AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The words flutter in my mouth and then fade with the wind, stolen by—what? A silent agreement with Jonas? The embarrassment of the situation?
Or am I just trained to act this way?
I squeeze my eyes shut, focusing on the divots my nails are making in the flesh around my knee. The physical pain will subside eventually. But this heartache from losing everything to my brother is killing me right now.
My lips move soundlessly. Am I really helpless?
“You should feel guilty,” my brother says. “But it doesn’t matter anymore. I’ve got exactly what I need. No thanks to you.”
I blink myself out of my stupor. “What are you talking about?”
“I met someone who appreciates me for who I am—someone who gives a shit about the meaning of my title. Unlike you.”
I frown. “What?”
“She knows exactly what a man like me needs.” He chuckles darkly. “She’s given me more respect in a matter of days than you have in your entirelife.”
Of course he would throw all that in my face. What else would he do? Jonas barged into my home and tried to knock the lights out of me in front of my husband. This is just another way for him to try to get me under control.
Willow’s voice circulates in my brain. I don’t even need to think of the words to know what she’s saying. It’s the impression that strikes me the most.
My brother is scraping for control. Just like me.
But doesn’t that mean he needs more of my help?
I draw a deep breath and whisper, “Who did you meet, Jonas?”
“Took you long enough to show interest in my life.”
I roll my eyes.I blew up your phone. But sure, I’m justnowgetting interested. “I want to know who it is. Please.”
“It’s someone you already know.”
“There’s no way you’re seeing Willow.”
He cackles as if it’s the funniest thing he’s heard all day. Maybe it is.
Or maybe I’m just a joke to him.
“It’s adorable how oblivious you are sometimes,” he teases, but there’s no amusement in his voice. Just malice, fire, irritation. And if I listen hard enough, a tinge of hate. “She’s not a friend of yours, Liya. She’s the daughter of the guy who made that huge scene at your wedding.”
My brows knit together. The guy who made a huge scene?
Bring me his stars.
The breeze carries thick humidity with it, but all I feel is cold. Frigid.Frozen.
I focus on the bench across the path, trying to regain my composure while my grip on my phone grows tighter. He’s with Zoya?
No.
That can’t be right.
My lips dry up when I force them to part. It’s on the tip of my tongue again, a slew of phrases I know I should say. He’s talking so much that I can hardly get a word in.
She’s bad news. “Jonas?”
“…the best I’ve ever had and…”
