Masked Sins (Ravaged Castle, #4)

by Amanda Richardson

“I remember how close you and Layla used to be. And though I don’t know exactly what happened, I do know one thing.” “Is this where you give me unsolicited, older brother advice?” I ask, a hint of sarcasm in my voice. Out of all of my brothers, Miles is the most serious. And the grumpiest. It still astounds me that he and Stella work so well together since she’s so bubbly and effervescent. His lips twitch. “Perhaps.” He looks down and begins to speak. “I think the two of us are the most alike,” he says slowly. “We’re softies underneath our hard shells. We put up armor so that no one can hurt us. Whatever happened between you and Layla …” He pauses, searching for the right words. “Look, we both have darker interests. We both find solace in the shadows and the complexities of the world, things that people like Chase and Liam wear proudly on their sleeves. It’s so easy to descend into that darkness, to let it consume us. But sometimes, if we’re lucky, we’re shown a light. My life wasn’t easy before I met Estelle. I never expected anyone to love me like she does. But … she does.” He looks over at me, his expression sincere. “It’s rare, brother. But it’s also scary as fuck.” I swallow before I answer. “That’s all good and well, Miles. But she hates me. And it seems like she always will.” Miles huffs a laugh. “Trust me. She doesn’t hate you. You should tell her.” I look down at the ground. “It’s not that simple.” “I never said it would be simple,” he replies. “But it’ll be worth...