Page 49 of The Road Less Traveled By

“I’d rather feel it all now, especially with Liv by my side. She carries me through the dark days until her light shines so bright, I can barely remember what the dark feels like.”

God, you’d think he was the author with the way he keeps talking. “I’m glad you have her.”

“You have her too, Bree. And me. You know you don't have to shoulder this alone. She knows you're struggling. Even my sister told me she’s worried about you.”

“Did Teags tell you about what she saw?” I already know she did. Last Monday scared me more than I care to admit, and with the way Teags hugged me that day, I know it probably scared her, too. Of course shewould tell Tristan about it because nobody knows I’ve been falling apart at the seams since Ralph got out. Nobody but Vince and now Teags.

“Yeah, she did. Besides the day Tobias died, I’ve never heard my sister so scared, Bree. She said it was like you weren't even in your body. You were thrashing in Vince’s arms as he tried to calm you down.”

I lower my gaze from his, suddenly feeling guilty. “Please don’t tell my sister.”

“I won't, Bree. But you need to start talking to her because she’s worried about you. Don’t shut her out just to keep her safe. You need her as much as she needs you, especially now.”

“I know, Tristan. I know all of that. I’m just worried about you guys. I don't want you to get hurt because of me and my stupid stalker. I never wanted to put you guys in danger, and—”

He halts my words with his hand on top of mine. “And those thoughts are valid, but we’re practically family, Bree. Let us make those choices for ourselves because no matter what, we’re on your side every single fucking time.”

Before I can tell him how much I appreciate that, someone comes up to our table. “Bree Hart?”

I quickly wipe the tears from my eyes before I turn back around. “Yes, that’s me. Hi!”

“Do you mind if we get a picture?”

“I don't mind,” I say as I feel another presence come up to our table.

“Is everything okay?” Vince asks as he looks between the three of us.

“Yup. We’re just getting a picture.” I place my hand on Vince’s arm as I look up at him. “It’s all good.”

But he makes no move to leave. As he continues to stare down at me, those hazel eyes burning into mine, my hand suddenly feels like an inferno where it touches his arm.

“I can take the picture if you give me your phone,” Tristan says to the fan at our table.

“Thanks, bro.”

“No problem.” Tristan looks uncomfortable, his guard up like Vince’s.

I don't have a lot of male fans, but since I started dating Alex, more and more have come up to me, wanting to take pictures. Which is fine, I don't mind, but there’s something a bit more comforting about girls talking to me about books, rather than guys just wanting a picture. They can get a bit creepy sometimes.

I start to pose from where I sit, and the guy leans down, getting in the picture, and I hear Tristan clicking some pictures before the guy whispers something in my ear. “He’s coming.”

My body goes cold, but I try to shake it off. “What was that?”

“I didn't say anything.” But the smirk on his face says differently.

“Is something wrong?” Vince asks me.

“Here’s your phone, dude.” Tristan hands it back to him before he pockets it.

“W-What did you say to me?” I question, knowing in my gut what I heard.

“Thanks for the picture, Bree.” And as he walks away, I hear him start to whistle.

It’s the same exact tune from that night, and before I have time to do anything, Vince is crouching down to meet me at eye level. “What’s wrong, Bree?”

“He whistled. I–It was the same thing he whistled that night before he—”

“Fuck.” Vince runs a hand through his hair. “We should go.”

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