Total pages in book: 98
Estimated words: 94653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94653 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
I release the air trapped in my lungs as my brain continues to cartwheel.
I just have to make it through one night.
That’s it.
Then I can finish school and get a job. No one ever has to know. As much as I hate the thought of being forced into selling my virginity, this decision makes the most sense. It’ll do the impossible and buy me some peace of mind.
“All right. I’ll reach back out and tell him that your price is nonnegotiable.”
My tone softens when I realize that I’m taking out my anger on the wrong person. “Thanks, I really appreciate it.”
“No problem. I’ll be in touch soon.”
When the line goes dead, I slip the small device back into my pocket. Fury crashes over me as Wolf continues to stare from across the distance that separates us, making no move to turn away.
Before I realize what I’m doing, my feet stomp across the snow-covered lawn. If he’s at all surprised that I’m acknowledging his presence for the first time in almost five years, his expression remains impassive. There isn’t a tightening of his jaw or a flash of emotion in his eyes. I have no idea what he’s thinking.
As soon as I’m within striking distance, my hand whips out, cracking him across the face.
“That’s for taking my brother away.” When he doesn’t give me the reaction I’m searching for, red-hot fury sweeps through me, and I strike him again.
Silence settles around us as his bottle green eyes cling to mine, and he lifts a hand to the bright red skin. He palms the flesh before murmuring, “It’s good to see you too, Fallyn.”
Chapter 6
Wolf
My fingers graze the spot where she slapped me.
Twice.
Even with the sting of my cheek, I can’t stop my greedy gaze from sliding over her face, trying to take in all the changes five years have wrought. Sure, I’ve caught sight of her on campus and twice at Slap Shotz last semester. But with only a couple of feet to separate us, this is the closest we’ve been since the night of the accident.
It’s so damn tempting to reach out and yank her into my arms, but I know exactly how that will end.
With more physical violence.
It’s almost comical. When we were kids, I couldn’t have imagined Fallyn attacking me. Or anyone, for that matter. She spent her childhood trailing after me and Miles. No matter where we went, she was always with us.
Miles never gave a shit, and neither did I. He loved having his little sister around. They were inseparable.
Miles’ death splintered my world apart and took away everything that was good in it.
Even hockey was shaky in the beginning because we’d played every season together. Stepping onto the ice after the funeral was the second most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do.
Keeping my distance from Fallyn was the first.
As painful as it was to be at the rink without him by my side, it was the only thing that made me feel like I was still alive.
The chill of the air that seared my lungs.
The smell of the ice flooding my nostrils.
The sound of the fans rising to their feet and cheering when I saved a goal.
I chose to spend all my time at the arena because the alternative was to be at home.
Not that anyone was there to notice my absence. Dad worked long hours, and Mom filled her calendar with charity functions and social engagements.
It’s the reason why I spent every waking hour at the DiMarco house while growing up. After Miles’ death, that was no longer an option.
I was alone.
Adrift.
Fallyn’s blue eyes continue to spit fire. Any moment, they’ll singe me alive. Maybe it would be better that way. I wouldn’t have to live with the guilt I carry around with me like a thousand-pound stone. If it were possible to go back in time and change the actions and outcome of that one night, I’d do it in a heartbeat.
Careless decisions were made, and we’ve been forced to live with the consequences. That’s the fallacy of youth…
You feel invincible.
Until tragedy strikes and you realize with sickening certainty just how fragile life is.
Even though I know there won’t be any hints of softening, I still search her eyes, hoping that enough time has passed for us to start fresh.
I shift from one foot to another and realize that nerves are skittering across my skin. There isn’t anyone who makes me feel ill at ease.
Save this girl.
She makes my heart beat erratically in my chest.
My tongue flicks out to wet my parched lips. “I’m so—”
She gives her head a violent little shake as wetness floods her bright blue depths. “Don’t say it,” she rasps. “Don’t you dare say it.”
“Can we sit down and talk?” I swallow thickly. “Please?”
“There is nothing we have to talk about.”