Falling Embers (Tattered & Torn, #2)

by Catherine Cowles

“I’m sorry I was a prick again,” I whispered. “Maybe, instead of apologizing, try not to pull that shit. I already get it from Hayes and my parents. I don’t need it from you, too.” “Easier said than done.” Hadley looked up at me, the wind whipping her hair around her face. “Why?” “Because I don’t know what I’d do if I lost you.”

Because I’d been half in love with Calder Cruz from the moment he’d taught me to chase the stars.

“Hi.” His gaze bored into me as if he could see every scar and still-bleeding wound. “I’m sorry.” “For what?” “Hurting you. You’re the last person I’d ever want to hurt.” He was quiet for a moment, his eyes falling closed. “You were my air.”

“I’m sorry. You’ll never know how much. I was scared out of my mind and trying to keep my head above water. It was all lies. I’ve wanted you for longer than I should’ve. But it’s more than that. You’ve always been more. You own my fucking soul, and I don’t ever want it back.”

“Are you in a hurry?” “Damn straight,” he said, pushing open the door to my bedroom. “You give me even a hint of a shot, I’m taking it. Every time.”

“You’re this explosion of light in a world that’s mostly gray. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

You’re like a fire that lives inside me. Even when I thought it was all burned out, there were still embers that lived in my bones. They’ll always be there, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.”