a

to Dustfield, I didn't even notice the slick, wet str

as a little tighter than usual, and I hated the faint pulse of r

ked against the wet concrete as I approached the front door. My phone

tures. Can't believe my best m

back imm

in. You alrea

I supposed to know the

x me in there. You've got y

cket, Sienna's voice drifted from

! Abou

ng not to let her ener

g open, and t

s

irely, but the tension in her shoulders had loosened slightly. Her wet hair clung

recogn

like a child announcing something exciting. "Zayne, meet my

second she stepped into Sienna's stories years ago. The moments Sienna had tried to describe her, her stubbornness, her humor, that fiery way she

calm, measured, carrying the fain

e. "Of course, you

er so slightly under my gaze, though I saw the flash of cu

rf

about random things, her words flowing like water

oft curve of her cheek, the way the light caught her damp hair, the faint redness from earlier tears-all o

me watching and elbowed me lightly. "Don't even think about it," she said

impressed. "I'm awar

side. "Whatever. She's better

-but the subtle awareness of someone studying her. I could read it: the slight hesitation, the quick inhale,

my eyes linger just long enough to unse

said, voice even, and casual. "Yo

winked at me. "Don't be too

hat word. Fragile. Not broken, not weak-fragile. Tha

her time to collect herself. But she didn't look away. S

d. "Honestly," she muttered, "you're annoying. Alwa

ing at the corner of my lips. "But she's different f

my tone. "Uh-huh. Well, you're lu

wasn't trying to impres

exactly? Her, or the way she makes yo

wall, hands in my p

e, "don't mess with her. Isla doesn'

" I echoe

t you call a personality. She's kind. She's the type that will overthi

ze evenly. "You talk like I'm pl

d her arms.

ly. "I just want

tand' people, Zayne. You study them. Like

mouth. "Maybe she's not t

me a long, k

in deep den

planning a proposal. I'm jus

g the word. "That's how it starts. Just do me a favor-treat her

st her toward the window. "Don't wo

murmured behind me, "but

rving slightly. "Then y

ted, half resigned. "Yea