Page 24 of Twisted Truths
HADLEY
My chest is too tight, my body still thrumming from Nash’s touch as I push through the crowd. Every step away from him shoots an agonising pain through me, like I physically can’t bear the distance between us.
Nash Stone.
Zara’s brother.
What is he doing here?
He’s supposed to be in the US playing basketball. Did she call him?
My eyes dart around the crowded market, searching for her. Is she here? My heart races at the thought of seeing her, of making sure she’s okay, but deep down, I know she won’t be here. It’s too dangerous with Gabriel and Isaac here. She won’t take any unnecessary risks, and she won’t know that I’m here. I’m not supposed to be here.
Nash’s words play on repeat in the back of my mind.You knew my sister.I’m almost at the Circle stall when I stumble over my own feet. He saidknewnotknow.
My body trembles.
No.
No, no, no, no.
It’s not true.
She’s coming back for us.
As if sensing my distress, Gabriel’s steel gaze finds mine as the box of fruit spills from my shaking hands and falls to the ground, sending grapefruits rolling in every direction. The memory of him crying in the bathroom assaults me, and I shake my head.
No. It can’t be true.
Concern creases his brow, and he strides towards me, his strong hands catching me as my legs give way. Grief and guilt overwhelm me as I whisper Zara’s name.
Gabriel’s hold stiffens, and he growls. “What did you say?”
“Zara,” I whisper, my throat thickening with grief. “She’s gone.”
Gone.
How can she be gone?
What happened to her?
“Is she okay?” Isaac’s voice cuts through the ringing in my ears.
“She’s fine, just a little faint,” Gabriel says, tucking one arm around my waist, the other under my legs. “I’m going to take her to the truck to rest until you finish up.”
No.
This is wrong.
Everything is all wrong.
Gabriel straightens to his full height, and my body nestles into the hard plains of his chest.
Zara.
The healed shards of my shattered heart break again. Yet another person I was close to is gone. Maybe I’m destined to be alone.
“I didn’t know you knew her,” Gabriel murmurs softly as he carries me through the crowded market.
