My chest tightens. How can I tell him about the abusive relationship I’ve been through and the nightmares that still haven’t let go of me? I have had tremendous heartache in the past. I’m not sure if I’m ready to tell him. Or perhaps I’m afraid of how he’s going to take it.I don’t know how he’s going to take it.“What’s important now is you, with me,” I say and wrap my arms around him.“I’ve just shown you my weakness; now I want to hear yours. I want to be close to you.”“Honestly, unlike yours, nothing is exciting about my life.”“I’m all ears. What can be more surprising than meeting a man who wears a mask?”I snort. “You even make jokes about that. It’s not funny, Brandon. You are more than that. You are strong. You survived all of this, and you are kind, and most of all, compassionate.”Brandon heaves a sigh and rolls to his side, so he can touch my hair. “I sound like the most perfect man in the universe.” His thumb brushes my lip.“Because you are.” I gaze into his eyes.He nu
Brandon is still serenely asleep when I go back to my room at four in the morning. I need to pack my things for the trip, and I don’t want to disturb him.I hadn’t felt so safe sleeping with someone next to me for a while, other than my mother, but something inside me just doesn’t want to surrender all. I had to move out of the room, at least for the night.The sky is clear and sunny as I go out at six. Oliver is standing next to a black SUV, settling the luggage inside. He’s dressed in a casual polo shirt, khaki shorts, and a pair of brown leather topsiders.“Good morning, Ollie.” I approach him. My voice is still croaky.“Wow, someone’s happy,” he remarks. Taking my suitcase, he shoves it into the compartment.“That’s a lot of baggage. I thought we were only going to stay for a night and two days?”“Betty’s coming too, but we’re going to meet her later.” He shuts the compartment door. “You ready?” He grins.“Yes, where’s Brandon?”“He’s inside the car. Get in.”Oh. I didn’t notice h
A gray sky covers the city. There’s nothing in the view except tall trees, and the road is tranquil. A few houses dot the highway, miles away from each other. Only a few people are walking on the streets. I’d never been to this part of the US.Brandon was silent on the drive. He just kept staring at the streets or the thick gray clouds. I don’t want to ask him what he’s thinking, but his quietness bothers me.We turn onto another road. I can see the beach from this side of the road, but it looks dull, probably because of the gray sky.Why did he choose this place? I was expecting him to take me to a lovely, sunny, dry place where we could stroll around—or at least do something outdoorsy. It’s so gloomy in this part of Portland. It’s not that I’m complaining; I’m fine wherever he takes me as long as I’m with him.But an hour later, we head to the coast. The ocean and townhouses are already in sight, so it isn’t gloomy anymore.“Hey.” Oliver’s voice cuts the stillness.“Oh, hey...” I re
I choose eggs and crêpes, and Brandon pours me a glass of juice. I didn’t want to ask Brandon during a meal, but I’m curious about what he means by the real him.I watch him as he eats, fascinated by him. Brandon is gorgeous, even if I only see half his face.“What?” He stops.“You’re not aware of how insanely attractive you are, are you?” I rest my chin on my palm, gawking at him.He smirks. “I was. I was aware, until this.” He points to the masked side of his face. He continues to eat.“Are you ever going to tell me what happened?”I’m dying of curiosity. I want to know him more deeply. I know it isn’t proper to ask him about it over a meal, but I can’t help to want to find out more about him. Sure, I know small things about him—stories from his cousins, but none from him. I want to know his side of the story.I munch on the last of my pancake. I'm waiting for him to answer. All I hear are his heavy breaths.“Are you finished?” he asks, looking at my empty plate, soaked in maple syr
I instantly catch his hand to stop him from removing it. His fingers are quivering. I know he is afraid, and it isn’t the best time for him to reveal everything. Maybe later, or tonight, or perhaps another day.“I would love to see you, Brandon. I just don’t think now is the right time.” I kiss his mouth softly. “But I did mention that you are beautiful, right? Whatever happened to your face doesn’t reflect how great a person you are.”His eyes soften. “This is what I love so much about you. You lift me all the time. I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve you.”I smile. “You make me happy. What else should it be? You are mysterious, but you’re kind, you’re generous, and you’re honest. But you are hurting too, so I want to take care of you.”“I should be the one who’s protecting you and taking care of you, but I can’t if I’m like this,” he murmurs.“But you are getting better,” I remind him.“I am, but it’s not enough.” He sighs, staring back at me. “I think I should give you a tour fi
BRANDONDamn. This is bad timing. Just when I thought everything was going my way, another fucking issue arises. But this isn’t just any problem. This is about Alayna’s and everyone’s safety. I can’t believe they’ve tracked us this far.I call Cassius, and he answers right away.“Thank God!” he breathes out. “I thought you weren’t going to call. Have you read my message?”“Yes, but did you find out who the sender is? Oliver got it as well. I’m freaking out right now, and we still don’t have a trace.” I rake my fingers through my hair.“No, it was sent anonymously. Did you tell Oliver the plan? What the heck is wrong with you? You know that it is still dangerous for you to go out that far, and you went there with Alayna?” His tone is furious.“I know, but I was planning to tell her about our plan—your plan.”“I just got back home, Brandon,” he complains. “Mother’s going to kill me if I leave again. You know the risk. Alayna could be in danger too, and my brother and his fiancée. Tell A
BRANDONI contact Cassius after Alayna leaves with John.“Where are you now, Cassius?” I ask as soon as he picks up.“I took an immediate flight. Expect me there in ten hours. How’re the girls?”“Alayna’s going to town now with Betty.”“Good. What you need to do is wait,” he instructs. “I already told Oliver to call for security to escort you. You okay?”“I’m fine,” I assure him. “No one’s tried to harm me up to this point.”“Don’t be so sure,” he warns. “You still need to be watchful. The security will be there in an hour. Did you tell Alayna?”“Not yet.”“What? Brandon that is the plan. You’re there because you’re supposed to tell her.”“But she’s not ready yet, and I can’t if she’s—” I pause, massaging the back of my neck. “She likes it here, Cassius.”“She’s never going to be ready.” He exhales. “But there’s nothing we can do about that for now. Just stick to the plan and don’t go out alone.”“Thank you, Cassius. I owe you this time,” I finally say, after the long cold war we just
ALAYNAChills travel down my spine, making me colder than I already am.How can someone steal Betty’s phone when there’s no one else in the house but us? How can they know that I’ll be meeting her at the resort?Oh my God! The traitor must be in our circle.Is it John? No. John spoke to Brandon and Ollie and told them where we are.How about Betty? We don’t know much about her. However, she wouldn’t do anything that obvious. No sane person would betray us by using their own phone number.I jolt in fear when someone suddenly knocks on the window a few minutes later, but relief floods through me as I find Brandon standing outside.I push the car door open, and he instantly catches me in his arms, holding me tight against him.“I’m all right,” I assure him, wrapping my arms around his body.“You are certainly not all right because of me. I thought I'd lost you,” he says breathlessly.I gaze into his eyes. “You didn’t, so don’t worry, okay? What happened back there?”“Brandon.” Oliver app