Page 114 of Vengeful Guard

“Congratulations? Aren’t you going to tell me to be careful? That Declan will kill him?”

Bree waves her hand. “Declan will be pissed, but he can’t control your life. Or Kael’s. You’re a grown woman, Paige, and it’s about time you started making your own decisions.”

“I guess that’s true.” Although I’m not sure it was a decision at all, wanting Kael. It seems like it hit me out of nowhere, taking over every part of me.

Bree’s eyes are wide and shiny as they lock on mine. “Do you have feelings for him?”

I open my mouth to speak, but Lara scoffs.

“Of course not. He’s like, just the first, you know?”

“You always remember your first,” Bree says softly.

Lara looks at her. “I mean, I guess that’s true, but it’s not always a good thing. My first was Sean O’Malley, and he pumped into me for about ten seconds before he came.”

I burst out laughing. “Ten seconds?”

“Ten seconds is being generous,” Lara drawls, and I can’t stop laughing.

Once I finally get it together, Bree hums. “My first was a guy named Michael from out of town. He was really sweet.”

“But you didn’t fall in love,” Lara says. “I didn’t fall in love with Sean. God forbid.”

Sean O’Malley’s a lanky, bald goof, and I’m not surprised Lara didn’t fall for him.

“But Kael isn’t like Sean,” I point out. “He’s good looking, and his family knows ours?—”

Lara’s eyes widen as she looks at me, finishing her first mimosa. “You do have feelings for him.”

“I can’t help it,” I whine. “I just... I want him near me all the time. He watches me like a hawk, but I want...I want more.”

“Oh, honey,” Bree coos. “You’re falling in love.”

“No, I’m not.” The edge of panic to my voice is clear as my throat seems to close up. “I’m not in love with Kael."

Lara turns to Bree. “It could just be puppy love.”

Bree hums as if thinking. “Maybe. This is her first…”

I pout. “I’m sitting right here, guys.”

Lara pats my knee. “Sorry, honey. But you’re young, and this is your first experience. Take some sisterly advice.”

“What kind of advice? You haven’t given me any yet.”

Bree holds my hand. “Really think about it. Search your heart. I lost out on a lot because I didn’t realize I was in love with Declan until later.”

Lara holds my other hand. “But make sure you guard your heart. Kael’s kind of a playboy, you know, and you don’t want him to use you.”

I huff. “Guys, those are two very different things.”

Lara laughs. “That’s just the way it goes, Paige. You have to be careful, but you also have to take risks. Deciding which at what time is just a part of life.”

I look toward the screen, where someone is slicing up the main character.

I have no idea what to do about Kael.

At dinner, everyone shows up, even Declan, who’s taking a break from being at our father’s bedside. The doctor assured him that the nurse would call if there was any change, and we’re all planning to just visit during the day now.

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