Isla

Rain began to fall, heavy and unrelenting, turning the ground wet.

My glasses fogged instantly, blurring the neon reflections of cars passing by. Every step I took was unsure, wobbling, my heels splashing through puddles on the uneven pavement behind the venue. My hands shook, not just from cold, but from shock, humiliation, and heartbreak. The scene inside the hall replayed endlessly behind my closed eyes: Silas's smirk, that impossible wink, his hand in hers, the kiss. I could still feel the sting of betrayal burning under my skin.

I stumbled toward the narrow alley behind the catering trucks, barely noticing the litter-cigarette butts, discarded napkins, half-empty cups-scattered across the slick ground. 

It was lonely and quiet here.

"Hey... hey there," a voice hissed from the darkness. I froze, my chest tightening. Two men emerged from the shadows, their shapes looming, wet jackets clinging to their frames. The rain made them gleam in the light, and their slow approach sent a jolt of panic through me.

I swallowed hard and tried to keep walking. Ignore them. Just get to shelter.

"Lost, baby girl?" another sneered, stepping closer. My heels splashed in a puddle, heart hammering. I forced my gaze straight ahead, desperate for anything familiar. A small shelter, a corner of the alley between two catering trucks loomed like a beacon. I moved faster, trying to keep my trembling hands under control.

And then I collided with something solid, immovable.

The impact knocked the breath out of me. A cigarette clattered to the ground, sending a thin ribbon of smoke curling upward. My body pressed against someone taller, broader, and commanding. I hadn't seen his face, but the cut of his coat, the strength in his shoulders, and the sharp, intoxicating scent of cologne told me everything I needed to know: he was dangerous. Calm, untouchable, and unshakable.

The two men froze, confusion flashing across their faces. For a moment, neither they nor I moved. Then, slowly, almost reluctantly, they backed away, muttering under their breath. Fear had claimed them the moment he appeared.

I leaned against him, trembling, trying to catch my breath. My pulse thundered in my ears. My knees felt weak. My hands clutched the straps of my bag so tightly my fingers were white. I opened my mouth to speak, to thank him, but before the words could form, he shifted, hands in pockets, shoulders straight, and started back toward the wedding hall. The smoke from his cigarette trailed behind him like a phantom, leaving me frozen in awe and fear.

I pressed myself against the brick wall, shivering, wet, and raw. My tears mixed with the rain streaking my face, leaving salty trails across my cheeks. Every heartbeat felt too loud. Every drop of water against my skin is too sharp. And yet, beneath the fear, something stirred, curiosity, something magnetic I couldn't explain.

My phone buzzed, cutting through the cacophony of rain and my spiraling thoughts. I fumbled for it, checking to see if it's anything important before typing with trembling fingers:

Me: Round up everything yourself, Ava. I'm leaving-taking a break.

Ava: Is everything alright? I'll send the photos I took, and Ben's too. Have a nice weekend.

I ignored the concern in her tone, before proceeding to text Sienna, my best friend:

Me:  I'll be in Dustfield soon.

Almost instantly, she called me, I hesitated a few minutes before picking.

Sienna's voice rang out. "Isla? Hey... weren't you supposed to be at the wedding? What happened?"

I took a shaky breath, blinking the rain from my eyes. "Something happened," I whispered, voice cracking. "I'll explain when I get there." Then I hung up.

Shoving the phone back into my bag, I exhaled slowly, trying to center myself. I couldn't stop the trembling in my hands or the tears still streaming down my face, but I pushed myself upright. The alley stretched on before me, wet and narrow, shadows pooling along the walls. Each step toward my car was a battle against the wave of despair that threatened to drag me under.

As I walked, I realized the two men hadn't completely disappeared. They lingered at the end of the alley, muttering and gesturing toward me. My stomach sank. Not again... I quickened my pace, eyes darting to the slick pavement, puddles reflecting the city lights.

Then, without warning, the stranger reappeared. He emerged from the shadows, cigarette once again between his fingers. I hadn't seen him move-he simply appeared, a guardian between me and the men. His height dwarfed me, and though I couldn't see his face, the presence of him filled the alley. The cologne, sharp and commanding, wrapped me whole, extremely intoxicating. The men hesitated, looked at each other, then backed away, disappearing into the night.

I exhaled, letting my body slump slightly against the wall. Relief and lingering fear warred within me. Just as I was about to speak again, he turned, this time he walked back towards his car. 

I fumbled for my phone again, desperate to ground myself. Fingers slippery from rain, I typed a quick message to Sienna, pressing send before I could second-guess it:

"I'm leaving. See you soon"

Isla 

The drive to Dustfield was long and silent. Rain pelted the windshield, blurring streetlights into golden smears. My chest ached, and tears refused to stop. Every blink smeared them further, leaving streaks across my cheeks. My thoughts were a tangled mess of betrayal, fear, and curiosity. 

After an hour and some minutes, I arrived at Sienna's seaside home. I drove straight into the driveway,  parked and proceeded to walk towards the door.

The door swung open before I could even knock. Sienna's eyes went wide, taking in my soaked clothes, clinging hair, and shivering frame.

"Isla! Oh my God, come here!" She pulled me into a fierce hug, pressing me against her warm chest. I could feel the tremor in my body, my wet hair sticking to her sweater. "You're freezing! Look at you! What happened out there?"

I didn't answer, just let her guide me inside. She helped me peel off my drenched blazer, scolding softly, "God, you're a mess. You need a shower. Now. Hot water. And after that, tea. What do you want? Lemon, ginger... or chamomile? Something to warm you from the inside."

I nodded, my lips trembling. I could barely form words. She pulled me towards the bathroom, never letting go of my hand. Once I was in the bathroom, she left the faucet running, the steam and warmth enveloping me. I sank into the bath, letting the water chase away the cold, the fear, and the heartbreak.

Minutes later she arrived with the tea.

I took a sip, letting the warmth spread through my chest. My hands shook, and I felt tears brimming behind my eyes again. Sienna stood against the wall beside me, her hand brushing mine. "Okay, babe. Spill. What did he do this time to make you leave your job and run here?"

The question made the floodgates open. My voice was raw, shaking, as I whispered, "He... Silas... got married today."

Sienna's eyebrows shot up. "Silas? Got married?"

As if trying to piece my words together, Sienna froze mid-sip, her eyes narrowing. "Wait... what?"

I nodded, sniffling. "Yes. Today."

She blinked, incredulous. "So... you're telling me that the gig he helped you get, the big wedding event you were photographing-was his wedding?"

I swallowed hard, the lump in my throat nearly choking me. "Yes... I... I had to cover the photos. I didn't know... until it was too late."

For a moment, Sienna's face was blank. Then it cracked open in pure, unfiltered fury. Her hands flew up, fists clenching, her voice trembling with outrage.

"That dick head!" she spat. "You covered his wedding? And he... he... Don't tell me you guys had sex this morning before he left the house?"

I flinched, but the words tumbled out anyway. "He... he almost... before the ceremony. I had to leave. I couldn't-"

Sienna slammed her own tea cup down, the clatter echoing in the bathroom. "How dare he! How dare he do this to you! You didn't deserve this. Not ever! That arrogant, selfish... dick!"

My face crumbled at those words...how could I not see this coming?

Her face softened slightly as she grabbed my hands again, holding them tight. "I've never liked him, Isla. From the very beginning. And now... now I see why. That man has no idea what it means to love anyone but himself."

I let out a shaky laugh, wiping my face with the back of my hand. "At first I thought maybe... maybe I was imagining things, you know my poor eye sight. But...even when I removed my glasses today...I saw the whole truth, my sight wasn't playing tricks on me, Sienna."

Sienna shook her head, her voice low and dangerous, like she wanted to march into Seattle herself and give Silas a piece of her mind. "Truth? The truth is he's a cheating, lying dick who's lucky he got away with anything all these years. And he had the audacity to do this while marrying someone else? I swear, Isla, if I ever see him..."

I wiped my eyes, splashing water on my cheeks, trying to chase away the tears. "I get it, Sienna. Really. You've always been right. About everything. Maybe you're even... jealous? That's it, isn't it?" I let a small, bitter laugh escape. "Maybe you never liked him because you wanted me for yourself."

Her face froze for a fraction of a second before she softened. "Jealous? Isla... don't be ridiculous. I've got nothing to do with him or you in that way. You don't...That dick! I can't believe he had the audacity! Who does that to someone they say they love?"

"I... I trusted him," I whispered, voice breaking. "I can't believe he could do something this cruel to me. I thought... I thought our love was forever. And now... now I'm just... nothing."

"Nothing?" she hissed, fuming. "You're everything, Isla! You're amazing! And him? He's... he's a selfish, arrogant-ugh, I just want to-ugh!" She flailed dramatically, pacing back and forth. "I swear, if I ever set my eyes on him, I will make sure I knock all his teeth out..."

I tried to smile weakly through my tears. "Sienna... please. Just... Can we breathe for a second?"

She softened, coming over to sit beside the tub. "Okay, fine. Breathe. But you know what? You're not alone, never alone with me. And that dick? He's lost you. Can't you see? You're free. You don't need him."

We sat in silence for a few moments, the only sound the faint drip of water from the tap and the steam rising from the tea Sienna had poured. I let the warmth seep into me, feeling a fragile comfort in her presence.

Just as I was gathering the strength to continue, the low rumble of a car engine rolled into the driveway. My head snapped up, heart skipping a beat.

"Who?" I asked, wary. My eyes darted toward the window. From what I knew, Sienna's parents were still in Michigan.

Sienna walked to the window, peering out with a small smile. "Zayne," she said casually, almost mischievously. "He's in town."

I frowned at the name. "Zayne?"

"Oh, Sienna's older brother," I muttered under my breath. I'd never seen him before, but from the way Sienna had described him over the years, he wasn't exactly... appealing. Always annoying, overbearing, a bit of a know-it-all. Honestly, I'd never cared enough to meet him.

Sienna smirked at me from the window. "Yep. That's him. Don't worry-you'll meet him soon enough. Try not to roll your eyes too hard."

Zayne

I hated rain. Always had. But tonight, as I pulled into Dustfield, I didn't even notice the slick, wet streets or the faint drizzle settling on the windshield. 

I parked outside the house, hands tight on the wheel. My chest was a little tighter than usual, and I hated the faint pulse of relief that rushed through me when I saw the warm lights inside. 

I stepped out of the car, the air cold against my skin. My shoes clicked against the wet concrete as I approached the front door. My phone buzzed in my pocket, and I fumbled for it just to see Silas's message:

Silas: You left before the pictures. Can't believe my best man ditched before the main show.

I typed back immediately. 

Me: I hate rain. You already know that.

Silas: How the fuck was I supposed to know the forecast would change?

Me: Not my problem. Just fix me in there. You've got your wife, be happy with that.

I shoved the phone back into my pocket, and Sienna's voice drifted from inside before I even rang the bell.

"Zayne! About time!"

I exhaled softly, trying not to let her energy get under my skin. 

The door swung open, and there she was. 

Isla.

She looked.... lighter. Whatever problem she had from earlier wasn't gone, not entirely, but the tension in her shoulders had loosened slightly. Her wet hair clung to her face, but she held herself with quiet dignity, her eyes pinned on my face. 

Did she recognize me? 

"You're here," Sienna said, bouncing on the balls of her feet like a child announcing something exciting. "Zayne, meet my best friend. Isla. Isla, this is the infamous older brother."

I inclined my head slowly, observing her from the doorway, letting my gaze linger a second longer than necessary. I knew who she was. I'd known the 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 refused to be sidelined-I knew. And I'd never expected to meet her like this again, suddenly, in a home far from the chaos of the wedding she'd fled.

"Yeah," I said finally, my voice calm, measured, carrying the faintest trace of amusement. "I know."

Sienna frowned at me. "Of course, you do. You always do."

I smirked. A little. Not at her, at Isla. She stiffened ever so slightly under my gaze, though I saw the flash of curiosity, the quickening heartbeat that betrayed her nerves. 

Perfect.

Sienna continued without noticing, chattering away about random things, her words flowing like water over rocks. I let her talk. My eyes stayed on Isla.

Looking at her properly now, she was prettier than I'd imagined. And Sienna hadn't done her justice. The soft curve of her cheek, the way the light caught her damp hair, the faint redness from earlier tears-all of it drew my attention. And for the first time in years, I realized how easy it was to forget my own rules.

I folded my arms, leaning casually against the doorframe. Sienna noticed me watching and elbowed me lightly. "Don't even think about it," she said. Her voice was teasing, but there was an edge to it. "She's mine first."

I glanced at her, unimpressed. "I'm aware," I said smoothly.

Sienna huffed and waved me inside. "Whatever. She's better than you think. You'll see."

Isla's gaze met mine again, and I felt that faint jolt again. Not recognition-she wouldn't have recognized me-but the subtle awareness of someone studying her. I could read it: the slight hesitation, the quick inhale, the glance to Sienna, and back to me. She didn't know me yet, but she sensed there was something there. 

I gave her a slow, polite nod, letting my eyes linger just long enough to unsettle her before turning back to Sienna.

"Alright, I'm going upstairs," I said, voice even and casual. "You two keep each other entertained."

Sienna rolled her eyes but winked at me. "Don't be too mean, Zayne. She's fragile."

I smirked faintly, but I could see Isla stiffen at that word. Fragile. Not broken, not weak-fragile. That was different. That was human. And she was human. 

I made my way up the staircase, deliberately slow, giving her time to collect herself. But she didn't look away. She kept staring at me, and that in itself was interesting.

Once upstairs, Sienna followed me a few steps behind. "Honestly," she muttered, "you're annoying. Always have been. And she's not what I'd call fragile."

"Maybe she isn't," I said softly, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "But she's different from what I expected. And that counts for something."

Sienna paused, caught off guard by my tone. "Uh-huh. Well, you're lucky. I'm not impressed so easily."

I chuckled. "I wasn't trying to impress you. I was observing."

She narrowed her eyes. "Observing what exactly? Her, or the way she makes you shut up for more than five seconds?"

I leaned against the wall, hands in my pockets. "Maybe both."

"Zayne," she said, lowering her voice, "don't mess with her. Isla doesn't do well with... your type of games."

"My type?" I echoed, amused.

She rolled her eyes. "The brooding, half-interested, half-vanishing act you call a personality. She's kind. She's the type that will overthink everything you say, and you'll make her feel like she's the problem."

I tilted my head, meeting her gaze evenly. "You talk like I'm planning to date her or something."

Sienna folded her arms. "Aren't you?"

"No," I said simply. "I just want to understand her."

She blinked, skeptical. "You don't 'understand' people, Zayne. You study them. Like puzzles, you get bored halfway through."

A faint smirk tugged at my mouth. "Maybe she's not the type you get bored with."

That earned me a long, knowing look. 

"Wow. You're in deep denial already."

"Relax," I muttered. "I'm not planning a proposal. I'm just saying she's... interesting."

Sienna raised a brow. "Interesting," she repeated, as if testing the word. "That's how it starts. Just do me a favor-treat her well while she's here. She's not like the girls you're used to."

I pushed off the wall and walked past her toward the window. "Don't worry. I've got no reason to hurt her."

"You say that now," Sienna murmured behind me, "but I've seen that look before."

I glanced back, lips curving slightly. "Then you know I don't fake it."

She sighed, half frustrated, half resigned. "Yeah. That's what scares me."