Twisted Stars (Hardest Mistakes #3)

by Dannielle Wicks

  “Jayden?” I say just loud enough for him to hear over the noise.

  “Yes?” he answers, just as quiet, his breath tickling my ear.

  I jump straight to honesty. “I can’t figure you out, and that makes me scared.” I lean back and meet his gaze. “Who are you…what are you…where did you come from…?”

  He tilts his head slightly and stares down at me, his mouth slightly open as if trying to figure out how to answer my questions.

  The song ends, and he pulls away from me slowly, still holding my waist. We stare at each other, both confused and curious about one another.

  “I don’t know how to answer…” he finally says, letting go of my waist. He nods once and turns away from me, melting through the crowd and out of sight.

  I’m left standing in the middle of the dance floor alone.

  “Where have you been?” Sammy’s voice calls over the music behind me. I turn and smile at them, jealousy forgotten. “Ready to go?”

  I lay in bed, staring up at the fake glow-in-the-dark stars I stuck on my ceiling when I moved in. For some odd reason, they comfort me. I’ve never been camping, so I don’t know what it feels like to sleep under real stars…but there’s just something about them.

  I briefly wonder how my mom is in the Caribbean before my tired mind drifts to Jayden and his creepiness. I can’t work him out. One moment, I’m scared to death of him—the next, I feel the safest I’ve ever been in his arms.

  ***

  I meet Brooke and Kelly outside as they pull their beat-up car into my driveway. I nearly said no to going to the falls with them. Nearly. I’m already so tired, and it’s still early. I plop down into the back seat and stare out the side window.

  We sit in silence until we reach the parking lot. The forest looks so comforting and familiar. I don’t know why, but it sort of reminds me of the lake back home.

  As soon as I get out of the car, I take a deep breath. The pine needles smell absolutely gorgeous. I wander around the outside of the car and follow the others down a narrow path to the picnic area. We sit down on the lush grass under one of the closest trees. I lean back and close my eyes, soaking it all in.

  The loud blaring of Brooke’s phone interrupts my peace; I open my eyes and watch her get up and walk away to answer it. “Hey, Mom…” I frown and try not to let the noise get to me.

  Lying back, I stare up at the canopy of fluttering leaves. A snuffling noise in the undergrowth makes me turn my head to investigate. I jolt upright and scoot backwards at the same time the wolf jumps back in surprise. Not again.

  Its glowing gold eyes gaze at me knowingly. It takes a step toward me—so close I could touch it. I take a deep breath and reach out my hand slowly toward its silky, dark fur. It twitches as I touch its shoulder, the fur so soft I just want to run my fingers through it. I bite my lip and smile, moving my hand up its neck. This is freaking amazing.

  The wolf suddenly turns its head, and I snatch my hand away. It takes a step backward, watching something over my shoulder. I twist around to see Kelly standing beside the blanket, lunch forgotten in her hand.

  “Ashlee. Stand up slowly and back away,” she warns in a low voice.

  “I don’t think it will hurt me—”

  “It’s a wolf, Ashlee. A freaking huge wolf. It could rip your head off in two seconds flat.” She grabs a butter knife from the basket and takes a step closer. The wolf growls dangerously behind me, backing up into the cover of the trees.

  I stand and meet Kelly halfway. “No, just leave it alone.” I’m shaking a little in fear, but I stand my ground.

  When I turn around, the wolf is gone.

  Chapter Four

  Who the hell walks all the way to the Chinese shop by themselves in the middle of the night?

  Stupid me, that’s who.

  I flinch at every alley I pass. I should have called Dylan. At least then I wouldn’t be frightened by my own shadow.

  Something moves up ahead. Oh gods, please don’t be a murderer or rapist. I swear I’ll never go out on midnight walks through the middle of the city by myself ever again.

  The only way I’m getting home is if I keep walking. I shake off my fears and continue down the street.

  The dark shape moves.

  I freeze on the sidewalk as the silhouette starts molding into the outline of a person. Slowly, I form a large arc around the alley to avoid him. My gaze catches something familiar as I pass. I do a double take and squint into the shadows.

  Jayden turns and freezes when he spots me as if he’s been caught doing something illegal. I drop my gaze to the cardboard box in his hand.

  “What are you doing? Is that…is that for sleeping on?” I ask, pointing at the cardboard.

  He shrugs.

  I shake my head and take a step closer, holding my hand out to him. “No. I have a spare bed at my place. You’re coming home with me.” Umm what? Hello? Is anyone in my brain awake? Did that just come out of my mouth? You’re inviting a possible serial killer into your home? I’ve officially lost the plot. All my common sense seems to have taken a vacation.

  But I can’t take it back now…

  He steps back, away from my outstretched hand. “I don’t need anything from you.”

  Perfect, an excuse to take back my offer. He doesn’t want it anyway. “There’s no need to be rude. You’ll catch a cold and die so horribly that you’ll regret not taking me up my offer, right up until you draw your last breath. Winter is nearly here. Do you really want to sleep in the snow?” Shut up, Ashlee!

  He arches an amused eyebrow at me. “I’ll catch a cold and die horribly?”

  I smile and nod—meanwhile, the sane part of my brain is shaking her head in disappointment. “I should know; I’m a med student at BP University.”

  He drops the cardboard. “Well, in that case…”

  I have to coax Jayden through the front door like a scared animal when we arrive home, and when I show him his room, he just stands in the doorway.

  “So…I’m going to bed,” I say slowly. I glance over my shoulder at him still standing in the doorway as I head to my room.

  I toss and turn all night, never able to get comfortable. I’d like to blame it on stress from school, but the logical part of me knows it’s because Jayden is sleeping in a bed next door, separated by only a thin wall.

  Am I scared, or is it something else?

  I’m so busy tying my hair back the next night after my shift at the deli that I don’t stop myself in time as Jayden steps out in front of me. I run straight into him, hitting his solid chest with an oomph.

  “Oh, I’m sorry,” I apologise, taking a step back.

  He just stares.

  “Well,” I say to break the awkward silence. “I’m going down to start dinner. You can join me if you like.” He doesn’t answer. The expression on his face doesn’t even change. I nod to myself and start down the hallway. I glance back as I reach the top of the stairs and meet his dark gaze.

  There’s something oddly familiar about him. I just can’t put my finger on it.

  I shake it off as I move around the kitchen, grabbing what I need to start cooking. Was it really a good idea to bring home a homeless boy? I couldn’t just leave him out on the street to freeze, not in this weather. But what if this was a mistake?

  I turn from the stove and freeze. Jayden is watching me from the dark hallway beside the kitchen, his dark eyes hiding any emotion I might have been able to see. My heart seizes, and my face heats in embarrassment. I motion toward the stove, trying to distract him.

  “Are you hungry? I made spaghetti Bolognese.” His dark gaze flicks to the stove and then back to me. He shrugs. “Well, you are a man of many words, aren’t you…?”

  He moves further into the light of the kitchen. “Why are you doing this?”

  I frown. “Doing what?”

  He lifts his chin. “Taking care of me…feeding me…I was fine. I was surviving.”

  “Oh,” I say. “Well, didn’t
your parents ever take care of you?”

  His gaze turns hard. “My parents are dead.”

  “Oh god, I’m so sorry. I had no idea.” I should have guessed. It’s kind of obvious now that I think about it.

  He brushes me off. “It’s fine.”

  Oh great, now I feel awful. Screwing up my nose, I turn back to the stove to divide the spaghetti into two bowls. I set one down on the table across from me, motioning for Jayden to sit. He hesitates, but as soon as he takes his seat, I can see the hunger in his eyes. I smile to myself and dig in.

  “So…” I start after swallowing my mouthful. “Where are you from, Jayden?”

  He doesn’t look up from his food as he answers. “Everywhere.”

  I arch an eyebrow. “Everywhere, hmm? That’s an odd place. Never heard of it. Must be amazing. What’s it like?” That catches his attention. He stops eating and looks up, his gaze calculating and cold. He doesn’t trust me. That’s fine. I don’t trust him either, but it’s not like I asked him for nuclear codes to blow up the planet.

  I wait, scooping pasta into my mouth.

  “I don’t really want to talk.”

  I roll my eyes and ignore his request. “Fine, but I do. I’m from Miakoda Valley. My parents divorced just after I graduated high school, and now my mom is in the Caribbean with her new boyfriend, and my dad is living with his new family in Boulder City.”

  Jayden puts down his fork. “You’re not going to give up, are you?”

  I shake my head. “I’d sort of like to know a little bit about the stranger living under my roof.”

  “I can leave…”

  I sigh and drop my fork in my bowl. “You’re so freaking difficult.” I pick up what’s left of my spaghetti and gently throw it into the sink before stomping upstairs to my room. He doesn’t want to share, fine. I don’t want to get to know him either.

  I lie back on my bed and glare at the ceiling. This was such a bad idea. What have I done? He has so many secrets…

  A soft knock echoes through the room. I tilt my head to glare at Jayden, standing in the open doorway. “What?”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you.”

  I huff and turn back to the glowing stars on my ceiling. “Well, you’re doing a terrific job. Maybe next time throw in some insults—they really burn at the feelings.”

  He steps further into the room with a frown. “I’m not trying to hurt you purposely.”

  I don’t answer.

  He sighs and settles into my desk chair. “I grew up in a small coastal town on the other side of the state called Silvertree with my parents and my older brother.”

  “Sounds nice.”

  “It was. Until my brother died.”

  “What?” I ask, jumping up with a start.

  “He was murdered. My parents tried to cover it up, but we lived in such a small town. People figured it out when they didn’t see him around. You can’t imagine what it’s like to walk through a town where everybody suspects you of murder.”

  I have to ask. “Did you…?”

  He squints at me and then shakes his head. “I would never hurt my brother.”

  I can’t even…I have to say something. The silence is deafening. “What was his name?”

  “Alexander.”

  “I’m so sorry.”

  He shakes his head. “I didn’t tell you for your pity. You said you didn’t want a stranger living under the same roof. Well, my name is Jayden Ross, I’m nineteen years old, my entire family is dead, and I’m homeless. Is that enough?”

  I swallow past my now dry throat. I don’t have an answer. His intense gaze stops me from taking it any further.

  Finally, he looks away.

  Guilt overwhelms me. “I’m sorry for intruding. I honestly didn’t mean to.”

  He nods once and leaves the room. His door closes a few seconds later, leaving the house in a tense silence.

  I head to the deli the next morning without saying a word to Jayden before I leave. Dylan is already busy when I arrive.

  “Hey,” he shouts over the noise of the chattering crowd. I nod and stow my bag under the counter, jumping straight into the orders.

  My shift is nearly over by the time the deli goes quiet. I take a deep breath and slump into one of the chairs I’m supposed to be cleaning.

  “Oh, come on, life can’t be that hard,” Dylan teases as he cleans the table beside me.

  I purse my lips, refusing to answer.

  He steps closers and starts wiping down the chair next to me. “Are you okay, Ash?”

  “Yeah,” I sigh. It’s hard to explain how I feel. It’s as if nothing in my life is ever going to change—that I’m stuck in a rut. I’m craving adventure. Oh, and weird things are happening and I’m not even batting an eyelash…does that make me crazy? “I’m just confused.”

  “I know what will make you feel better.”

  “What?”

  “A party. It’s at Jason’s house on Friday. I’ll even pick you up if you like.” He cocks his head to the side and flashes a charming smile. I want to smack him.

  He’s just trying to cheer you up, I have to remind myself. I shake my head. “Fine. Pick me up at nine.”

  ***

  I knock on Jayden’s door hesitantly. He’s been hiding in there for days now.

  There’s no answer, so I speak through the wood door. “Look, I know you don’t want to get close to anyone and that I’m incredibly annoying, but I’m heading to the library if you want to join me.” The door inches open, and Jayden’s dark eyes peer out at me.

  We drive to the public library in silence, neither one of us game to break the tension in the car. As soon as we arrive, I’m out of the car, inside, and wandering through the shelves. My gaze catches on bright covers and clean fonts. The smell is amazing, I can’t imagine ever leaving. It’s so peaceful. Nothing in the dark, hungry world outside can touch me here.

  “So, you like books?” Jayden asks quietly, his husky voice sending a shiver down my spine.

  I nod and run my fingers over the spines of the books on the nearest shelf. “Do you?”

  He follows me down the aisle. “I love books. The way humans can write things so full of hope and love—it makes me wonder how the world has become such a bad place when people can create such beautiful things.”

  I stare at him. That has got to be the most he has ever spoken to me at once.

  He frowns. “What?”

  “I—nothing. That was just beautiful—that’s all.”

  He looks away, embarrassed. “I’m sorry.”

  “No!” I jump forward and grab his arm. “Never, ever, apologize for loving something.” He meets my gaze. Something odd glitters in his eyes before he looks away again and selects a book off the shelf.

  ***

  The night of the party arrives, and I’m still sitting in front of my mirror, staring at my reflection at ten to nine. Dylan will be here any minute, and I’m not even ready.

  Sure enough, the doorbell rings, announcing Dylan’s arrival.

  “Jayden? Could you let Dylan in?”

  I listen to Jayden’s soft footsteps as he answers the door for me. A moment later, Dylan is standing at my bedroom door. “Hey, who’s the guy who let me in?” I shake my head and lean forward to apply mascara. He frowns and then concern creases his brow. “You’re not ready? You’re always ready on time. Is everything okay?”

  “I’m fine.” I am fine, aren’t I?

  I finish up, and we drive to the party in silence. Before I jump out of the car, Dylan grabs my arm to stop me. “Any time you want to leave, just come and find me, okay?” I nod once and pull my arm from his grasp.

  The house is packed. I sink into the crowd, no one giving me a second glance as I pass. I find the kitchen quickly and pour myself a drink. My eyes scan the people around me, searching for something familiar. Brooke is standing in the corner of the lounge, making out with Kelly while people dance around them.

  I lean up aga
inst the counter and sip my drink. I miss Sammy. Why did they have to move so far away?

  “This is what people do for fun? Seems kind of boring.”

  I lift my eyes to Jayden and arch an eyebrow at him. “How did you know where I was going?” The corner of his mouth lifts in a small smile, but he doesn’t answer. I roll my eyes and hand him my drink. “Sadly, I think I may have finally outgrown the fun of parties.”

  He trails me through the house and out onto the back patio. There are fewer people out here. Less noise. I lean over the railing and gaze out at the forest bordering the house’s yard. Jayden leans down beside me, our shoulders barely touching.

  I don’t look at him as I say, “I haven’t seen you all week, and now you’re following me?” I’m only joking with him, but he doesn’t catch on.

  “I’ve been…busy.” He doesn’t even sound like he believes himself.

  I smile and nudge his shoulder with mine. “I was only kidding.” He nods but doesn’t say anything. He never really has much to say. “You’re not much of a conversationalist, are you?”

  He shrugs. “I don’t have anything interesting to say usually.”

  I look down at my hands. “Jayden…”

  “Yeah?”

  I shake my head; it was just a silly thought. “Nothing.”

  His fingers twitch. He hesitates and then places his hand over mine. I suck in a quiet breath at the contact and hold still, afraid that if I move he might run.

  “There you are!”

  Jayden pulls his hand away. I turn to glare at Connor, standing in the doorway. He stumbles over to us and wraps his arm around my shoulder. He stinks of alcohol. I grimace and try to push him off me.

  “How ’bout you and me get out of here?” he whispers really loudly. I glance at Jayden. He scratches his head and turns away, embarrassed.

  Even drunk, Connor is too strong. He drags me back to the house and through the crowd of partiers. When I realise where he’s trying to take me, I start struggling out of his heavy grip.

  “Connor, let go.” He smiles at me, eyes full of lust. I push against him again. “Connor!”