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Ingesting the concept that she’s royalty, E on the sleeve ofas whatever I asked for didn’t interfere hat Cyrus or Eli wanted, right?"

She’s learning fast "That’d be right"

"Is that the reason e’re friends? Because Eli told you to be?"

The sadness in her voice creates an ache in e closer as I pull her to me She doesn’t protest Just places her other hand on my chest as those dark doe eyes searchyou At first, I was nice to you because Eli told me to stay near you and protect you I"

Emotion locks the words inwhat I could have lost if I had fucked up that night at the ut

"I fell asleep the night I was supposed to be watching you at the motel That mistake almost harmed you and al you around wasaround you"

There’s a reason why people shouldn’t talk at four in theExhaustion eliminates the ability to lie It demolishes the ability to tiptoe around the truth Ehtened to the point of explosion

My hand roah her hair I slide a chestnut lock between er and enjoy the silkiness as it falls back to her shoulder Her breath catches and the sound causes my cells to spark to life

"But being around mewhat?" Emily whispers

"You’re beautiful," I say, and the honesty of s "You’re beautiful inside and out I like how you challengeto do or say I like hoe’ve throeird shit in your direction and you take it like a pro"

I cup her face with one hand and caress her soft skin "I like how you sh I like how you love and defend your fa to love mine I love how you trust But mostly, Emily, I like how I feel when I’m around you"