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"I don't think you are either." I mimic his bitter smile. "But it's easier like this, isn't it?"
"What do you mean?"
"Pretending you're cold," I mutter, toying with the bedding. "Pretending nothing can hurt you, and you don't care about anything. At least that way Father can't hurt you."
He stares into my eyes, and when I think he's going to tell me off, he gives the slightest of nods.
"Does he know about you and Minnie?" I can't help but ask.
"I don't think so," Brazen mutters. "So you’d better keep your mouth shut. And there is no me and Minnie, anyway. Nothing's ever happened between us."
"But you love her," I remind him.
"She doesn't need to know that."
"But Brazen, I think she-"
"Stop." He raises a hand in warning, stopping me in my tracks. I shut up on command, sighing. I wish I could tell him that Minnie has feelings for him too, but I suppose it's not my place. It's her story to tell. "I just came to thank you, and offer you... something in exchange for keeping Minnie safe when I'm not around."
"Oh?" I sit up in bed, only then realizing I'm wearing nothing but a silk chemise. I pull the duvet higher, feeling self-conscious without makeup and my hair done. Goddamn, what has Eden Falls done to me? Months ago I wouldn't give a damn about my appearance. "What did you want to offer me?"
"First promise me you'll keep her safe," he mutters. "I need to know there's someone else looking out for her when I... can't be here."
"Where are you going?" His hands tighten into fists and I find myself regretting asking the question. "Okay, I promise, Brazen."
"Good."
"Now what do I get?"
"I can help you at school," he murmurs. "Keep you safe. Make sure people aren't picking on you."
"You'd do that for me?" I stare at him skeptically.
"I will," he nods. "As long as you keep an eye out on Minnie."
"I'll do more than that. Look." I get out of bed, and he looks away, clearing his throat when he sees what I'm wearing. I dig under the bed and pull out a Zanotti shoe box, revealing some money I've stashed away in there. "I haven't been able to get much more, but I try to put some away every time I can. I want to help Minnie leave town."
Brazen looks more emotional than I've ever seen him as he says, "That's very kind of you, Lily Anna."
"Pandora," I correct him icily.
"Right." He chuckles. "Sorry... sometimes, you're a lot like her, you know."
I don't know whether I should be flattered or offended, so I distract myself by putting the box away again.
"So I can count on your help at school?" I ask once I'm back on my bed. "You won't let me down, will you?"
Brazen shakes his head. "As long as you keep an eye on Minnie, I'll keep an eye on you."
"Good. Now if that's it, you really should go." I stretch, yawning loudly. "It's the middle of the night and I desperately need to get some rest."
"One last thing." He picks himself up from the bed and watches me with a worried expression. "Be careful around Father. He's pissed after tonight and he's looking to take it out on someone."
"I think you're the one who should be scared," I mutter. After all, my brother is the one who took Father's toy away from him, and I know Father won't react to that lightly.
Brazen scoffs, saying, "I'm his Firstborn now, and I've already proven to him I can stand up for myself and those I..."
"Love?" I tease, but his hurt expression tells me it's too soon for me to push him that way, and I quickly shut up.
