Weight of The Untold

Chapter 38

Kyla's POV

We arrived in Georgia just before noon, and settling into the hotel felt almost effortless-too effortless for the chaos already brewing beneath the surface.

"This suite is so beautiful," Ari gushed, her eyes lighting up as she spun slowly.

I rolled my eyes and headed straight for my room.

The presidential suite had four bedrooms. Meg and I were sharing-Hazel had immediately claimed she preferred her own space. Zach had his own room too, while Caleb, of course, was sharing with Ari.

I pushed open the door and froze.

The bed was massive.

Thank goodness.

Sharing a bed with Meg is a full-time sport. Her nightmares come without warning, and when they do, she tosses like she's fighting invisible demons.

"Can we talk?"

I turned to see Caleb step inside, closing the door behind him. His jaw was tight, eyes burning.

"Kyla, what the hell are you doing?" he hissed. "Do you want to ruin my plan? You know very well we have to act like we're cool with her at all times."

"And you know very well how much I hate her," I shot back quietly, fury curling in my chest. "So why the fuck would you bring her here?"

His anger flared hotter.

"I have to act nice for fuck's sake," he snapped. "Get that into your thick skull."

The last words felt like a slap.

I stared at him, my chest rising and falling rapidly. How dare he raise his voice at me? His glare met mine, just as furious, just as unyielding.

"Get out," I said.

He blinked, stunned.

"I won't repeat myself."

I turned away-but his hand clamped around my arm.

"Listen to me," he said, his voice dropping into something sharp and dangerous. "If you by any chance ruin my plan, you will regret it."

Shock rippled through me.

"Are you threatening me?" I whispered.

"Behave."

He released my arm roughly and stormed out.

I stood frozen, staring at the door, my heart pounding.

Did my own brother just threaten me-over revenge?

...

"Can I come in?"

Zach peeked his head inside. I didn't turn around. The city lights outside the window blurred together, beautiful and distant.

"I guess I'll let myself in then."

He closed the door softly and sat across from me by the window.

"Caleb said you guys fought," he said gently. "But honestly, he was loud enough for us to hear him."

I exhaled shakily.

"Kyla," he added. "Talk to me."

I turned to him, tears already burning my eyes.

"He hates me," I whispered.

"He doesn't," Zach said immediately, pulling me into his arms. I broke down against his chest. "He told me your hate might ruin everything. Ky, you need to try to play cool, please."