Page 10 of Rev

“It isn’t a great place. My mam died when Hades and I were young, so Da raised us on his own, but he wasn’t a good man. We learnt early on that you have to fight for what you want in life. Nothing comes easy.”

“I’m sorry.”

He shrugs it off, but I can tell it weighs on him. “My brother was with me. We’ve been close all our lives. I can’t imagine my life without him. I didn’t need any friends, because I had Hades. In many ways, I think that makes us lucky.”

“And you left home?”

He nods then. “Aye, we finally walked out on the shite we put up with when Da was in one of his moods, which was most days. We moved around a lot after that, tryin’ ta find our way, and finally landed in Newcastle.”

“But, it’s not that far from where you grew up,” I say softly, and he nods once more.

“Aye, but at the time, it felt like it was worlds away.” His voice lowers to a mere whisper, and leaning in closer to hear what he’s saying, his warmth cocoons me.

“What about school?” I ask then, realising he hasn’t mentioned anything about his studies.

“We both finished our A Levels, but there was no opportunity for college or university, so we did our own thing. Maybe, one day, I’ll go back to studying. I haven’t decided yet.”

I’m intrigued. It’s like he’s taken time off to think about what it is that ignites his passion. So I ask, “What subject would you choose?”

“To be honest, I’m not entirely sure,” he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Maybe music. But I’m more interested in using a mixing desk than playing an instrument. I enjoy taking the raw voices and electronic sounds and tweaking them until they’re perfectly in tune with the melody. It’s just a hobby, but it’s carried me through so many difficult times. Or I could do something really wild and study at a seminary.”

I laugh, feeling a warmth spread through me. I can’t see Hadrian as a priest, but I can see him helping people. “You’d really do that? Give your life to the church and never get married?”

“I don’t know. I mean, there are different ways to commit to the church. The idea of helping people, making sure they’re on the right path in life, is something I’ve always been interested in. And if I can help someone spiritually, why not?”

We talk late into the evening, and by the time we finally say goodnight, I feel like I’ve made a real connection with Hadrian. There’s something about him that draws me in, something deep and compelling that I can’t ignore.

As I lie in bed that night, I replay our conversation in my head, feeling a sense of anticipation and longing. I know there are boundaries we’re not supposed to cross—he’s here to work and I’m the boss’s daughter—but I can’t help but hope that there might be something more between us, one day.

In the weeks that follow, my feelings for Hadrian continue to grow. I find myself looking for him, craving his presence and attention. I show him my favourite place, which is an old stone bench on the cliffs overlooking the sea. We spend time together there, working on my school projects, discussing books and music, and just enjoying each other’s company.

One afternoon, we’re sitting on the bench with the sun on our faces. It’s the middle of July, and it’s coming up to my birthday. I’m telling him about my dreams for the future and my plans to go to college and study literature, when he suddenly turns serious.

“Harley,” he says, his voice soft but firm, “I need to say something.”

My heart skips a beat, and I feel a rush of fear and excitement. “What is it?”

He takes a deep breath, his eyes locking onto mine. “I enjoy spending time with you, but there are boundaries we can’t cross. Things will get complicated if we get too attached to each other.”

I feel a pang of disappointment but also understanding.

“I know,” I say quietly. “But I like talking to you. There aren’t many people in my life who I can talk to so honestly. My friends at school don’t understand my life. They believe I’m as dangerous as my father. Sometimes, I think they’re only friends with me out of fear.”

“I understand,” he tells me, his expression pained. “But you’re young, Harley. You have so much to look forward to. You’re going to finish school soon, and if you get the chance to go to college or university, take it.”

I look away, my heart aching. “The thought of us being together has been on my mind constantly for the past few months.”

He reaches out and gently lifts my chin, making me meet his gaze. “You’re special, Harley. But this isn’t the right time for us. Maybe, one day, things will be different…”

“Maybe,” I whisper, feeling a glimmer of hope.

He leans in and kisses my forehead. It’s a tender, lingering kiss that sends shivers down my spine. “Take care of yourself, Harley. Never forget how amazing you are.”

I feel a mix of emotions as I watch him stand up and walk away. I know he’s right. We do need to be careful, but I also know my feelings for him are real, and they’re not going away anytime soon.

I hope that when I’m older and he’s no longer working for my father, we can be together. But until then, I’ll cherish the moments we share, and the connection we have. I’ll hold on to the memories of our time together in the knowledge that some things are worth waiting for.

As I sit there on the bench and the sun sets behind me, I make a silent promise to myself—I’ll wait. No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait for the right time, the right moment, when Hadrian and I can be together without any boundaries or restrictions.

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