I wasn’t there when everything wrapped up.
“You caught me,” I wince internally, hoping she doesn’t notice my discomfort.
She flicks a finger over my neck with amusement. “Yeah, looks like a dog used you as a chew toy. Good for you. I’m glad you had fun.”
She shuffles over to her desk, pulling out some makeup before reapplying mascara and blush. “I met someone, and she’s taking me out on a date.”
“Oh?” I question as something shifts inside the closet. I cover Kaden’s sound by clearing my throat and sliding my foot across the ground.
“Yeah!” Kodi boasts, eyes filled with hearts. “She’s a real sweetheart, and I can’t wait to continue what we started last night.”
“That’s awesome!”
She grabs her purse from beside her bed before kissing my cheek. “Get some rest and stop studying so much. You’re going to give yourself hives again.”
“Noted,” I mumble. “Have fun! I want details later!”
She glides out of our dorm, and my shoulders sink as I finally release my breath. The closet door clicks open before Kaden squeezes out.
“You’re giving yourself hives again?” He asks.
I deadpan at the door, silently cursing Kodi. “College is hard.”
He wraps his arms around me from behind, kissing my neck. “Then let’s get your mind off of it, hmm?”
Chapter twenty-five
Kaden
Melody.Melody.Melody.
It’s a constant heartbeat—replaying in a steady loop. My sister consumes my every thought, even when I shouldn’t be thinking of her. As the months fold in on themselves, our connection turns into what it always should have been—long dates that last until early morning hours, staying the night in her dorm when Kodi isn’t around, and touching her anytime I please.
How long have I dreamed of this?
Of us?
Far too many years. And now I have her.
As Ivan drones on about his grand scheme to dethrone his father, his lavish boardroom filled with security and enforcers, I’m solely focused on the message bubble that’s been dancing across my screen since I started the text thread with Melody.
I have Botany 101 next. Thinking of you <3
Thinking of you, too, pretty girl. Good luck with your test.
I’m going to crush it. Hope you can sit through four hours of singing.
I snort, shaking my head. I promised her that if she scores high, I’ll do anything she wants. Apparently, sitting through a Broadway play is her idea of anything.
“Kaden.”
My eyes shift up to see my friend with his palms pressed to the edge of the table. His expression is severe and scolding in its intensity. “Are you paying attention?”
I tuck my phone into my lap, tilting my head. “Yeah.”
He stares at me for a beat, his eyes screaming that he doesn’t believe me for a moment as he continues. “We’ll make our move before Christmas. A month from now, my father’s empire will fall with him, and I’ll rebirth this family into something grander than money laundering and gambling.”
Ivan concludes the meeting. While everyone is talking low among themselves, the invisible clock inside my head tickslouder. I know what my future looks like, yet for some reason, I keep separating myself into two, each half representing a different path that isn’t closely correlated. On one stretch, I’m with Ivan, my hands bloodied, and that sick urge inside of me finally sated. It’s a reprieve from the years of silent suffering—a trophy for what I’ve endured.
