The Deepest End of Love (The Brightest Light #3)

by Lisina Coney

“Thanks, Veronica. I got it from here.”

“Tell me what happened.” He doesn’t look at me, doesn’t talk.

“Cameron,” I insist in vain.

but because she trusted me enough to ask me about the spelling. She said she was scared of looking silly in front of the other kids, but I thought it was brave of her to ask for help. I instantly liked her.”

I told him to leave her alone. He kicked me on my shin, and then I punched him. He deserved it.”

It’s an unfair comparison, because Cameron’s father, despite his temper, isn’t a violent man toward his family—we keep a close eye on signs of abuse. He isn’t my father, goddammit. It’s been three decades. Get it together.

He’s dead. He can’t hurt me. And whose fault is it that he’s fucking dead?

“Today was hard for you, I could tell. I’m really sorry about Cameron. I know you care for him…

“I just wanted to tell you that you were great, and everyone respects you a lot. Me included. Don’t beat yourself up too hard over it. I know how it can affect counselors when the kids get into a fight, but you handled things well. Not that you need my reassurance, because you’re you, but… Okay, now I’m rambling. Sorry. Have a good night, Reed. Or good night, wall. See you tomorrow.”

It isn’t until I hear distant voices down the hallway that I realize I’m smiling like a goddamn fool.

My grandmother has been sober for decades and, eventually, rekindled her relationship with both of her children.

And I think you’re wasting your time and potential worrying about what irrelevant people think of you.” You’re not irrelevant.

Hehe

You please me just fine.” My heart jolts. “Why do you insist that I don’t call you Dr. Abner?”

don’t like the formality of it. All my students call me Reed.”

“Lila.” I gulp. “Yes?” “Stop doubting how fucking gifted you are.” Air whooshes out my lungs.

😍❤⭐

“You’re right about Cameron benefiting from this book. If you have any more recommendations you think the kids will find useful, feel free to email me a list.” My stomach flips. “You really mean that?” “You should know by now I don’t say things I don’t mean.”

For the first time in a very long time, I put my blind trust in someone else’s words.

Today marks the day my parents got arrested for child neglect and abuse after leaving me alone at the house for five days.

They left me—to go who the fuck knows where—with nothing but the bleeding wound on my back my dad had inflicted the night before and some stale bread. The perfect company for a seven-year-old.

Why my pulse accelerates when I think it is her is the question. Yet all thoughts vanish from my mind as Lila lifts her head from her phone and finds my eyes across the bar.

The last thing I expect her to do is look me up and down, amusement glinting on her face. “Are you following me, Dr. Abner?” Her teasing voice makes something in the southern region of my body stir to life.

“Considering I was already here with my friends when you walked in, I’d say you are the one following me, little criminal.” Her cheeks turn pink, which doesn’t help my situation. A situation that shouldn’t be happening in the first place.

It’s great to finally meet the guy Li has been running away from.” “Riah,” Lila hisses. “Sorry. I might be a tiny bit drunk. Pregaming did something to me.”

“Don’t worry, Reed. She really likes you. She told me you were a great mentor and all that. And you’re easy on the eyes, too, which helps.” “Mariah!”

just telling the truth. You know I’ve been trying to get with Eva for months, so it’s not like I’m going to steal your man over here. I promise he’s not my type.”

“She’s a friendly person on a normal day, but she always gets a little out of control after a few drinks.”

“No more drinks for you tonight, birthday girl.” She pouts. “How about later?” “Once you’ve had a full bottle of water, maybe.”

Cute. You guys are a match of worriers made in heaven.”

“I don’t know what that was just now. I’m so sorry.” “The past five minutes never happened. Got it.”

know there are many people around, but I enjoy your company, so I’m focusing on that.” My heart does a fucking cartwheel.

“I enjoy your company too, but there’s no need to buy me anything,”

My arms wrap around her waist before I can understand what’s happening, my only concern being that she doesn’t hurt herself. She clings to my upper arms, her warmth seeping into my skin and not letting me breathe.

Everything around us disappears when our eyes lock. Enthralled, I can only focus on her uneven breaths and her lips, just inches away. What would she taste like?

“Nice to meet you, Karla. I’m Reed.” “Oh, I know,”

Wrapped in Lila’s magnetic bubble, I hadn’t even noticed how packed the bar has become in the past few minutes.

placing my hand on the small of her back to guide her through the crowd comes as an instinct. She stays close, not pulling away from my touch, which once again makes the situation behind my zipper not ideal.

Why am I getting hard over my twenty-four-year-old intern? My friends’ dau...

“I thought we agreed on bossy, not grouchy.” My breath grazes the shell of her ear as I lean in. “Changed your mind?” I don’t miss her uneven breath. “Both can be true at the same time.” “Mmm.”

“Just like our baby boy over here.” Liam grins, patting my arm. I throw him a glare. “I’m older than you.” “Still our baby boy,” he coos.

“Reed will be more than happy to train you, I’m sure.” She swirls her head toward me. “You practice boxing?” “Been doing it for a few years,” I answer.

“Wait.”

“Do you have a way to get home?” She clears her throat. “Yeah. I’ll just call an Uber or my dad when I want to leave. But thanks for asking.” “I can drive you home if you want,”

“Thanks, but I don’t want to ...

“You said you wanted to call it a night. I don’t want to make you wait.”

I can stay. I can stay for an hour or two or three or for as long as you need me to. Because suddenly, the thought of you not getting home safely is choking the air out of my lungs.

Awwwww

It’s not until the following morning that I realize I didn’t fall asleep with my parents on my mind. Blonde hair and hazel eyes took over.

“My tummy hurts.” A scared look takes over his face. “Am I pregnant?”

“You’re hungry, aren’t you?”

“You should’ve started with that, Ikey. I thought you were sick.”

“I thought I had a little baby i...

😂😂😂