Page 82 of Scarred Sins
“Is something happening back at home?”
I break the silence, sipping on the cup of espresso. Aria’s blue eyes land on me, and she’s momentarily confused. Then, she blinks and shakes her head, her long hair falling down her mid-back.
“No, why?”
“Why are we here, Aria?” I sigh. “Did Arlo put you up to this?”
She lifts a brow, clearly not amused. “It’s nothing like that.’’
“Then?’’ I press.
Noelle and Hudson have welcomed me into their home with open arms, and they’ve been nothing but kind, supportive, and loving toward me. I could never thank them enough for everything that they’ve done for me. However, it’s only Aria that has kept her distance.
She wasn’t rude by any means, or snarky, but she’s a teenager, and I didn’t think she’d be interested in me at all. That’s one of the reasons I’m shocked she brought me to grab a cup of coffee together.
“Arlo is my brother. I love him more than I love anyone else in this world.’’
A small smile tugs on the corner of my lips. She’s fierce, and I see the intent of protectiveness in her eyes at the mention of Arlo. I don’t interrupt her, waiting for her to gather her thoughts and continue.
“But you are someone he loves very much,’’ she adds. “I don’t know you, not yet at least. As long as my brother is happy with you, I’m happy. So, what I’m trying to say is…’’
I lift an amused brow. “If I hurt your brother, I’ll have to deal with you?”
“Well, that too,’’ she rolls her eyes. “But more importantly, Arlo is family; that makes you family, too. I want to make you feel included, and although I’m not the most welcoming person, it’s nothing against you. I’m just like that. So… welcome to the family, I guess.’’
My heart flutters. No one’s outright said it so far. On some level, I felt like a part of their family from day one, but my insecurities and the dark thoughts rarely allowed me to dare that they truly saw me as their family. The fact that she went out of her way to say it warms my heart in ways I never knew possible, and I have to close my eyes to prevent tears from spilling over.
“If you dare cry and embarrass me in public, I’ll leave you here,’’ she threatens, and I snort.
“Don’t worry, I won’t cry,’’ I smile, opening my eyes and looking at her. “But thank you, Aria; it really means a lot to me.’’
“It better. I don’t let just anyone in my family.’’
And the snarky teenager is back. With a choked laugh, I shake my head.
Aria lifts her arms over her head, stretching. My eyes immediately fall on the exposed part of her lower stomach and the dark, deep purple bruise that covers her skin. My brows narrow, a hint of worry flashing through my chest.
“What is that?” I ask, pointing at the bruise.
She glances down, then tugs her shirt lower. “Just a bruise.’’
“I can tell,’’ I draw out. “How did you get it?”
“From volleyball,’’ she shrugs. “I tend to fall a lot.’’
Despite her calm demeanor, I can’t shrug off the strange feeling at the bruise. I’m not very well versed in sports of any kind. I just know the basics of volleyball, and although injuries can happen, how come hers is that big and in such an odd place? She’s either lying or she has the world’s worst luck.
Pressing her to speak will not make her open up, and since she’s decided to accept me, I don’t want to ruin it. I make a mental note to do research later and then focus on extracting information out of her in a different way.
“Arlo mentioned you played volleyball. What position do you play?”
“I’m the setter,’’ she beams, a proud look on her face. “Although, I do play the middle blocker from time to time.’’
“You? I mean, you’re tall, but you’re not that tall,’’ I tease.
She scowls. “Listen, I may not be the tallest, but I can jump hella high! That’s how I get bruised all the time. Terrible landing.’’
I wince, though the small flicker of doubt at her words lingers. I can’t shake it off, no matter how much I want to trust her words.
