did I stop to question if I'd done the right thing. It just felt right. Because somehow, Shane knew exactly what to do and say to make me feel safe.

But then he didn't call before bed like he promised. Sure, he texted to let me know he was dealing with a family situation. I understood it and, to be honest, didn't think twice about it at the time. But when he called early this morning, his voice rushed as he told me we needed to talk, I knew for sure something was wrong.

That's when the doubt crept in. Did I make a mistake? A concern that was further amplified when he didn't show up when he said he would. For nearly thirty minutes, I sat in that room—the very same one where he confronted me about avoiding him and then convinced me to give us a chance. That was just yesterday.

Now, I can't help but think that he must have changed his mind.

A thought that, just a few days ago, wouldn't have bothered me in the least. But now, after feeling his touch, after tasting his lips, after being the subject of those soulful brown eyes and their adoring gaze, I don't know how to go back to a world where Shane and I are nothing more than acquaintances.

But maybe this is for the best.

As much as I'm afraid of whatever he has to say, maybe this is my chance to set things right. To reset and re-erect those walls that kept him firmly outside the boundaries protecting my heart.

"Okay," I answer softly, then without meeting his gaze, I turn away, walking back to the room where, just minutes ago, I swore I'd stop letting myself get distracted by him.

When we arrive, he shuts and locks the door behind us. I can't bring myself to look at him, so I walk to the far window that faces the student lot. With the morning bell just minutes away, the remaining students rush from their cars, hurrying to make it to class before they're marked late. I kind of wish I were them right now—instead of being stuck here, trapped in a room with a man who's disrupted my carefully arranged life.

"Pretty girl. Please, look at me."

At the feel of his touch at my elbow, I close my eyes in resignation. I can't fight this. No matter how badly I want to.

"There you are." Tucking a strand of my hair behind my ear, he searches my eyes, and then, like he can't help himself, he leans in, capturing my lips in a soft kiss that steals my breath.

"Shane..." my voice quivers in confusion. That kiss. The way he's looking at me—it doesn't align with how he's acted since he left my house last night.

"I know," he murmurs, his gaze dropping to where his fingers are caressing the soft skin of my hands. "There's something I need to tell you. Something I hope won't change anything between us."

He takes a few steps back, guiding me to follow him to the small loveseat by the wall. Once we reach it, he urges me to sit next to him.

As he works up the courage to speak, I notice the dark circles under his eyes and the tension etched into the lines of his brow. For the first time this morning, it's not my heart or my own fears that consume me—it's him. He looks... lost. Stressed. Afraid. Emotions that are so out of place for someone who's usually so sure of himself.

Without thinking, I lean in, pressing my lips against his in a silent show of support. It's bold. So unlike me. Which must be why he moans in surprise. Letting go of my hands, he cups my face instead, deepening the kiss as I part my lips, allowing his tongue to sweep into my mouth in a move that makes my insides quiver and has goosebumps breaking out over every inch of my skin.