18. JACE

He knew exactly what she was asking. He just wasn’t exactly sure how to answer because, after all this time and all the destructive behaviour they both exhibited, Jace wasn’t even sure if it was ever love that he felt. Maybe it had only been the need to be understood, and to have someone he could never disappoint around him.

“I thought I did,” he replied honestly. “But I don’t know anymore. Have you ever met someone and known they were wrong for you, but you dived in anyway? And by the time you figured out it was never going to work, you were already drowning?”

Her hand went to her face again.

“Yes,” she said quietly, letting silence drift between them as they pulled into their street.

Jace felt disappointed that her wall was firmly back in place after a few moments of honest vulnerability.

“Well…thanks for driving me,” she said awkwardly, as he parked the car.

“Oh, we’re not saying good night yet,” he told her casually.

She stared at him. “We’re not?”

“No, first I’ve gotta walk you to your door.”

Isabelle rolled her eyes. “That’s really not necessary, Jace.”

“I know,” he said, cutting off whatever excuse she was about to use. “But I want to, so I will.”

Jace rushed to open her door, helping her out of the car, his arms locked on her body to keep her from stumbling. She trembled slightly in his arms, and he noticed or rather remembered that she was just in her bikini.

He leant over her and into his car to retrieve his jacket, slinging it around her shoulders casually before leading her over to the house.

They stopped at her front door looking at each other, and the garden around them, their bodies on edge.

“Well, I guess I’ll see you around,” Isabelle finally said.

This was awkward. Why was it so awkward? Because they had inadvertently opened up to each other a tiny bit tonight?

“Yeah, get some rest. No doubt Maia will interrogate you tomorrow,” he warned.

Isabelle looked weary at the thought, her shoulders sagging.

“I can hardly wait.”

Neither of them moved as the silence spread between them, a nervous energy rippling through the air.

Finally, Isabelle edged closer, a little hesitantly.

They were inches apart with their chests just brushing, as her hazel eyes met his blue.

His breath caught as she moved closer still. Was she going to kiss him? Was his breath all right? Should he kiss her first? s**t! Why did she make him feel so nervous?

Soft lips landed like a butterfly on the skin right beside his lips.

“Good night Jace,” she whispered, before turning and rushing inside, leaving Jace completely dumbfounded.

He ran a shaking hand through his hair.

This girl was going to ruin him. If he got any closer to her, she was going to ruin him.

And it would be worth it.