All That's Left in the World (All That's Left in the World, #1)

by Erik J. Brown

I smile, and for the first time in a very long time I’m thankful to be alive. Thankful I’m not alone.

Honey, if all that stops people from killing each other is the laws of men, then maybe we deserved to be wiped out by the flu. You have to trust people sometimes. The good in this world might surprise you. Look at me, look at the two of you. Here I am making you boys breakfast before you’re off to retire to Europe. And your friend gave up the chance to sleep in a soft bed because he wanted to make sure you were safe in the middle of the night.”

I don’t think he realizes how important he is to me.

It’s because it feels like love.

I want to pull him close to me and hold him while he sleeps. It makes sense in my heart, though it doesn’t make sense in my mind. Even the thought of more intimate things doesn’t deter me.

Funny how little things can feel so big when you haven’t done them in a while.

The entire ride I feel nauseous. I can’t get out of here fast enough. But how do I convince Jamie? He isn’t like me. I know he’s sensitive and smart and I can probably persuade him, but how? He doesn’t see the world the way I had to. He had a supportive, loving mother. Friends he didn’t have to lie to for years. Jamie didn’t have to spend his life constantly thinking ahead and trying not to say anything that might give away that dark secret that no one is allowed to have. He doesn’t see the look Harvey Rosewood gave me or what it means.

Instead I pull him close and for the first time he shrinks against me. For once, big, strong Jamie feels small in my arms.

“It’s okay,” he whispers to me. His voice barely above the sound of the waves. “We’re going to be okay.” When he kisses me, my chest feels lighter again, like he’s taking on some of my sorrow but passing on some of his love.