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“I can tell her to come back later,” I whisper, shaken by his praise

A ripple travels along his shoulder blades “No This can’t happen again”

With that, he’s grabbing his suit jacket and striding for the entrance

He stops with his hand on the door, an unspoken chance forCrossing my arms over my hard nipples

And then he’s gone, skirting pastthat he caress of ht on top of uise it with a smile

“Hi, Mama,” I breathe

“Er…hi” She sweeps e “So how do you feel about dramatic colors? I think they would be incredible with your skin tone! Can you iainst your tan? I’ for your hair, we’ll…”

I nod along with all of her suggestions, but my mind is still fixated on my stepbrother

Did I act too bold and drive him away?

When is the next time I’ll see him?

Will I really never kiss hiain?

I have no way of knowing Nothing seems to be within my control

Well, that’s not entirely true I do have the control to complete my lessons To transform from a backwoods swamp child into a polished wos, I can win my stepbrother I can become someone he’s proud to call his

With that hope beating in

Starting now, I’ll take this chance seriously…and hope it pays off

5

Tristan

A week has passed since I saw Cate and I’m at my limit

At the very least, I need to hear her voice

I ree

This week has been filled with ca constituents and doing appearances at fundraisers I threw le-minded focus, but she loomed in the back of my mind all the while—and now that I’ to keepfor my phone

Even through the ularly and I’ harder Nooff into the park to fly kites or climb trees And while I’m the one who asked her to remain indoors and focus, a fissure for of the glen