Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 27907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 27907 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 140(@200wpm)___ 112(@250wpm)___ 93(@300wpm)
My heart is too full for words, my throat tightening with emotion while tears sting behind my eyes. If I could speak, I’d tell him he doesn’t have to earn anything. That I’m his and will always be his, forever. He’s got me.
For now, it’s enough to hold him and let myself be held. Some things can’t be said in words, anyway.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Quinton
When Ren betrayed us, I wanted to kill him for that. Now, I just want to kill him for hurting Scarlet. Looking at her sad face through the camera ignites the need to wrap my hands around my former best friend’s neck all over again.
“I just wish everything would go back to normal,” she explains. “If we could just find him—”
“We’re trying, Scar. We haven't stopped.”
“You haven't tried everything, though,” she points out.
“We’re not using you as bait. You can get that out of your head.” Dad shut that stupid idea down immediately, but for some reason, my sister thinks I’ll change his mind. Not in a million years.
“Did you have a good time on your trip?” Scarlett changes the subject.
“Yes, although we had a little unexpected run-in with Aspen’s mom,” I explain. My sister’s eyes widen as I tell her the entire story.
“Wow.” Scar takes a minute to process everything. “At least Aspen got closure. It sounds like the note was what she needed from her.” I nod in agreement. “Crazy coincidence that you would run into her in the Swiss Alps, of all places.”
“Crazier things have happened to us,” I point out. “Aspen got a tattoo,” I tell her, pulling out my phone to show her a picture of Aspen's back.
“Oh wow, that looks amazing. Can I get a ta––”
“No.” I shake my head immediately. Scarlett rolls her eyes at me. “You’re too young for a tattoo.”
“You do know you are my brother and not my dad, right?” Scarlet frowns. “You are supposed to cover for me while I do reckless stuff, like get a tattoo. Plus, you got your first one when you were my age.”
“It’s still a no.”
“Ugh!” Scarlett throws her head back in frustration. “When did you become so lame?”
When my best friend betrayed me.
I keep that thought to myself, of course, but it remains fresh on my mind. “I’ll think about it. Maybe by the time you get here, I’ll warm up to the idea.”
“So what you’re saying is I have to talk Aspen into it.” Scarlet grins. And now it’s my turn to frown.
“We’ll talk about it later. I’m heading to the gym now.”
“You sound like Dad.”
I ignore that comment, especially knowing that she’s right. I am starting to sound like my father. “Goodbye, Scar. Love you.”
“Love you too.” I close the laptop and get ready for the gym, noticing how quiet the apartment has gotten. I step out of the bedroom into the living room and realize that Aspen is no longer here.
Just when I’m about to freak out, I see the note on the coffee table.
Heading to the library. Will be back in a few hours. Love, A.
PS: Don’t work out too hard. I have another little workout planned for us later.
I have half a mind to skip the gym and get her from the library for her special workout, but I know she enjoys being with her friend. I finished getting ready, then slide on my sneakers before heading out. At least I have something to look forward to now.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Aspen
Where the fuck are these stupid tests? This is a school filled with people in their late teens and early twenties. Lauren must have some tests flying around here somewhere. I dig my hand through the metal drawer, pushing boxes of gloves and gauze aside.
I knew I was in trouble when my period didn’t arrive two weeks ago. I thought maybe give it another week, then I’d take a test. I wanted to be sure, but my period never came, so here I am.
I brush the long strands of hair from my face and peer around the room. I’ve looked everywhere, and still nothing. I huff out an angry breath and press my forehead against the cabinet. Tears prick at my eyes. Great, now I’m gonna cry again. This is a fucking nightmare. It’s not like I can just drive to CVS and get one. We’re in the fucking tundra of Alaska.
“Can I help you find something?” Lauren’s voice catches me off guard. I slam the drawer shut and spin around to face her. She casually leans against the doorframe, her arms folded in front of her chest.
“Oh, hi…”
“Don’t hi me. Tell me what you’re looking for.” Dr. Lauren doesn’t seem mad, more annoyed than anything. I guess that’s a perk of being the headmaster’s daughter. “Aspen, come on. You know all you have to do is ask.”
“Of course, I know. It’s just… I wanted to be sure before telling anyone.”