SUNBURN | JOHN B ROUTLEDGE

062

JJ and Gabriella walked side by side, their footsteps barely making a sound as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the overgrown grass. The silence between them was comforting, filled with the unspoken understanding they shared. The sky was a canvas of soft purples and oranges, but the peaceful scenery couldn't quite ease the tension JJ felt in his chest.

"You didn't need to do that, you know," JJ finally broke the silence, his voice tinged with a mix of gratitude and uncertainty.

Gabriella kicked at the long grass, her mind focused on the rustling sound. "Do what?" she asked, her tone light but curious.

"Side with me," JJ said, his voice softening as he glanced over at her, his blue eyes reflecting the fading light.

Gabriella stopped walking for a moment, meeting his gaze with unwavering confidence. "You're in the right, Jayj. You're not careless or stupid."

The impact of her words hit JJ like a wave, and for a brief second, it looked like he might cry. It was as if no one had ever validated him like that before. Gabriella noticed the change in his expression and instinctively reached out, pulling him into a tight hug. JJ hesitated for a moment before wrapping his arms around her, holding on like she was a lifeline.

"So, where are we going?" Gabriella asked as they resumed their walk, her voice gentle but curious.

JJ took a deep breath, his shoulders still tense. "Well, I figured the best thing to do is speak to my dad, show him I got the money for restitution."

Gabriella's mind flashed back to the bruises and cuts she had seen on JJ before, her heart aching for him. "You can go, don't worry about me," he added, trying to sound nonchalant, but the protective edge in his voice was unmistakable.

Gabriella stopped him again, placing a hand on his shoulder as they reached his house. The old, weathered building looked even more ominous in the fading light. "I'm not going anywhere," she said firmly, her eyes locked onto his. JJ nodded, a flicker of relief crossing his face as they headed inside.

The creak of the door echoed as they stepped into the house. A country song blasted from a nearby radio, its twangy melody clashing with the tense atmosphere. Luke Maybank was seated on the backyard patio, hunched over his workbench as he tinkered with something. The sight of him sent a chill down Gabriella's spine, but JJ's fingers looping around hers gave her a sense of peace.

JJ tried to push the back door open, but it barely budged, blocked by a heap of clutter. "Son of a bitch," he muttered under his breath, the frustration evident.

Luke looked up, his face unreadable. His gaze lingered on Gabriella for a moment longer than she liked. "That Gabriella? Dean's kid?" he asked, his voice rough, but JJ cut him off, not wanting to give his father any more power than he already had.

"I've been staying at John B's," JJ said, steering the conversation away from Gabriella.

Luke barely acknowledged his son's words, his focus returning to his work. "I didn't ask you where you were stayin'. I don't care. However, I was wondering when Dean's kid was gonna wash up. You find her and bring her here?"

JJ scoffed, his anger simmering beneath the surface. "That's not why I came back, Dad."

Luke's eyes shifted to their intertwined hands, and a sneer curled at the edge of his mouth. "Oh. She's your girl now."

JJ squeezed Gabriella's hand a little tighter, a silent promise that he had her back. "I got the money," JJ stated, his voice steady, despite the tension in the air.

Luke grunted, still not looking at his son. "Yeah, I'll believe that when I see it," he muttered, his focus already back on the lawnmower he was fixing. The dismissal was clear, but JJ stood his ground, not willing to let his father's indifference shake him. Gabriella stayed silent, her presence next to JJ a quiet act of defiance, showing Luke that she wasn't going anywhere.