We return to the house, my desire for my stepbrother put out like a summer fire, but hope wildly growing in my chest, like a spark that refuses to go out.
“Emme, a moment?” my mother calls me when we get back. She smiles softly.
I nod and follow her into her room. I have a good relationship with my mother, always have. She’s softspoken, but strong minded. She’s the rock of this house, and don’t we all know it …
“Yes?” I ask, a wild smile growing on my face.
My mother is facing the window and I can’t see her face, but I can hear her sigh.
“Is something wrong?” I ask worriedly.
She sits on her bed and motions for me to come closer. I join her, but she still refuses to meet my eye.
“Is everything okay?” I ask again. I need to know. I can’t take another blow.
“Listen, Emme,” my mother says softly, her voice caring, but stern. “I’ve been meaning to talk to you for a while.” She looks up at me. “Do you have a boyfriend, dear?”
I blush violently. Even though we have a good relationship, my mother and I don’t share these kinds of conversations. I think of the boys at college and shake my head. None of them hold my interest.
The only one I want is closer to home …
“Emme,” she continues. “I married your stepfather because I wanted you to have a father. I loved him very much, and the fact that he had a family played a big part in that as well. I wanted you to grow up with siblings,” she says.
I nod vigoruously and start to speak up, but she silences me with a hand in the air.
“You have to understand we are a family. First and foremost,” she says, now even more serious. My brows furrow and I look at her questioningly. “I’m talking about your brothers, Emme.”
I look away.
“Exactly,” she sighs. “You don’t see them as your brothers, do you?”
I don’t answer.
“But that’s what they are, Emme.” My mother takes my hand, stroking it softly, my fingers shaking again. “They are your brot
hers, and they love you very much. But they are boys, and you are a girl … A woman. A beautiful one.”
I know where this is headed and it’s killing me inside.
“Emme, I don’t want Blane and Aiden to fight because of you. Always remember. Family comes first.” With that, she tips my chin up so I’m forced to look at her.
“And Aiden and Blane are your brothers. Nothing else,” she finished.
I nod like a robot, a single tear rolling down my cheek.
***
When Blane gets ready to go, I can’t quite meet his eye.
He tries to get me alone, but I can’t do it. Can’t face this, because it’s breaking my heart.
Finally, when he says goodbye and gives a hug, I weakly whisper in his ear. “Goodbye, my love.”
I shock myself and Blane pulls away, looking utterly confused. But before he can comment on what I’ve said, he’s enveloped in a bear hug by his father. He tries to meet my eye, but I refuse to look at him
As he leaves, I wave from the door. “Bye, brother,” I say softly, and he looks so confused, so worried, my heart breaks in half all over again.
And once again, Aiden is the one whose embrace I end up in.
Chapter 11
I get up, because I have to.
I have to warn Blane.
Have to tell him Aiden’s calling for him.
I dial his number with shaking fingers and wait as the phone rings and rings and rings. He doesn’t answer, and I leave a strange, crazy message on his voicemail.
I finally make my way downstairs, cleaning myself up in the shower. I’m scrubbing at my skin relentlessly when I hear someone in the house. Tripping over my own feet, I wrap myself in my fluffy cotton robe, which feels like heaven on my chafed skin.
I tremble when I come out of the bathroom, and immediately, I’m enveloped in a pair of strong arms.
“Emme,” he whispers in my ear and I shake with fear.
He cups my face and brings it to his, looking deep into my eyes.
“I had to come,” he says. “I couldn’t leave you … Not like that. I don’t care what you did. Don’t care what you two have … done. I just want this, want you.”
His hands are holding me up and the tears starting falling again as I crumple in his embrace.
“Blane,” I whimper. “Blane, Blane …” I repeat his name until it makes no sense again, and I let him hold me. I let him carry me to the couch and with shaky breaths, I explain what happened. Watch him check his phone, realizing he came here before he even heard my message. Realizing he cares for me still … And damning fate because he came here to late. Damning his brother when I show Blane where he touched me.
Another fist slams a wall and another hole blooms in it. They’re so alike …
Blane takes me in his arms.
“I will kill him,” he says. And I know he means it.
He cradles me, but he doesn’t kiss me. His lips are almost touching mine, but he looks in my eyes first, asking for permission. To see if it’s okay. I nod weakly.