Page 65 of The Road Less Traveled By

Her eyes are still red and puffy, indicating she’s still been crying, and from the look on her face, she didn't realize anyone else but mewas here. She’s also wearing a pair of fluffy socks her sister gave her—pink ribbons all over with a white base—and probably a pair of shorts like normal.

That’s been her usual attire, at least what I can tell from the little peeks I’ve seen of her in her room.

“I’m sorry, I didn't realize we had company. Let me go change. Just give me—”

“Bree, it’s okay. This is my sister, Aria. Aria, meet Bree Hart.”

Aria’s eyes widen with excitement, and I’m suddenly worried she’s either going to embarrass me or say something she shouldn't.

Fuck, I regret this.

Before Bree can turn around and retreat, my sister reaches her and pulls her in for a hug.

“Uh, I thought this was against the rules?” Bree questions, and my sister just laughs.

“Oh, Vince, you’ve got her to memorize those dumbass rules of yours? Oh, baby, come have some coffee while I apologize for my insane brother.”

That earns a small laugh from Bree, and I could collapse just from hearing that. I didn't realize how much I had missed hearing her laugh. Even her smiles have a sound, and I’ve been trying to pull them out of her since we got here.

But I don't want to press too hard. It’s just been far too quiet around here for my liking.

I don't know when or how it happened, but the lines are starting to blur between us, and I don't hate it. I’ve had way too much time to think up here, and after doing my usual rounds of check-ins every morning, all I’m left to think about is the girl I’m protecting.

But it’s become so much more than that. It’s not only the fact that I’ve broken most of my rules for her, but I’ve come to like spending time with her. I like when she smiles at me. I like every single thing about Bree, andeven though I wish I never met her under the circumstances, I wouldn't change any of it.

It was only when I was sure I’d rather die than see a single hair on her head harmed that I knew I was fucked.

But there’s nothing I can do about it now. I’m going to wait until after the assignment is over and Bree is safe to make any kind of move, especially since I don't know how she feels. The last thing I want to do is misread a situation and do something I shouldn't. For now, I’m protecting Bree because it’s my job. And after, if she’ll let me, I’ll stay and try to make her the happiest person on the planet.

Not because it’s my job but because it would be my honor to make her smile every single day until she gets sick of me.

“Nellie, come here girl!” my sister says, breaking me out of my haze, and I feel Nell get up, wagging her tail as happily as can be, and the minute Bree lays her eyes on my dog, they light up.

Thank fuck.

There’s that shine I missed so much.

“Whose dog is this?” Bree asks as she sits on the floor, fully prepared to get tackled by my dog as Nell licks her entire face.

“She’s mine.”

Bree stops petting Nell as her dumbfounded face looks at mine. “You have a dog? Why have you never mentioned her before?”

“Vince had been on an extended assignment overseas, and then he cut that short to guard you, so I’ve had her for a bit. I’ll admit, I’m going to miss her, but I won't miss all the shedding that comes with it. I swear this girl loses more hair than I do.”

“Did you get the brush? It works like a miracle, Aria. I told you.”

Another eye roll from my wonderful sister.Why did I invite her here again?“Yeah, yeah, whatever.”

“I cannot believe you kept this a secret from me. Did you have her when you first met me, too?” I don't say a word, and my silenceconfirms everything Bree needs to know. “I should arrest you right here for keeping this beautiful girl from me for this long.”

“I wouldloveto see that. You have my permission, Bree,” Aria laughs, and that even coaxes a smile out of Bree.

“I feel like I’m being teamed up on.”

The two of them look between each other, and a look of understanding passes through them both. “You are.”

“Got it,” I say, shifting back to the coffee maker and popping Bree’s favorite into the machine—vanilla. This is the first time she’s been out of her room since yesterday night, so even though it’s late in the day, I make her a cup.

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