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“No,” Brandon replied “We dressed up like this and went trick-or-treating We ran outside Got some fresh air Ate some candy…” He put his fist to his mouth and let out a belch “Probably too much candy”

I was bitter Worse than bitter! Maybe Claudia’s perspective I could somewhat understand, but Brandon had betrayed our trust He’d broken the pact He’d—

And you wouldn’t?

The question dropped straight intome in the face with reality It forced me to stop and think Would I?

I thought about the night I’d shattered ht Claudia had come in to cos there? The same chemistry between us, as between her and Brandon?

You had an opportunity then A shot You never took it

I gulped hard, trying to get past the sour taste in my mouth Was this really the case? I’d missed my chance, and Brandon had taken his? And how many shots had Hunter had? Did he miss any… or just never take them?

“The three of you are like brothers,” Claudia went on “Tighter and closer than some of the real brothers I know I’d never, ever want to coret”

Hunter had relaxed a bit I could tell because the big vein in his neck was no longer visible He was still angry though

“We ditched a very cool party for the two of you,” he said sharply “We came home because we felt bad”

Claudia shrugged “That only shows ether How close you’ve all becom—”

“No,” Hunter juht in the eye “We came home for you too”

Claudia’s face softened I watched as she reh her hair Pushing it back over one shoulder, she looked stunningly beautiful

“You guys did more than just take me in,” she said “This place… it’s a home to me now You’ve made me feel wanted here, even loved” She inhaled, then let out a wistful sigh “More so than anywhere else”

It was crazy, howher… even for the briefest of moments I could still picture his hands on her body His ainst hers…