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“I get that.” Nesrin grins. “Tell him I say hi. You both have to visit soon. We need to have a family reunion.”
“Sounds good,” I agree. “I better head to the airstrip before the jet leaves without me.” I shrug on my suit jacket and button it up. Knowing everything I must do before the event on Saturday, I’m thankful I’m returning a day early. I thought about staying an extra night just so I didn’t have to deal with the final preparations for the gala, but the meeting went so well, Damien and I secured the contract that will see Thorne Industries netting another fifty million.
But the thought of getting home has me exhausted because it’s going to be non-stop this weekend. Not only that, but I’m also about to deal with a ghost from my past. And this time, the high of seeing her won’t be as sweet as I would want it to be.
When someone you love returns after a long while, it should be a happy occasion, but knowing she’ll be so close, doesn’t leave me with thoughts of exhilaration.
Nesrin hugs me once more, nestling her head against my chest, and for a moment, I remember the first time I met her. Her mother married our father, and that’s when Damien fell hard. He didn’t want to, but there was no denying the tension between them, the love and affection he experienced, was nothing short of a fucking fairy tale.
When she steps back, I take her in. A woman who’s strong and independent, but still, a gentle soul who challenges my brother daily as if she was born to do it. They’re a power couple, and my chest tightens when I realize something—I want what they have.
“See you soon, brother.” Damien shakes my hand, pulling me in for a one-armed hug before I walk out of his office and make my way down to the waiting car. It’s time to go, to see her again, and to finally put the demons of my past behind me.
But as I slip into the back seat, I wonder if I’ll ever be able to do that.
Can I truly forgive her for the shit she put me through?
5
Kalyn
Silence.
Opening my eyes, I stare up at the ceiling. Beside me, Paulo still sleeps. I don’t look at him, but I can feel his warmth radiating toward me. I don’t remember how I got to bed, but I’m certain he picked me up and carried me into the bedroom.
Last night was a mistake. The strength I thought I’d found in my mind came crashing down the moment I walked back into Thorne Haven.
I’m broken.
I’m weak.
Tears burn my eyes when I think about how broken I truly am. And I know the moment I see Cassian again, I’ll shatter once more. When I was younger, I thought I was invincible. Parties were the norm, drinking was expected, and getting high was an escape from our everyday bullshit lives.
But I made a mistake and betrayed the only person who cared for me. I’m not saying my parents weren’t there, but there were expectations set for me. I needed to be mature in my decisions. They didn’t raise me to be a weak person, and I know I’ve disappointed them both, time and again.
But with addiction comes recklessness.
I glance over at Paulo, whose long dark lashes flutter against his cheeks. He’s charming, a woman’s dream man—tall, dark, and handsome. But I’m not just any woman, and Paulo, he’s not the man who holds my heart.
Pushing from my bed, I nudge open the curtains to take in the bright sunshine, which blinds me for a moment. The view from my bedroom overlooks the woods, the same forest where I met Cassian. Losing myself in a memory, I smile.
My heart is thudding wildly as I listen to the howling amongst the thick trunks of oak trees. Two girls from my class are ahead of me, each slinking down onto their haunches as they attempt to hide, but there is no hiding from the game.
Burnt roses were left in our lockers, which means we’re the prey. It’s a game the Thorne and Haven brothers came up with a long time ago, and I never thought I would be one of the chosen girls. But when I opened my locker earlier after math class, there it was, waiting for me.
A crack in the distance has the other two girls squealing, and I inhale a deep breath before running deeper into the forest. I know there’s a lake that’s hidden by the trees, so I make my way toward it, hoping the guys won’t find me. But even as I think it, I know it’s a lie.
The only boy whom I want to find me is him.
Cassian Thorne.
When I first laid eyes on him, I knew he would be the love of my life. It might sound stupid, perhaps like a teenage crush. But there’s something about him, the cold, aloof, yet protective demeanor that makes my stomach tumble with excitement when he gazes at me.
