I probably should, given the near panic attack that almost got me minutes ago. But I’m surprisingly feeling much better at the moment.
Honestly, the only thing I want to do right now is show them how grateful I am to be lifted up—metaphorically and physically—by them both.
“I’m ready,” I tell them, wondering if they can hear the undertone to my words, the message hidden between the letters.
I’m ready for a lot of things I didn’t think would be possible a month ago.
Ready to gain control of my parents’ house.
Ready to end Adrianna’s reign over my life.
Ready to take my voice back.
Ready to give every inch of myself to the two guys I’m helplessly falling for.
I’m ready tolive.
Ifollow behind Asher on the short ride back to our place, my heart in my throat the entire time. Seeing Cirella’s face raw and pained like that cut me wide open.
I hate that Adrianna has torn down her confidence over the years, that Cirella even believes her cruel words for a second. But I’m determined to help her rewire her brain, one day at a time.
I’m glad she’s skipping class to be with us today. She can be responsible tomorrow. Our time alone, without my father and Adrianna, is only temporary, so we have to enjoy it before they return.
Cirella’s taking a lot of chances, being with us, and that sacrifice doesn’t escape me. She’s risking Adrianna finding out and doing something awful to her parents’ house, which doesn’tseem that unlikely, given her explosive behavior we saw when we were hidden in Ciri’s room.
But I meant it then, and I mean it now—Adrianna will never hurt her again. I’ll make sure of it, even if I have to keep Ciri locked in our wing and out of harm’s way. Maybe I’ll build a tower for us to stay in, far out of Adrianna’s reach.
Our father will get out of this stupor one way or another, even if we have to show him proof of Cirella’s ties to the Chamberlain family at the altar of his wedding.
We’re hoping it doesn’t come to that, but that’s entirely up to him. Asher and I plan on talking to him when he returns, to end this before the rehearsal dinner even happens. One last chance before we expose Adrianna for the con woman she is.
We pull onto the estate, parking our bikes in front of the house before heading inside.
Asher takes her right hand, and I take her left, earning a few giggles as we squish her between us.
“You guys are ridiculous.” She beams.
“We’re just getting started.” I bend down, hoping Ash picks up on my plan, which he quickly does, crouching and shifting behind her legs.
In one swift movement, we scoop her into the air, her round ass resting atop our shoulders. She squeals as we rise to our full height, propping her up into the air, and we easily climb the stairs in sync.
“Put me down!” She giggles.
“Ash? Do we want to do that?” I ask him sarcastically.
“Nope.” He pops theP. “I don’t think we do.”
She rests her hands on our heads, sinking her fingers into our hair, and pulls tighter as we reach the tall doors. She ducks beneath the frame as we carry her through.
Myra is cleaning in the foyer when we walk inside, and a giant smile breaks across her face. She’s clearly privy to our relationship. “Hello, everyone.”
Cirella is a statue above us, and I brush her leg to remind her to breathe.
She mutters nervously, “Hi, Myra.”
“Can I get you guys anything?” she offers.
I respond, “I think we’ll be okay. Thank you though.”
