Page 67 of Unclaimed Bonds
Justin pulls me closer and lifts the hem of my shirt. “What the fuck happened? And don’t try to hide it.”
I shake my head, trying to inch my way to my room.I’m fine, really. Go spend time with Luke, and I will meet you downstairs. I back into my bedroom door, but the twins hover in front of me. Luke leans against the doorframe to his room, smirking. Bastard.
The twins frown and turn toward Luke. “Did you see the blood on the front of her shirt?”
Luke tilts his head for a better look. For a brief moment, concern crosses his features. He stalks over and reaches forward to lift my shirt. His eyes widen. “Why didn’t you say something?”
“What would you have me say?” I grit, staring into his emerald-green eyes. Does he want to tell them what happened? Because I’m not.
“Tell us what, Jessica?” Justin asks. “What are you hiding?”
“You’re working really hard not to think about your injury. Why?” Jeremy observes.
I lower my eyes. “I’ll meet you downstairs,” I whisper. I don’t lie to the twins. I don’t lie to anyone. But they’re so happy to see Luke. I won’t cause a family rift because of Luke’s insane notion that I am out to hurt everyone.
Justin rests his hand on my shoulder. “Let me help you clean it.”
I shake my head, and he turns to Jeremy. I push my door open enough to slide into my room and quickly move to close the door.
Jeremy blocks it, pushing it wide open. “I’m not letting this go. Tell me right now! After everything you’ve been through, you got hurt again, and I want to know how.”
Sighing, I walk across the room and open my drapes. “It was an accident. I fell off the balcony.”
The twins peer through the window. “Shit! We’re three stories up,” Jeremy exclaims.
“It’s embarrassing. Can you please let it drop now?”
Jeremy frowns. “Are you okay?” I nod. “You never lied to us before or hid anything. It just made me worried that someone hurt you.” He pulls me into his embrace. “Don’t make me worry like that.” I nod again against his chest, and he releases me.
Justin joins me in the bathroom. “Let me see.” He shakes his head. “You need stitches, or it won’t stop bleeding. How long ago did this happen?”
I shrug. “A few hours. I needed to finish making dinner.”
“So stubborn,” he grumbles, placing butterfly bandages to keep the wound closed. “I’ll take you to the clinic.”
I shake my head.Have dinner with Luke. I’ll go after dinner is served. You missed him, and I can tell he missed you guys, too. I push at his shoulder so he stops fussing over me.Go! I’ll finish cleaning up and meet you downstairs.
After I throw away the old bandage and wipe down the counters, I leave the closet wearing a dark maroon blouse and dark jeans. Staying here may not work out after all. Luke never once spoke up and admitted how I fell over the balcony He just let me stand there and lie to my brothers. I hate him for that. Heading downstairs, I pass Luke’s room.
“Why didn’t you tell them the whole truth?” I stop and turn toward his voice. He’s leaning against the open door.
“What’s there to tell?” I glare.
“It was my fault you got hurt. The first person you should have run to is my father.”
I step toward him.It’s not like you admitted your part. Goddess forbid you show your true colors to your brothers!I snap in my mind. I grind my teeth and take a steadying breath before I lose control again.Look, I don’t know why you think I’m this horrible person, but I am not here to steal from or hurt your family. I love them. I didn’t run to him, and I didn’t tell the twins because they love you. They missed you. I don’t want to ruin your reunion. You don’t want me here? Fine. I’ll leave. I didn’t ask your family to take me in. I appreciate everything they have done for me. I glance down.But if my being here will ruin your life and your relationship with your family, then I’ll go. No one needs to know we even had this conversation.
I leave him standing in the hallway, mouth hanging open as I walk away.
Chapter 30
A Not So Sweet Homecoming
LUKE
EIGHT YEARS AGO:
November 7, 2016: 6:45 p.m.
