12. Vance
CHAPTER 12
Vance
Not to say I didn’t like Sofia, but did she have to rush over here? Blair obviously told her I was coming home today, and every sane sexual adult would have common sense not to come over right now. But who am I kidding, it’s her.
She flops onto the couch, patting the space beside her. “Come on, you two. Let's catch up.”
I settle on the armchair across from them. My eyes meet hers briefly.
“So, how are you holding up, Blair?”
The concern in her tone makes my throat tighten.
“I'm... fine.”
Sofia squeezes her hand. “You know I'm here for you, right? Whatever you need.”
“Thanks. That means a lot, but he is home now.”
I shift in my seat, expression guarded. Has she been checking up on her this whole time? I didn’t think about how my absence affected her. Maybe I should be thanking her.
“What about you, Vance?” Sofia asks, turning to me. “How was your deployment?”
My posture straightens. “It was... intense.” That is all I say, because honestly if I am going to talk to anyone about my time there it will be Jace or Blair. Not Sofia. Plus, no one wants to hear about what really goes on over there.
The door bursts open with a bang, shattering the moment. My heart leaps into my throat as Jace storms in, his eyes wild and fierce. The room plunges into silence. Fuck!
He steps up to me, squaring off. Jace's fists clench at his sides.
“I went to your apartment and come to find out… you don’t even live there anymore. You are living with my sister now?”
Blair steps in front of me. “His lease was up while he was away. Calm down.”
“How long?” Jace demands, taking a step closer.
“It's complicated,” I start to say, but Jace cuts me off with a sharp look.
“How fucking long?”
“You are going to need to rephrase your question.”
“What the fuck do you mean?”
“Are you wanting to know how long I’ve been in love with your sister? or are you wanting to know how long we have been seeing each other? Two different timelines.”
“How long have you been sneaking around my back with her?”
I meet Jace's glare unflinchingly. “Since my going away party.”
I hold my breath, watching Jace's face contort with anger and betrayal. He has a right to be upset, us keeping this from him, but I won’t let him ruin my relationship with Blair. Fuck that. I finally have a chance with the woman that is meant to be my wife and I’ll be damned if I let even him fuck that up for me.
“A year?” he spat. “You've been sneaking around with my sister for a year?”
My jaw tightens. “We weren't sneaking. We were trying to figure things out.”
Jace let out a harsh laugh. “Figure things out? My sister isn’t some girl for you to fuck around with and then throw away. I know your track record, remember. My sister deserves better.”
Blair gets in the middle again. “Jace, please. Let us explain.”
But he isn't listening. His eyes are locked on me, blazing with fury. “I trusted you,” he growled. “You were like a brother to me.”
I take a step forward. “I still am. This doesn't change that.”
“The hell it doesn't!”
I flinch at the volume, and tears are streaming down Blair’s face now. This is exactly what I feared.
Sofia stands up beside me, her presence a silent support. “Maybe we should all calm down.”
Jace whirls on her. “Stay out of this. This is family business.”
Hurt flashes across her face before she masks it.
“Don't talk to her like that,” Blair snaps. “She's as much family as anyone. I’ve known her just as long as we’ve known Vance.”
Blair moves closer to me, her arm brushing mine.
“I love her, Jace,” I say. “I never meant to hurt you, but I won't apologize for how I feel.”
“You son of a-”
He lunges forward, fist raised. Blair cries out, but I am quicker. I sidestepped, catching Jace's arm and twisting it behind his back in one fluid motion.
“Stop it!” Blair shouts. “Both of you, just stop!”
I immediately release Jace, stepping back with my hands raised. He stumbles, rubbing his arm and glaring daggers.
“This isn't over,” he snarls, backing towards the door. “You better watch yourself, Blackhawk.”
With that, he storms out, slamming the door behind him. The silence he leaves in his wake is deafening.
I sink onto the couch. “I'm sorry. I never wanted it to go down like that.”
“It's not your fault,” she whispers.
Sofia perches on the arm of the couch. “Are you okay, Blair?”
“I will be. I just... I knew Jace would be upset, but I didn't expect…”
“That level of rage?” I finish.
She meets my eyes, seeing my own pain reflected there. “Yeah.”
Sofia squeezes her shoulder. “He'll come around. He just needs time.”
I want to believe her. But the memory of Jace's fury lingers, a knot of dread in my stomach.
Sofia stands, smoothing her skirt. “I should go. Give you two some space.”
“You don't have to-” Blair starts, but she shakes her head.
“It's okay. Call me if you need anything, alright?”
After she leaves, silence settles over the apartment. I pull Blair against my chest.
“What are you thinking?”
She sighs, nestling into my warmth. “That this is going to be harder than I thought.”
My lips brush her temple. “We knew it wouldn't be easy.”
She turns to face me. “Is it worth it?”
I cup her cheek. “You're worth everything.”