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“My tuood, too,” I whi to anchor all the sensations, but having no luck There’s a tug under ht I’ertips down on that spot, that cursed, glorious spot, and then a tumult locks up my muscles, carries me away The pleasure Oh lord, the pleasure It’s release It’s vulnerability It’s life

I call my stepbrother’s name hoarsely

He calls mine, too, and I force my eyes to cooperate so I can watch those thick, messy ropes of white spurt frohs flex and his hips thrust into his tight grip Knowing he’s getting pleasure at the sahtness

For longbut the sound of our slowing breaths My heartbeat beco throb in my chest I ache for his arainst me But when his face appears back on the screen, I do ht the selfish need for more—and I smile

“Good night, Cate”

“Good night,” I whisper

The screen goes white

That night, I drea up on a white horse to collect me

But when I climb up behind him and move to circle him with my arms, he vanishes

6

Tristan

It has been another week of pure hell

A full seven days since I’ve laid eyes on my stepsister

I told et easier, but every day I feel a little more desperate Sicker More frustrated I’ve been a tyrant at work, unable to concentrate, shouting at everyone There is a vise around htened another degree

There is a faht at my father’s house

Meaning, I’ to see her

I’m not ready

And yet I’ve arrived early, hoping to see her sooner I can’t stop staring at the door, aching for her to walk through To reoing to keepher, kissing her in front of my father and Rebecca? My ar her everywhere I go Even though I know she won’t be there But God…God, I needed to stay away I need to stay away