3 8
T
S I LVER
hat night, Cole holds me as I cry myself to sleep.
I cry for something that was never there. But just because the
test was negative doesn't mean I don't feel the loss.
It doesn't mean I don't feel like I'm missing a part of me. A chance of
an alternative future, of a different life, another...possibility.
Because I know, I just know that if it were real, Cole and I would've
fought for it. He would've taken me somewhere none of the reporters or the
people from back home could find us.
Now, I have to return to the reality that I'm fucking my stepbrother and
that while there isn't a baby this time, life as we know it will be over if
anyone catches us.
My head's been in the clouds and now I have to drop back to the
ground.
The next morning, Cole tries to drag me into town. He ambushes me
after I'm out of my shower, standing in front of the bathroom in his stylish
jeans and T-shirt with his hair combed.
No matter how much I love his appearance, I'm in no mood to leave my
bed today. "I want to stay in my room until it's time to go home."
"Huh." He stares down at me with his signature blank expression.
"What?"
"I didn't know you were a bore aside from being a coward."
"Hey!" I punch him in the shoulder.
The faintest smile grazes his lips. "Forget it. I'll go without you. I don't
need cowards on my tours."
I hear him greet the butler good morning and tell him he'll have
breakfast outside.
That wanker.
I throw on a cute peach-coloured mini-dress with a strappy back and
gather my hair into a ponytail. After I shove my feet into the first pair of
shoes I find, I storm out behind him.
It's when I'm by the entrance that I realise I haven't put on any makeup.
Whatever. I'm in no mood for that.
I catch up to Cole by the hill of the house, walking slowly.
"I'm not a coward." I pant as I keep up with his pace.
He smiles but says nothing. Instead, he threads his fingers with mine.
The softness of his touch nearly breaks my heart all over again.
Your pain is my pain, Butterfly.
That was the first time I'd been able to breathe since the doctor said it
was a false positive. Knowing that Cole, of all people, understood that pain
made it less sharp. It's still there, but I feel a certain type of peace knowing
I have him with me.
Wait. He's holding my hand. He shouldn't.
I stare over my shoulder and try to wiggle away, but he doesn't let me
