Page 69 of Unexpected Love

“What?” It’s more of a breath than an actual word from Declan.

I squeeze Ava’s hand still clasped in mine. “Let’s go inside and talk. You’re not dressed for this weather.” Without waiting for a response, I wrap my arm around Ava’s shoulder and walk down the driveway. I don’t check to make sure Declan is following us, but I hear his steps signaling he is.

“You have to get to work,” Ava says, trying to pull away from my side.

“I can be late. This is more important.” I press a kiss to her temple, lingering there for a second as we walk.

She doesn’t argue more. She simply wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes, proving she wants my support while she tells Declan about everything that’s been going on.

Ava unlocks the door and holds it for Declan and me to enter. It’s not a large space—just a kitchen, living room, and a short hallway with three doors—likely the bedroom, bathroom, and laundry area—but it's plenty big enough for Ava. I haven’t been here before, but a quick look shows it’s well-decorated and cozy.

Ava toes off her shoes and moves to the couch in the living space to the right of the door, Declan follows close behind and sits in the chair to her right.

I take a second to text Lyle to let him know I’ll be late before moving to sit next to her. I don’t touch her, but I’m close enough that I can if she needs me.

Declan moves to the edge of his seat and takes hold of Ava’s hand. His voice is gentle when he speaks, but I see the pain and anger lacing his features. “Talk to me. Tell me what’s going on.”

Ava stares at him silently for a minute before she falls forward, her forehead resting against their clasped hands, her shoulders shaking.

I place my hand on her back, rubbing soothing circles. When I look up, Declan stares at me with concern written clear across his features. I shake my head, trying to silently communicate that she’s okay.

We sit here quietly, letting Ava feel whatever emotions are coursing through her. When she stills, I lean forward, circling my arms around her, and bring my mouth to her ear. “Rebel, what do you need?” I whisper.

She shakes her head and slowly sits up, wiping her face dry before looking at Declan again. And she starts her story. She tells Declan about that night in Brian’s office, about running to her parents only for them to call her a whore and a liar. She tells him about getting fired from the firm and being happy about it. She tells him about her trip home at Christmas and what Brian did outside their parents' house. She tells him all of it.

And through it all, Declan holds steady. It’s only because I’m good at reading people that I see the rage burning in his eyes and the tension in his shoulder. To anyone else, they would see a man silently supporting his sister through some of her worst moments. I see a man itching to hurt his parents the way they’ve hurt her. I see a man ready to break.

When Ava stops talking Declan takes a minute, his eyes moving to me before looking back at Ava. “What do you need from me?”

Ava’s eyes fall shut, and her entire body slumps like she’d been holding the weight of the world on her shoulders and it’s finally been lifted. When she opens them, she offers Declan a watery smile. “Nothing. You’ve already done it.”

“I wish you had told me when you first got here,” he whispers, almost hesitant.

“I know, but there was so much going on with Scott and Quinn, and I honestly needed to process all of it before talking about it.” Ava squeezes Declan’s hand. “I wasn’t alone.”

“I can see that.” Declan tries to smile, his eyes bouncing to me quickly. “Boyfriend? It seems like you have another story to tell me.”

Ava glances at me over her shoulder, reaching for my hand with her free one. I squeeze it and give a gentle smile in return.

“The boyfriend thing is new,” she finally says, turning back to Declan. “But he’s been a good friend.”

“I have no doubt.” I get a little uncomfortable at the sincerity in his voice. I’m not one for being the center of attention in serious moments.

“All right.” I stand from my seat, needing to move. “Do you think your parents will leave that easily?” I ask, moving around the coffee table to stand facing the two of them.

“Definitely not,” Declan says without hesitation, standing from his seat as well.

Ava sighs, pushing up from the couch and moving toward me. “It’s not likely, but you two need to get to work, so now isn’t the time to talk about this.”

“You sure you’re good?” Declan asks, begrudgingly moving toward the door.

“I’m all right.” Ava offers him a smile.

“There’s still a lot to talk about. Like why they’re pushing this so hard and how to stop them.”

“I know.”

“Let’s do dinner tonight. We can talk more and come up with a game plan.” Declan glances at me over Ava’s shoulder. “You’re more than welcome.”

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