The Photograph

Aelin

I wake up to a quiet house. Cara’s still asleep. She’s been back for long enough and is over her jetlag, so she’ll be up soon.

Today is my follow up appointment with Dr. Nareen. After getting ready, I push on the lever of the kettle before opening the fridge when the doorbell of my office chimes.

The microwave says it’s 8:48 AM. Gertie’s visiting her daughter in Florida, Em’s in New York, and I have no clients. I take a deep breath. Whoever is selling me the name of the Lord will have to come back. As I open the cupboard, the doorbell rings again. And again.Jeez. They’re going to wake Cara up.

I hurry to open the door and blink fast. Gabe

Standing a step down with his legs braced and his hands deep in the pockets of his jeans, we’re eye to eye while his leather covered shoulders fill most of the door frame.

Is he here for Cara?

“What do you want?”

“Aelin, can I come in?”

I’ll freaking pass, thank you.I tighten my fingers around the doorknob. “I’d rather you didn’t.” Lowering my voice to a shout-whisper, I wedge myself between the door and the doorjamb. “I have a few weeks left and I’ll keep my part of the agreement, so, you don’t need to … chase me down.”And I don’t want you anywhere near my sister.

Although his jaw hardens, his tone is soft. “I won’t be long.”

My heartbeat speeds up.His expression is… I’m not sure.And I don’t care.

He locks his eyes onto mine. “You have no reason to, but I just want five minutes of your time.”

I shake my head. “Go to Hell.” I step back and push the door closed.

Gabe’s hand shoots out, stopping it. He exhales slowly. “Aelin, please. Just five minutes. Please.”

Please? Twice?

After I let him in, we walk into my office where we stand face to face.

I clasp my hands behind my back. “You promised you wouldn’t go after my sister if I left.”

That same expression returns while his eyes drill into mine. “I’m not here for your sister.”

When he moves closer, I lurch back. “Gabe, what do you want?”

He stills abruptly and rakes his fingers through his hair. “I came to apologize.”

For what? Breaking my heart or destroying my life?Holding my breath, I stare at him.

“What’s he doing here?”

I whip my attention to Cara while Gabe wheels toward the arched entrance. In her purple PJs, her hair is a messy tumble of curls as she comes besides me. She weaves her fingers in mine and shifts slightly, so my shoulder touches the back of hers.

Her eyes firmly on Gabe, Cara squeezes my hand. “You’re okay, angel?”

“I’m fine,” I whisper.

Gabe’s gaze sweeps between Cara and me. “I came to apologize for—”

Cara’s grip tautens almost painfully on my hand. “You arrogant piece of shit! I told you to stay away from her. You’re not welcome here. So, get the hell out. Now.”

Something flickers in Gabe’s gaze as he sets his eyes on me, and after a curt dip of his chin, he stalks to the door. When he’s gone, I tug on Cara’s hand. “You’ve met Gabe?”

“Unfortunately.”

Okay. But how?

Before I can ask, she scans my half empty office, walks to the empty space where my sketch table used to be, and points at the two-seater covered in a protective plastic sheet.

“Where’s your stuff?”

“Packed and in storage.”

When she grunts and starts pacing, I step before her and wrap my hands around her shoulders. “Cara?” There’s pain in her eyes, and my chest tightens.

It’s my turn to be strong.I cup her face. “It’s going to be okay. I’ll—”

She hooks her narrowed eyes onto mine. “Get it back. All of it. We’re not going anywhere. You’re not going anywhere. I told the piece of shit.”

I look at my strong, fierce sister. My hero. “How do you know Gabe?”

When her breath hitches, I pull her to the couch.

“I went to see him yesterday.”

So, that’s where the Chanel box went.I should have known.“Why?”

My sister sighs. “To beat the crap out of him.” When I gasp, she twists her mouth. “But I just gave him back his stupid gifts and told him to stay away from us and that we’re not moving.”

Her chin trembles, and anger flushes my face.

“Did he threaten you?”

Tears fill her eyes. “No. But Mitch was there.”

Oh.I frame her scrunched up face. “And how was that?”

I get my answer when she wraps her arms around my waist, so I hold her tight. I’ve always liked Mitch. A lot, but…

My heart cracks a little at her sniffle. “I can’t believe he’s related to that asshole.”

Me neither.I kiss her hair. “Do I have to start hating Mitch?”

Another sniffle strangles her small chuckle. “No, you can like him. He told me he had nothing to do with what his evil asshole of a brother did to you.”

“And do you believe him?”

“Yeah. I do,” she whispers.

Oh, good.I grin at her. “Phew. Thank God because I really like him. Always have.” And that’s the affection Gabe saw in the picture.

My hand finds hers. “My Cara, I’m going to meet with Gabe.”

As she shakes her head, I squeeze her retreating hand and take a deep breath. “There’re a couple of things I want to clarify and also…” How do I say this? “…what I shared with him was important to me and I need … closure, I guess.”

Her brows knit. “I’ll go with you—”

I cup her face. “No, I need to do this on my own.”

“Angel, he treated you like—”

“I know, my Cara, but I want to talk to him.”

My heartbeat fast, I wait and when she nods, I release a breath, hug her tight before I get on my feet. “Can you drive me for my follow up appointment with Dr. Nareen?”

Cara jumps off the couch with a shriek. “What time’s your appointment?”

After a quick glance at the lonely clock on the wall, I grin at my sister. “In an hour.”

“Shoot. I’ll be quick,” she says as she races out of the room.

As I make my way to the kitchen, my cell pings with a text from Gabe.

There’re no words to express how sorry I am for the pain I’ve caused you. I’ve destroyed the contract and I’ll keep myself available if you ever want to talk or anything else you might need. GM.