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The only person in the entire world I trust

The only sliver of light in most of my days

No fucking way I’ that

I force ratulations, Pen”

“Thanks Ryan, I—”

I end the call before she can finish her thought

Chapter 3

Leighton

Even with the beach breeze blowing over my shoulders, the July heat is oppressive Sun beats down on my back It warms my hair Fries my tender, just bleached scalp

The six-block walk to the shop—it’s a etto my chest

The bell rings as I press the Inked Hearts door open

Fluorescent light replaces the glow of the sun

The war in here

Then my eyes catch Ryan’s, and the coolness disappears Heat spreads to ers and toes

He looks so good