Page 115 of The Photograph

Cal wriggles his brows and smirks.

My Aelin has bite.

I push my shoulder against the wall closest to the other room.

“Aelin, can I speak with you alone?”Was she always that snotty bitch? Yeah she was.

After a couple of seconds, Aelin whispers, “Do you mind, Em?” At the sound of shuffling steps, Aelin’s voice cuts through the silence. “What can I do for you, Vanessa?”

I cross my arms wondering the same.

“I want to talk about Gabriel.”

“Why do you call him that?”

Cal and I exchange a quick glance, and he lifts his beer in a silent cheer.

“That’s his God-given name.”

Christ. This woman.

“But he prefers Gabe.”

“Don’t tell me what he prefers. You have no idea what he wants!”

Aelin sighs loud enough for us to hear. “Vanessa, you wanted to talk, I’m listening.”

“Let me give you some advice, Gabriel’s not for you, and trust me little girl, you’re not equipped to deal with someone like him.”

I clench my teeth and glare at the wall.

“But I guess you are?”

Vanessa’s tone sharpens. “More than you’ll ever know. I saw how you’re all over him, Gabriel hates that. So, do yourself a favor and stop throwing yourself at him. It’s embarrassing.”

I don’t. But Aelin thinks I do because I didn’t explain.When there’s a pause, I straighten up, ready to intervene when Aelin speaks again.

“Vanessa—”

“Let me make it clear for you. Gabriel and I belong together, and I won’t let anyone take him from me. I’ve known him for nearly twenty years. We’re family and we have something you’ll never understand.”

Another sigh from Aelin. “Which is it? I’m either not equipped or I’m a threat … but seriously, Vanessa, do you really think anyone could make Gabe be in relationship he doesn’t want to be in? I’m not standing in your way.”

Shaking my head at the beer Cal hands me, I exhale slowly while Vanessa continues.

“Did he tell you we were engaged? This is how important we are to each other.”

“Aren’t you married?”

“My life is none of your damn business. I know Gabe, I know what he needs, what he wants. Gabriel will come back to me because we’re meant to be together.”

Not in this fucking lifetime.

Aelin’s tone softens. “I’m sorry he left you, but—”

Vanessa scoffs. “Dear, you’re not pretty enough to be stupid.”

“Oh. You left him?” When Aelin laughs, Cal chuckles silently. “Oh, my God, you did. You left Gabe?”

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