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

by S.L. Cokeley

I stood, watching her leave, before strolling up to the library. I couldn’t shake the notion that she may be the coolest person I’d ever met.

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

“Oh, that’s different. You’ve been giving her ‘I love you’ eyes since I first saw you guys together. Me and Ellis are completely casual. You look like you might propose any minute.”

“Presley, if you’re quiet, I’ll get you a present tomorrow,” I said, without moving my head from the window.

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.”

“Holy shit! You’re hardcore, Burns. I had no idea.” Aaron was smiling from ear to ear.

“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.”

“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 of the good. The bad. To meet you.”