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I wanted to get into a little trouble. I wanted to catch some rain, find something that made my heart pump again, and I wanted to know what it was like to not have anyone to grab onto.
Chess would teach me strategy, fencing would teach me human nature and self-preservation, and dancing would teach me my body. All necessary for a well-rounded person.
Yeah, you’re going to be in my bed, baby, but not until you wish you hated me.
The closer you got to anything beautiful, the less beautiful it became. Allure was in the mystery, not the appearance.
Damon Torrance, son of a media mogul. Kai Mori, son of an influential socialite and banker. William Grayson III, grandson of Senator Grayson. And Michael Crist, son of a real estate developer.
“Nice to meet you,” he said, his eyes gentle. “You’re very beautiful.” And then he looked to Michael. “You sure you want the rest of the team to see her before you get a ring on her finger?”
“When you want to make an impression and you think you’ve gone far enough, go a little further. Always leave them wondering if you’re just a little bit crazy, and people will never fuck with you again.”
And the things that were irreplaceable in life were the only things of value.
I couldn’t help but laugh as I turned back around, singing, “My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard . . .” Michael choked on his beer, a drop of it spilling out of his mouth as he tried not to laugh.
“She never notices anything. My father is faithful, Trevor is good, and I can be trusted. I’ll look out for my little brother’s girlfriend and keep her nice and safe in the light of day and not violate the fuck out of her in the dark.”
Our scrapes and bruises, tattoos, scars, smiles, and wrinkles told our stories,
But what I really wanted was to get her away from my family, her mother, Trevor, and to just see her relax. I wanted to see who she was when she stopped caring what everyone else thought or expected of her.
Why, despite my mother, who always loved me, and my friends, who always had my back, was it Erika Fane who put the air in my lungs or made my blood run hot?
Rika was a lot like I was a few years ago. Confused, caged, and corruptible. The most valuable lesson anyone learns in life should be learned as early as possible. That you don’t have to live in the reality someone else invented. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Ever. Redefine normal. None of us know the full measure of our power until we start pushing our boundaries and pressing our luck, and the more we do, the less we care what others think. The freedom feels too good.
“You like sausage?” Without waiting for her to answer, he just shrugged and put two links on her plate. She stared at him like he’d just pissed in the sink.
I couldn’t believe it. Michael Crist was on his knees, telling me I was beautiful.
Was this what she wanted? For me to be vulnerable and feel the fear I felt tonight? Is this what she felt for me?
“I love you, Rika.” I’ve always loved you.
“So what do we do now?” Will asked. The corner of Michael’s lips lifted. “What we’re good at, I guess. Wreaking a little fucking havoc.”
Life is one-way, and there is no return trip. What are you waiting for?”
