Never Just Friends

A Growing Bond

She couldn’t ignore the effect it was having on her. When Marco looked at her, he did so with complete focus, as if she were the only person in the world. It was… comforting. And though she still thought of Finn, still missed the way he used to make her feel, she couldn’t help but wonder if Marco’s attention was what she really needed right now.

One evening, she decided it was time to introduce Marco to her brother, Jacob. She figured it was a step forward, a way of integrating Marco into her life, and she was sure Jacob would approve of how kind Marco had been to her.

When they walked into her house, Jacob was in the kitchen, pouring a drink. He looked up, his gaze landing on Marco, and in an instant, his face changed from relaxed to something dark and unreadable.

“Jacob, this is—” Hanna began, but before she could finish, Jacob strode forward, his fist already clenched.

Without a word, he swung, his fist connecting with Marco’s jaw. Marco staggered backward, clutching his face as a bruise bloomed beneath his eye.

“Jacob!” Hanna shouted, stepping between them. “What are you doing?”

Jacob’s face was tight with anger, his eyes blazing as he glared at Marco. “This guy?” He spat, pointing at Marco. “Hanna, do you even know who he is?”