Bitter Notes (Second Sets, #1)

by Aly Beck

Kieran and I grew up together in the trenches of Central City. Once neighbors, now—he stares at me like we weren't friends hiding under the stars, talking about our tiny lives.

One day, I'll show my girl how to use those fists against everyone who decides to put their hands on her.

Family doesn't have to be blood; family is the people who see you at your lowest and help to raise you, not lower you down.

River Blue isn't the same girl I left eleven years ago. She's a fiery fucking treat, and I want another bite of what's mine. And this time, I'm playing for keeps.

Fun fact, Van never got over the girl they forced him to leave. But you don’t belong to Van Drake anymore. The truth is you never did. He was a pathetic excuse of a placeholder. Naw, my sweet River Blue, you belong to me. Always have. Always fucking will,”

I don’t need to keep clawing at these raw wounds and tearing them open for a man who will never love me. He wants me to beg him to fuck me again so he can leave and return to his charmed life without a second glance.

We may not always like each other. But we’re fucking brothers. As long as we have this. The chords. The melodies. And the words, we have it all—even River in the future.

“Since the accident, only one thing has kept me sane. Until today, though, I’ve discovered there are now two things that chase away the monsters haunting my mind and grant me peace.” “Yeah?” I whisper as he leans in close, bumping his nose against mine. “Yeah,” he confirms, brushing his lips against mine and holding my body close. “You,” he whispers with a shaky breath, breaking me with his confession. “And music.”