Page 46 of Tangled In Tinsel & Knots
Lily is already moving toward the door, and I follow her out on legs that feel numb. Outside, in front of the bakery, are my belongings. Garbage bags. Cardboard boxes. My entire life, dumped on the street like trash.
I can’t breathe.
“What the fuck, Scot?” My voice is shaking. “You went through my stuff? You had no right?—”
“It’s my building.” Arms crossed, he looks so fucking pleased with himself. I want to murder him. “Don’t worry. You didn’t have much. Nothing interesting.”
“You’re a real piece of shit, you know that?” Lily’s voice is ice. “A pathetic, vindictive piece of shit.”
“I’m practical.” Scot is backing toward his car—a sleek black BMW parked at the curb. “This is what happens when you make stupid choices, Hannah. Actions have consequences. Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before embarrassing someone who tried to help you.”
I’m shaking now, rage bubbling up. “You tried to force yourself on me! You got drunk and made a scene! You’re the one who destroyed everything!”
His grin widens. “Enjoy being homeless and jobless.”
He climbs into his BMW and drives off, and I’m left standing on the sidewalk, staring at my life scattered in the snow.
I feel violated. Exposed. Like Scot reached into my chest and ripped everything out. “That fucking asshole.”
Lily’s arms are around me, pulling me close. From anger or shock or both, I can’t tell.
“Hey. It’s okay. You can stay with us.” Her voice is fierce. “We’ve got a spare room at the house. It’s yours. For as long as you need. I mean, I would offer you the apartment upstairs here, but I’ve got tenants in there already.”
“This is too much.” My voice cracks.
She pulls back, hands on my shoulders, forcing me to look at her. “Fuck Scot. Fuck his uncle. Fuck everyone who doubted you. You’re going to prove them all wrong.”
Something shifts in my chest. The fear and humiliation start hardening into something sharper.
Rage.
Pure, focused, burning rage.
“You’re right,” I say quietly. “This is war now. And I’m going to find a way to destroy him.”
“That’s my sister.” Lily is grinning. “Now let’s get your stuff inside before it’s completely ruined.”
We start hauling boxes and bags, and I’m seething the entire time. Every soaked cardboard box, every ripped garbage bag, every item of clothing covered in slush, it all feeds the fury building inside me.
Scot thinks he’s won.
He has no idea what’s coming.
8
NOEL
I’m driving my truck with Hannah in my passenger seat and her father in the back, and I’ve never been more determined to make a good impression in my entire life.
Chris briefed me yesterday. Family dinner. Dysfunctional relatives who make Hannah feel like shit. She needs to show up with a hot boyfriend on her arm to shut everyone up.
Fuck, yeah. I can do that.
I went all out tonight. Hair down, falling past my shoulders instead of tied back like I usually wear it for work. Didn’t shave this morning—figured the shadow would make me look more intimidating. People find beards scary, and I want to look just dangerous enough that her relatives think twice before asking invasive questions. Dark button-up shirt over a black tee, sleeves rolled to my elbows to show off the tattoos running down both forearms. Jeans that fit right. Boots. And the beaded bracelets I picked up in Bali last year because I like how they look against my skin.
At six four, I’m going to stand out. That’s the entire point.
Hannah keeps stealing glances at me. Quick looks when she thinks I’m not paying attention, her eyes traveling from my hands on the wheel to my arms to my face.
