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“Where it leads?” Courtney’s throat grew so tight she could scarcely speak “Aurora, you’refar too much of this Your brother is a fine ic experience, has rendered hiard toto helpthe skeptical lift of Aurora’s brows, she added, “Very well, we’re drawn to each other But that’s the full extent of it There’s nothing more”

“Yet,” Aurora qualified

“What makes you think there will be?”

“The way your eyes light up when you speak Slayde’s name The fact that he’s shared confidences with you he’s firripped the bedpost, aze with her own candid one “Courtney, I don’t profess to knowing my brother well He spends more tih to understand the reason for that He’s running away fro ’Tis only ais himself and therefore cannot be escaped If you’re the one destined to help hiive him a reason to stay, I’m elated”

Sing, Courtney lowered her head, staring intently at the bedcovers “Do you believe that’s possible?”

“Do you care for him?” Aurora countered

“Yes” It was a breath of a whisper “I know it’s been less than a week But e’re together, I feel…Yes”

“Then you have your answer”

“Not quite,” Courtney reminded her with a rueful ss in order for your assu his desire for autonomy is, I’m afraid I have a formidable task ahead of me”

“I agree You’re fighting a lifetime of solitude, plus Lord knohat else But frohter”

Courtney’s smile widened “I am indeed I’m also a dreadful loser”

“Then don’t lose,” Aurora replied with a conspiratorial twinkle in her eyes

“I’ll do my best”

“And you’ll succeed Because, in addition to your feelings and your determination, you’ll have a wealth of opportunity Provided by the best cohort of all—me”

Courtney leaned forward and squeezed Aurora’s hand “Despite the tragedy that brought lad we met”