I take a step closer to my sister, giving her my undivided attention.
“Nova’s been in abusive relationships, and the cardigan is to cover bruises on her arm.”
The fuck? Is that how she got the scar above her eyebrow?
“Relationships?” I ask for clarity. “More than one?”
Rachel nods. “Those bastards did a number on her.”
A frown darkens my forehead, and I glance in the direction of the stairs again. Knowing men hurt Nova makes anger bubble in my chest.
“She’s too kindhearted for her own good, and that made her an easy target for the bastards in Verona.” Rachel crosses her arms over her chest and lets out another sigh. “Anyway, she’s probably terrified of the male species right now, so be careful around her.”
I nod, and as I continue to move the food, plates, and cutlery to the island, my thoughts revolve around Nova and what she’s been through.
Fuck, I should’ve brought her to LA after she turned eighteen.
The thought has me feeling a deep sense of guilt and regret for leaving her behind, especially knowing we were all she had.
I hear a commotion, and Lainey comes rushing down the stairs, shouting, “Yay! Pancakes.”
When my eyes land on Nova, who’s right behind Lainey, a protective feeling toward her pours hot and fast into my chest.
Her gaze meets mine, and a shy smile tugs at her lips. Again, I notice the anxious expression on her face.
I’ll prove to her not all men are assholes.
Chapter 10
Nova
When Lainey heads out to go to school, Rachel walks into the living room with a camera, a large notepad, and pens.
The past few days have been rocky, especially when I had the panic attack yesterday, and Rachel teased me about having a thing for Easton. Since then, it’s been bothering me. Maybe I’m not hiding my feelings as well as I thought.
Seeing it’s just the two of us, I move closer to her and ask, “Um, do I give off any vibes that I have a thing for Easton?”
Rachel lifts her head from where she’s fiddling with the camera and gives me a questioning look. “No. Is this because I teased you yesterday?”
I nod as I take a seat beside her. “The last thing I want to do is cross that line and make everyone uncomfortable.”
Rachel stares at me for a moment, then the corner of her mouth lifts into a grin. “You have the hots for Easton, don’t you?”
“No.” I shake my head wildly, then I double down, “No, I don’t.”
She nods, her grin widening. “Yes, you do.” She reaches out to me and places her hand on my forearm. “Be honest with me.”
My shoulders sag, and I mutter, “Nothing will come of it, and it started way before you moved to LA, so it’s not because he’s famous.” Needing to reassure her, I add, “Seriously. I promise it’s nothing for you to worry about. I’ll just have to be better at hiding it.”
She keeps staring at me, then tilts her head. “Before we moved to LA? How long has it been?”
I let out a sigh, admitting, “Since we were fourteen.”
She gives my arm a squeeze, then asks, “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because he’s your brother.”
She lets out a chuckle. “You didn’t have to hide it. It wouldn’t have bothered me at all.” She shrugs. “We all have crushes growing up.”
