Page 121 of Lightning Angel
Cassie followed her gaze, recognition flickering in her eyes. “We’re going to Tristan’s, aren’t we?”
“Not we,me.But yeah, you guys are dropping me there.”
“Of course not.”
“Of courseyes,” John countered with an unrepentant grin. “I’m sorry Cass. I’m with her in this. She’s gonna fight for her love, and I give her my full support.” He narrowed his eyes on her in a not-so-serious way. “Which means, I’ll stop you from stopping her.”
Alexa melted at his words. “Aw, Jonny, you’re the best big brother ever!”
Cassie huffed. “At least I don’t have to do anything topleaseyou to remain in my best big sister position, so I’ll pass on this.”
She was right. As ever.
Alexa sighed. “I can’t rest until I’ve smoothed things over between me and Tristan, Cass, and I thought you might insist I should take rest as Albert instructed,ifI mentioned going to Tristan first. I didn’t want to upset you.”
“Well, you’re doing it now. How could you have thought I’d stop you from seeing Tristan? Oh, yes,because I asked him to stay away when you were in the hospital. But did you really think I’d actually stop you from loving the only boy who’s managed to capture your heart and somehow resurrect the Alexa I never thought I would see again? You’reunbelievable!” Cassie tore her glaring eyes from the windshield to John. “You too. For siding with her.”
Alexa felt awful. “Oh Cass, I—”
“Save it.”
“Seriously?” She widened her eyes.
“Yeah, seriously.”
The car glided into the driveway of Tristan’s house. John killed the engine and gave a few compliments on the Knights’ breathtaking residence before he stepped out to take in the surroundings. But Alexa felt too guilty for underestimating her sister to listen to any of it. She sat unmoving until Cassie finally turned to her.
They held gazes for one, two, three seconds before Cassie’s serious mask cracked. She began to laugh. “Oh, Lexi, do you really know me so little to believe I’mactuallymad at you?”
Alexa shrugged, refusing to join her amusement. “I don’t know. Siblings are supposed to fight. Isn’t that what all those content creators on Instagram show in their reels?”
“And they said we’re not humans whenweshowed them whatweare like.That’swhat I’m talking about. Do you seriously think I could stay mad atyouof all people?”
Cassie laughed again, and Alexa cracked a smile. “So, dynamic sisters with a unique bond?”
“With no fighting over phone chargers but sharingthe last cookie with each other?” Cassie grinned. “Always and forever.”
“I love you too, sis.” Alexa returned the smile and gave her a rather awkward hug due to their seating positions.
Cassie stroked her hair. “Go and get your Prince Charming.”
Alexa pulled away and smiled at her deviously. “You too, Cass. You heard Jonny’s proclamation about supporting me against you in fighting for love. I can literallysmellhis implication in the air. He’ll fight for you till the end.”
Cassie opened her mouth, probably to protest, but Alexa pushed open the door to thwart her attempt. “I suggest you stop tiptoeing around your feelings,” she said and got out of the car.
John turned to her. “You sure you don’t want us to wait until you two are done?”
“Yes, Jonny, thank you.” Alexa smiled. “Tristan will get me home.”
“Fine. But if you need me, I’m only a phone call away.” He got back in the car.
Alexa watched them drive away before she turned to the portico and climbed up the steps. Just as she was about to ring the bell, the door opened, revealing Valero who was obviously leaving after his job for the day.
He brightened as he saw her. “Ah, young Alexa! It’s been a while.” They shook hands. “I’m glad to see you’re alright. Trist told me you had the flu. That poor thing has been sulking around in your absence.” He smiled fondly. “In all my years, I’ve never seen him quite like this. Tristan never sulks.”
He laughed heartily.
So Tristanhadtaken it upon himself to bear the guilt that wasn’t even his.