Aubree’s POV
I was curled on my bed, lights low, staring out the window at the moon when I heard it.
A soft knock.
Barely there.
“Bree?” Abel’s voice whispered. “Can I come in?”
My heart jumped.
“Yeah,” I breathed.
He slipped inside, closing the door quietly behind him. His hair was messy, his shirt wrinkled, his eyes soft and unsure.
I had never seen Abel unsure.
He stood by the door for a moment, voice low.
“I, uh… my mom said you were upset.”
I swallowed. “I’m okay.”
“That’s a lie,” he said gently.
My breath hitched.
Abel walked toward me slowly, like he was afraid I’d bolt if he moved too quickly. He sat on the edge of my bed but didn’t touch me — not yet.
“I’m not here to push,” he said softly. “I’m not here to fight with Carter. I’m not… anything right now except a guy
