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His uncle laughs, picking up his crystal glass that only has one large ice cube. He takes a sip before leaning over to open the whisky, then pours himself another glass.
This is the first time in my life that I hate that I’m right. Fin needs something from me. It’s why he bulldozed his way back into my life. I take a step back in order to see his uncle’s face. He could almost be twins with Fin’s father. Their resemblances are identical to the untrained eye.
If Fin wants to play games, I’m a worthy opponent. Winner takes all.
Back in bed, I toss and turn, sleep refusing to come.
“Did you find the information I was looking for?”
What is Fin after?
Footsteps sound in the hall before I can feel his presence. I will my muscles to relax and pretend to be sleeping. He steps farther into the room. A cold draft assaults my skin as he lifts the covers, and I can feel his body behind mine. His arms pull me in next to him as he holds me.
Fin
Luna’sbodyislikestone. I hold her tight, hoping to melt her tension away. I place a kiss on the back of her shoulder. I was finally turning a corner with her. We were opening up to each other. Trusting each other. I vow, right here and now, to kill anyone who knew about my father’s sick, twisted ways about breaking in virgins. I will do it in Luna’s name. She doesn’t deserve to push her feelings down. I should have known. I should have sensed something.
I place another kiss on top of her shoulder. I can tell she’s still awake. I hope she’ll turn into my embrace and talk to me. When will she realize I would move the world just to see her smile?
Chapter 21
Luna
Wepulluptoa graveyard, and my body freezes. “Why are we here?” I ask.
“We’re visiting my sister.”
My pulse goes into overdrive. I don’t want to step out of the car. My eyes dart around, trying to find an escape.
“I stopped coming to see her six months after we buried her. I couldn’t even look at her grave without feeling guilty. It’s time we both let go of our guilt. It’s eating us both up inside.”
He gets out and walks around the car, opening my door for me. His hand is held out, waiting for me to accept it.
“I don’t do feelings, Fin.” My voice is hoarse and low.
“The problem is that you do have feelings. It’s why you’re having a hard time stepping out of the car.”
I scratch at the side of my face. “I hate you right now.”
“And I’m still in love with you. Looks like we both don’t get what we want.” His voice is strong and carries a tone that he won’t back down.
My heart sputters, and my breathing picks up. I want to believe him. His confession gives me comfort, but I’ll too scared to say anything back. If I believe him and allow my heart to be given freely, then we could just as easily slip through each other’s fingers. Making this feeling vanish forever.
One shaky leg, then the other, swing out of the car before I take his hand. Our grip is clammy as he leads the way. My feet have a hard time continuing with each step. When we get to their family plot, I only see two headstones. Reading each of their names, I see they only hold his mother and sister.
“He didn’t get to be in the family plot,” Fin answers my unspoken question.
“It was one night when I snuck out to surprise you. But you weren’t home. I don’t remember too much of it, except for the feeling of hate. I blocked it out. I planned my revenge for two weeks. It consumed me. I asked your sister to give me a makeover, and that’s when I set her up. I thought your father loved her. I wanted to hurthim, not you two. I loved you both. When you stopped wanting to be my friend, my hate grew, and I hated you the most.” My entire body shakes as I tell him the truth. The weather is warm, but goose bumps pebble my skin.
“My job was to protect both of you, and I failed. I only stayed away from you because I thought you were better off without me.”
I sit down on the grass. “I’m sorry, Nessa.” My hand touches the cold stone. After a few minutes of silence, I say, “Don’t make me marry you, Fin.” My emotions crack with the statement.
The way his face drops has my heart crumbling further. I’m tired of hurting him. I’m tired of hiding my pain. For the first time in my life, I want to cry, but no tears are shed.
“I refuse to do that. I love you, Luna. I’d rather be your villain than for you to find a prince.” I can’t help my flinch. “I’m the only one who truly understands you. Together, we are so much stronger than apart. I will be the only one who can help you fly higher to reach your dreams. This is me not giving up on you.”
“How can I love someone who forced my family into tricking me into an arranged marriage?”
