Page 67 of Unspoken Hearts
“But—”
“I can handle this, Axe. I always have,” I grit out through clenched teeth.
He grunts angrily as I start cleaning up my things from the table and give Laynie a silent goodbye wave. She holds up her fingers as a sign for me to call her later, and I nod before leaving the cafe.
It’s early afternoon, and the sun is sweltering hot, flooding down in rays of heat, starting on my way back to Honey Haven. The streets are less busier than usual as I listen to the familiar sounds of birds and people shattering when Axel breaks our silence.
“I just don’t want all of this on your shoulders.”
“I’m your older sister, though. I don’t wantyouworrying about this. This is why I wanted you to leave, Axe. You have the chance for something better, something I never got—”
“Exactly!” he exclaims loudly into my ear. I wince. “You never got the chance to leave that ruddy town. The chance for something better, and I hate that I do. That you helped pay for me to be here. It’s not fair, Macie!”
I swallow the lump of saliva that’s formed. I did help him, but he needed the money, and I’ll do it again if I need to.
“You wanted to study, so I helped you, Axe. You told me when you were little that you wanted to become an engineer. How could I not help you with that?” My voice cracks, and I bite down hard on my lip.
“Then let me help you now,” he grits out.
I turn onto the gravel road leading up the hill. My chest sinks a little as I remain quiet for too long, thinking it over. My mind just feels like a hurricane, my blood thick and hot as droplets of sweat form on my skin.
“If you do, I don’t want you leaving Sydney, all right. You need to keep studying.” My lips quiver as I hold back stinging tears. “I miss you, Axe.”
“I miss you too, sis. But you have done so much for me. If you need help with rent, I can find a job to help you pay.”
That makes me sniff loudly. The sound of my boots crunching against the rock keeps me company as I slowly make my way up the windy road. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” He sighs heavily. “You’ll need to start looking, I suppose.”
My eyebrows pull together when I spot the wooden Honey Haven sign. It’s nailed to the top of the timber archway, painted a lovely shade of yellow and white. It hasn’t changed since the first time I came here after school with Grayson, and honestly, it’s where I have felt the most at home since Axel left.
My new little safe haven… Ironic, right?
“Yeah, Sandra said she will help me find something in the area. And in the meantime, I can stay with the Lawsons. I just don’t want to feel like a burden to them.”
“You’re not a burden. They love us, especially you. I think Hazel always wanted a daughter.”
“I think so too,” I murmur gently as I stroll along the gravel drive, bright sunlight beating down on me. I glance around at the familiar view. “I’ll let you know when I have an update for you.”
“You better, Mace. I’ve got to run to my next lecture now. Let me know if you find anything,” Axel says before ending the call.
I shove my phone into my shorts pocket. Tucking hair behind my ear, I can’t seem to slow my racing pulse, the weight of everything starting to pull me down. I’m grateful that my brother wants to help, but it still grinds my gears that this is happening.
Heading towards the large weatherboard house, my hands fist at my sides when I see Reid crouched beside a broken fence—shirtless with golden skin covered in sweat, his usual tan brimmed hat on, with small brown hairs wisping out the bottom, and jeans that hug him too well. An airiness flutters through my chest.
I shouldn’t botherhim.
My feet don’t slow though as I approach his glorious body, muscles perfectly carved out like they’re made from stone. Before I know it, I'm right behind him.
Reid turns around, staring for a second before his familiar smile pulls in his stubbled cheeks. “You’re back.”
My heart crumbles a little at his words.
Chapter nineteen
Reid
Peeringup,blockingoutthe beating sun that’s making me sweat all over, Macie looks radiant. Glossy, vibrant hair flows down her shoulders in easy waves, with her cute freckled button nose and shining gemstone eyes. They’re round but I can see the pinch in them.
