Fragile Sanctuary (Sparrow Falls, #1)

by Catherine Cowles

Fallon had three older brothers. One by blood, Copeland. One adoptive, Shepard. And one foster, Trace.

Like my mom. My dad. Emilia. And me, in a way. The me I’d been then had died right along with them, thanks to old wiring in an even older house. A home that had been so full of life and love once but had been left half-burned for the past fourteen years.

“The only thing they would want is for you to be happy.” My throat burned as it worked to hold back a sob. “I know. But sometimes being happy feels like the worst betrayal of all.”

But an asshole was better than the alternative. Better than caring. About anything or anyone. Caring was a recipe for nothing but agony.

Happiness was the greatest torture of all because it could all be taken away—and it was so much worse than if you’d never experienced it at all.

Only the last section of each book remained dusted with black flecks from the fire. Because as frequently as I revisited each one, I couldn’t seem to force myself to make it to the end. Of any of them. Something about the endings was too painful, too final, even if they were happy.

“Don’t do people. Love dogs.” And with that, he stalked back to the main site and his crew.

“You shouldn’t hide a damned thing, Reckless. Especially not something that proves how strong you are.”

“Reminds me of what I lost.”

“You don’t know what kind of game you’re playing, Reckless.” It was one that could leave us both in ruins.

“Can’t handle being away from you,” he croaked. “Especially not when you’re hurting.” He swallowed hard. “I didn’t want to care about anyone. But you shot that all to hell.” My heart hammered against my ribs, butterfly wings dying to break free. A muscle fluttered in Anson’s cheek. “You didn’t sneak past my defenses, you bulldozed them. Reckless to the bone. And maybe you made me brave enough to be reckless, too.”

“None of us is just one thing. We’re not all good or all bad. We’re a blend of shadow and light. And those sparks only shine because of the darkness.”

“We know there are no guarantees. So, we live life to the fullest. We don’t miss a second. And we appreciate all the things they loved so much.”

“So, live.” And for the first time in two years, she made me want to.

“Everything about you is made to burn into a man’s brain. And I’ll never get tired of staring.” He rose, coming closer. “Or tasting.”

“I’d go to hell and back for you.”

“Had to be a pink diamond for my colorful, reckless girl. A flower for the queen of life.” His lips hovered over mine. “I love you.” “I love you, too. Love this beginning.”