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“Aleks, I’ot up to follow him

“Then don’t say that I’m okay… that I’m perfect or normal or whatever”

He actually seery He crossed his arms as he stood in front of theand stared at the ocean, which was just a few dozen yards from the back of the house

“I wasn’t going to say that,” I said “But you’re not broken, Aleks I’ve never met anyone more unbroken”

He shook his head and hardened his jaw Ashi

“Aleks, look at what you’re doing,” I said softly

He looked at me, his mouth pulled into a ?”

“You’re arguing with ry with me”

“I’an but fell silent when he looked down and saw his own folded ar to figure out what to do with them

“Two days ago, you wouldn’t speak to me unless I spoke first You wouldn’t ask questions, you called me sir…”

“I called King sir,” he admitted

“Since you left this , have you spoken to iven permission to do so first?”

“No,” he began automatically, then snapped his mouth shut Then he nodded “Yes, but…”

“But what?”

“I trust you I know I can say things to you and you won’t punish me I don’t… I don’t trust your brother or your friends like I trust you”

“Did you think about what Luca would do to you when you broke the ?”

He nodded

“Did you care?” I asked