Page 82 of The Photograph

Gabe

Cara paces my office in vertiginous heels—one thing both sisters have in common—while Mike stands in the middle of the room with his hands in his pockets. He’s looking as lost as I am as to what caused Aelin’s sister’s visit. Dressed in black jeans and a red top, she barged into my office—without shit she could throw at me this time—and surprised Mike, Caleb, and I.

When she plants herself in front of me, I slant half seated on the edge of my desk.

“Haven’t you done enough damage?”

Something happened to Aelin?

“What happened?” Mike asks.

Thank you, brother.

I force myself still. “I apologize again for—”

“You can shove your apologies up your pompous ass. I told you to leave her alone!”

Caleb, with his arms crossed over his chest and his shoulder pushed against the wall near the door, dips his head to hide his smile.

When Mike touches her arm from behind, she spins toward him. “Mitch, I know he’s your brother, but what he did to her—”

She jumps at the knock on the door while Cal and I straighten up.

“Not now, Erica.”

The door opens slowly, and Aelin enters looking…Fuck, she’s beautiful.

As she takes in the room, her eyes sweep over me, and her neutral expression kicks me in the gut. She smiles at Cara who whips her angry gaze at me.

“You called her?”

Before I can reply, Aelin says, “No, Gabe didn’t call me.”

Aelin walks to her sister. Although they’re the same height with similar features, the women couldn’t be more different. There’s a soft but potent sensuality that emanates from Aelin in direct contrast with Cara’s aggressive stance.

As they fall into each other’s arms, Cara whispers in Aelin’s hair, “I love you, angel.”

Aelin shifts back and cups Cara’s cheek. “And I love you, too. What are you doing here, my Cara?”

Cara squeezes Aelin’s hand. “You shouldn’t be here, angel.” Her lips pinch. “I’ll make sure this asshole never hurts you again.”

I clench my jaw.I know I’ve hurt her. I fucking know.

“No.”

No?I snap my eyes at Aelin who steps back from her sister. Mike sways back and Cal turns fully toward the sisters.

When Aelin edges closer to me, my heart races.Did she forgive me?

Halfway between me and her sister, she stops and shakes her head.

“No,” she says again, then her eyes widen when she spots Caleb.

She walks to my friend and extends her hand. “Hello, I’m sorry you’ve been dragged into this, I’m Aelin.”

Caleb smiles and takes her hand. “Caleb. Cal.”

When Aelin returns to the center of our somewhat little circle, Cara grabs her hands.

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