10. Vance
CHAPTER 10
Vance
“Blair?” A familiar voice cuts through the haze of our embrace.
My heart drops. I turn, my arm still around her waist, to see Jace standing a few feet away. My best friend's face is a mask of confusion.
“Jace,” I breathe, guilt twisting in my stomach.
His gaze flicks between us, his jaw clenching tight. The weight of his disapproval is pressing down on my chest.
“What the hell is this?”
I swallow hard. “I can explain-”
“Explain what?” he cuts me off, eyes narrowing. “How my sister and my best friend have been lying to me?”
The accusation stings. Blair stiffens beside me, ready to defend us both.
“We never meant to hurt you,” I say, my voice trembling slightly. “It just... happened.”
Jace's nostrils flare. “It just happened? For how long?”
I glance at Blair, seeing my own uncertainty mirrored in her eyes. How can we possibly make him understand? He’ll never listen when he’s this upset.
I take a deep breath, steadying myself. “Jace, we-” Blair's hand squeezes mine gently, cutting off my words. I step forward, posture firm yet respectful. “This isn't how we wanted you to find out. We should have told you. I love her, Jace. It's not just some fling.”
“You're my best fucking friend,” he growls. “And she's my little sister.”
“I know,” I say. “But she's also the woman I want to spend my life with.”
I stand rooted to the spot, my heart pounding so hard I am sure they can both hear it.
My best friend's eyes flash to mine, a storm of emotions swirling in their depths. “And you kept it from me.”
I shift before Blair cuts in. “We can't change how we feel.”
His eyes dart between Blair and me, searching for something. “I’m getting the fuck out of here. Guess you don’t need a ride home.”
As Jace turns to walk away, I lean into Blair. We have weathered the first storm, but there are many more to come.