Stolen Hearts [Book 1]

Chapter 16

Janet Jackson

I'm lost in my own thoughts when I hear footsteps behind me. Before I can react, Michael catches up, and I can't help but groan in frustration. "What do you want?" I snap, my irritation boiling over.

He sounds genuinely puzzled. "What's your problem? You've been acting like this for days."

I can't hold back. "You don't get to complain about anyone, Michael. You're a certified asshole to everyone!"

He falls silent, his face a mix of hurt and confusion. It's not like us to fight, but this tension has been building for too long.

Michael Jackson

Janet's outburst stings more than I expected. I've known she's been upset, but hearing her say that I'm an asshole hits hard. "I'm sorry, Janet. I don't understand why you're so pissed. Me and you never fight like this."

She glares at me, her voice full of venom. "I'm tired of you being inconsiderate and making stupid decisions. Now our dad is dead because of you."

I know she hated Joseph, too. But she's the baby girl of the family, and her relationship with him was different. I can never fully understand it.

Despite the hurt, I try to stay calm. "If you're so tired of me, why did you help me get Kayla back?"

Her expression darkens. "Because I knew you couldn't do it alone. But you act like I'm not as strong or smart as you, like you're the only one who can lead."

I'm taken aback. "I don't think that at all."

"Whatever," she snaps, rolling her eyes. "Just get the hell out of my room."

Her words sting, but I try to hold my ground. "You're just being a baby. Come talk to me when you grow up."

Before I can turn away, she grabs a cup and throws it at my head. I duck just in time and walk out of the room, the door slamming behind me. The tension lingers, but I know there's nothing more I can do right now.

I return to the library, but Kayla isn't there. My heart sinks for a moment, and I start searching the house. Finally, I spot her wandering near the back, close to a staircase.

"Where are you going?" I ask, moving toward her.

She turns, looking a little lost. "I was trying to find my way back to your bedroom."

I can't help but smile a little. "We'll go the other way. It's easier that way."

As we start walking, she glances at me. "Is everything okay? I heard yelling."

I let out a sigh, rubbing the back of my neck. "Janet's just... on the rag. She's a little irritable right now."

Kayla raises an eyebrow. "She seems to be that way often."

I nod quietly, not wanting to dive too deep into the mess that is Janet and me right now. As we walk, Kayla starts talking again, her voice thoughtful. "I was relieved to see Janet outside of Joe's house, honestly. She dismantled his car so he couldn't take me anywhere."

A small grin tugs at the corner of my mouth. "Yeah, she's crafty like that."

Kayla gives a small laugh, the tension easing between us as we walk into my bedroom. "I always wondered what it would be like to have siblings," she says after a moment, her tone shifting to something more reflective.

"Oh yeah?" I ask, curious now.

She nods, sitting down on the edge of the bed. "I was an only child. It was just me and my mom. We were together my whole life."

Her words make something stir inside me. I've always had siblings, always had people around—even if it meant constant chaos. The idea of being alone like that, especially with everything Kayla's been through, hits me harder than I expected. I sit down next to her, unsure of what to say but knowing I want to keep her close, in whatever way she needs.