Finale (Academy of Stardom, #4)

by Bea Paige

“Sometimes love and hate are so tightly wrapped up in each other that it’s impossible to tell the difference. But you do know that it is okay to feel love for someone who was cruel, who hurt you, especially when they’re your parent. It doesn’t make you weak, Pen, it makes you human.”

“You’ve done bad things, I know that, but I also happen to know that you’ve done them for good reasons. Does it make it right? Maybe not, but who the hell am I to judge? I wasn’t in your shoes, but I understand how it feels to want to protect the people you love. You’re a good man, Xeno. Believe me, I know what a bad man looks like. Men like my brother don’t feel the things you feel or love the way you do. You’ve struggled your whole life with your emotions because you feel everything. David feels nothing but a twisted kind of ownership. When I look at you, when I look into your eyes I don’t feel fear, Xeno. I don’t feel afraid for my safety like I always did in David’s presence. I only feel loved. So fucking loved,” I say, my voice trailing off as Xeno’s fingers curl around the steering wheel in a tight grip as he battles internally with his own feelings about himself.

never mind the fucking stars, I’m gonna make you see the whole damn galaxy.”

Xeno is already halfway across the warehouse when I call out to them. “Please be careful.” My voice cracks, but I force the worry deep inside. This day was always going to come, I can’t fall apart now. I refuse. Xeno hesitates, then jogs back to me. He reaches up behind his neck and a second later has unclasped a familiar necklace. It’s the one the Breakers gave to me when we were kids. “This is our promise to you, Tiny. We’re getting that happy ever after,” he says, before placing the necklace around my neck and securing it in place. “Come back to me,” I whisper.