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

by S.L. Cokeley

“I’m Aaron, by the way.” I smiled nervously. “I promise I’m much less of an asshole in normal circumstances.”

I had to right my wrong, and I hurt this girl. Her life would never be the same because of me and my mistakes. She was innocent. I had to protect her. That was the most important thing.

“Uh. Yeah. It’s dark and has all these little swirls. It’s so sick. It’s oak—okay, that’s a lie. I don’t know what the different types of woods are. I’m just trying to be cool.” He giggled to himself and stumbled backward. I smiled. “Well, I appreciate your honesty.” Aaron’s eyes locked with mine. “I’d never lie to you. No way. You’d never speak to me again. I’m going to tell you everything. Seriously, ask me anything.”

I tried my best to keep Kimberly calm and distracted as I scanned for any signs of danger. The rain made it hard to hear anything and left me blind. But I was determined, drunk or not. Nothing was going to hurt her with me around.

I definitely didn’t want to think of how warm she felt or the feeling of her breath on my neck. No. The brick was a really nice shade of red, and the rain made the color pop away from the mortar.

I joined her in laughter. “Damn, I didn’t think this one through. Now my master plan is ruined.”

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

I figured I’d annoy you for at least forty-five minutes before I go back downstairs to stare at my textbook for three more hours and get absolutely nothing done. Then I may play some games till my brain rots out of my skull and the sun comes up.” Luke smiled. “Sounds like a wild night.” “I like to live on the edge.”

“Do you think I’m cute?” Aaron’s tone was still light and airy. I wasn’t prepared for the sudden rush of heat in my face. “Why would you ask me that?” “You’re blushing, Burns.”

if I’m being an asshole, I want you to call me out on it. Because I’m stupid, and I’m going to make mistakes. Promise me you will?”

Aaron smiled again. “Then, I’m sorry.” I raised a brow. “Sorry?” “For this.” In one fluid motion, he swiped the card from my hand and chucked it as far as it would go.

“Presley, if you’re quiet, I’ll get you a present tomorrow,” I said, without moving my head from the window. “Really?! Okay. I’ll be good, I’ll just hum.” His voice trickled with excitement between slight slurs of speech. “Hmmm. Hm, hm, hm, hm.”

No peace came from loving or hating them.

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.”

“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.”

“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.

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

“But now. Please. No more secrets. Okay? Zach, want to add?” “You’re an asshole, and you almost got us all killed,” Zach spat.

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.”

Our unspoken bond could never be broken. Not even in death. I was convinced wherever I went after death, they’d find a way to get to me. It was our unspoken promise to never go alone.