PROLOGUE
ETHAN
Just for a little while…
The words pulled me slowly back into consciousness, echoing in my head before slipping away from memory. Like a dream you can’t quite hold on to—right at your fingertips, but… not.
My hands brushed the headboard as I stretched my arms above my head, the dull ache in my back and neck tightening before it eased. I rolled onto my side and spotted my phone beside me on the mattress. Not plugged in, just lying there—accusing.
Another night spent falling asleep clinging to images that were already starting to blur.
I tried to resist. A minute, maybe two. Probably closer to five seconds before I reached for it. The screen unlocked with my face, and sure enough, there he was—his picture waiting for me.
Sebastian.
He was so handsome.
It was the last photo he’d sent. I’d asked what he was doing, and he’d replied with a selfie. The background was dark, his face lit only by the bluish glow of his computer. The shadows carved deeper lines into his features, sharpening the cut of his jaw. Onebrow was arched, his lips mostly serious—just a hint of a smile curving at the corners. He was wearing a white button-down, collar undone, a few buttons left open. The faint outline of a necklace peeked out from beneath the fabric, barely visible, but I’d obsessed over it anyway.
My hand lifted on instinct, fingers curling around my matching medallion.
He’s still wearing it.
That thought had kept me going these past weeks. Because that was how long ago he’d sent the picture—threefuckingweeks ago.
Three weeks of one-word answers. Three weeks of silence where there used to be good-morning texts and late-night calls. Three weeks of the ache in my chest burrowing a little deeper every day.
Exhaling sharply, I flipped the phone face down, forcing myself out of bed and into the shower. It didn’t help. Not even finishing with a blast of cold water could clear my head. My hands still itched to reach for it, to check—pointlessly—if he’d texted.
Once I’d changed and gathered my things, I slipped out of the apartment, making sure to leave before Maya woke up. She’d been mother-henning me a little too much lately, and I was getting sick of it.
Ten minutes later, as I walked to my first class with the frigid winter air biting at my skin, I caved.
Me
hey
I shoved the phone back into my pocket and waited for the vibration. It didn’t come.
By my second class, I’d bitten my nails raw, anxiety coiling heavy inside me.
I should just delete the fucking text. He probably hasn’t even opened it. But he must’ve seen the notification. Why the hell won’t he answer? What’s he doing? Who’s he with?
And why does it feel like I’m the only one still reaching out?
My phone buzzed, and I checked it in a hurry, my chest deflating when I saw it wasn’t from the Langley brother I wanted it to be.
Henny Langley
up for drinks? just landed
I tapped yes, then slipped the phone back into my pocket. As I did, I caught the eye of a girl staring straight at me. She turned quickly, whispering something to her friend before a wave of giggles broke out between them.
I pressed my back into the seat, trying to ignore it.
Fuck them.
I dragged my attention back to class, tuning out my phone, the laughter, and the doubt that had been building—steady and insistent—beneath my skin.
