Bella's expression froze for a heartbeat. Jay's tone had that suspicious sharpness that always made her nervous, and the way his eyes narrowed told her she wasn't getting out of this easily. She looked at Jace for silent help, but even he just gave her that helpless little half-smile, as if to say, you're on your own this time, Bella.
"I–I…" she stammered, trying to think of something convincing, but her voice trailed off uselessly.
Jay tilted his head, arms folded like a detective about to deliver judgment. "Bella Bell, are you lying to me?"
Before she could answer, a low, calm voice came from behind her. "No. She's not."
All three of them turned. Leo had somehow appeared behind Bella, one hand in his pocket, the other slipping around her waist in a casual side hug that made her jump. His shirt sleeves were rolled to the elbows, veins showing lightly on his forearms, his eyes unreadable but faintly amused.
