“You want a fight? I’ll give you one!”
“Brady!” Hadley suddenly stepped forward, grabbing his arm with force. Her eyes were wide with urgency as she shook her head.
“No—don’t!”
“Hadley?” Brady looked at her, stunned.
“He hurt you, and you’re defending him?”
“No.” Hadley’s voice softened, but her mind was tangled in confusion. There were too many things she needed answers for.
“Go back inside. Zane’s probably looking for us.”
“But—” Brady glanced at Eric, clearly uneasy.
“I can’t leave you here alone with him.”
“Do as I say.” Hadley’s tone grew firmer.
“Don’t forget what day it is. You’re at the Hayes residence—you have to make a good impression on your future in-laws. Don’t screw this up.”
That did it. Brady fell silent.
Right. This mattered too.
“Go on,” Hadley urged, giving him a gentle push.
“Move. Or have you stopped listening to your sister now?”
“Fine.” Brady hesitated, nodding at last.
“I’ll head in.”
“Good.” She gave his back a reassuring pat.
“Chin up, stay composed, and remember your manners.”
“I got it.” Brady nodded, casting one last glare at Eric before storming off, frustration in every step.
Once he disappeared inside, Hadley turned, her eyes falling on Eric. He stood stiffly, his face pale with embarrassment.
He had heard it. Brady had just called her his sister.
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Meeting her gaze, Eric swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing nervously.
“Uh, I…”
“Come with me; I have something to ask you.” Before he could say anything, Hadley cut him off, leaving those words behind as she turned and walked ahead.
“Okay.” Eric nodded blankly, trailing after her.
This path wound toward the back gate of the Hayes residence—a quiet stretch, far from curious eyes.
Hadley came to a halt and looked up at him, gathering her thoughts. Where should she even begin?
Eric, unreasonably tense, broke the silence first, offering a hesitant apology.
“I’m sorry for what happened earlier…”
Earlier?
Hadley gave a soft, bitter chuckle, the corners of her lips twitching slightly. Then yes, that was where she’d start.
“Earlier…” Hadley tilted her head, studying him.
“Did you see me with my brother?”
“Yes.” Eric nodded, face flushed with shame.
“We seemed close,” Hadley pressed further.
.
.
.