This Blood That Binds Us (This Blood That Binds Us, #1)

by S.L. Cokeley

But I was determined, drunk or not. Nothing was going to hurt her with me around.

“How did I end up in some angsty teenage novel?” She looked up at me through wet eyelashes. “This is not what I wanted to do today.”

“Well, don’t fall in love with me, and there won’t be a problem.”

“Calem. That’s my real last name. Aaron Calem at your service. Let’s add that to our secrets list.”

“You’re blushing, Burns.”

His smile was warm again, doing that thing where it made me feel like I was floating.

Butterflies soared in my stomach momentarily. I’d never had someone open my car door for me. Ever. There was a first for everything.

“Oh, yeah. It’s nothing. I’m not used to shopping with someone else. It’s taking a little adjusting.”

Yeah cuz that's believable

I listened for Kimberly’s heartbeat. I found it quickly. The night in the forest must have etched its unique rhythm into my brain.

“She likes peonies, by the way.” I tried my best to force a wide, toothy smile. “Don’t worry. You’ll get it next time.”

Her blue eyes swallowed me whole, longing woven into her voice . . . for me. I wanted to bathe in the feeling.

“Are you sure you’re not just jealous you weren’t the only one to taste her?”

Aaron stopped to pluck a huge white peony. He brought it up to his nose to smell it before handing it to me. “You’re doomed to receive flowers from me now until the end of time since I know which is your favorite.”

AHHHHH

“No matter what happens . . . if we have to leave, I promise that I’ll come back for you. I would never leave you here alone, and I won’t just leave without telling you. So, if I disappear because something happens to me, I just need you to know how important you are and that I wouldn’t abandon you.”

Aaron’s warmth was inescapable, unavoidable . . . inevitable. I wanted it close. To warm up the coldest parts of my soul.

“Come on. Fight with me. I’m an idiot. Just tell me what I did, and I’ll fix it.” Aaron stayed by the flickering flames.

“You’re not going to touch her.” Aaron snarled.

“Stay away from her, or I will fucking kill you.”

“All right. The princess has been tended to. We may resume the procession!” Presley yelled.

“Because I’m your older brother. It’s my job to be sure.

“Okay, Aaron’s giving me a run for my money for the most reckless brother award, and I don’t like it,”

Her heartbeat was identifiable, thundering. It was beautiful music to my ears. The best sound in the entire world.

“I’m sorry for everything. I really screwed your life up.” I smiled, wiping a few tears. “No. You didn’t. I’d do it all again. All the good. The bad. To meet you.”