Page 51 of Stars and Scars

“My sister’s name was Sabrina. She loved tennis and roller blading and was probably way too good for this world.”

Charlotte starts, snapping her gaze onto me. She waits while I build up the courage to speak again.

“I used to be kind of a jerk to her when we were both kids. I tried to make up for it in the years that followed.”

My jaw clenches hard as I recall the time leading up to her death.

“I was deep undercover in the organization of a drug lord named Castillo. I didn’t realize they’d made me until it was too late. They set a trap for me, but I managed to keep from being killed. After that, Castillo went after my family.”

Charlotte’s hand rests on my shoulder, kneading gently.

“I am so sorry.”

“Not your fault. It’s mine. I should have known a maniac like Castillo wouldn’t rest until he had his revenge. If only I had warned my sister.”

I sigh, and briefly glance her way.

“I don’t like to talk about Sabrina. Try not to take it personally, all right?”

She smiles gently and nods her head.

“I get it. Not being able to talk about it must be a terrible burden to bear.”

I rub the bridge of my nose and squeeze my eyes shut for as long as I dare while driving. All of the sudden I’m weary. Not exactly tired. Weary, like my soul’s worn thin.

One look into her eyes and I feel bolstered, though. Charlotte’s a great listener. That’s not as easy as it may seem.

“I won’t deny that it sucks. I miss Sabrina every day. Every damn day. They say that time heals all wounds, but sometimes I think it just covers up the pain instead of healing it.”

My throat grows tight as I picture Sabrina’s face, smiling and gilded with sunlight.

“I don’t wear a white hat, Charlotte. I’ve done drastic things to get the job done. But I won’t let the Order get to you. That’s a promise.”

Charlotte purses her lips. With a snap, she undoes her seat belt.

“What are you doing?”

She slides over on the seat and wraps her arms around me, resting her head on my shoulder.

“Grayson, you’re a good man. Don’t ever forget that.”

Warmth travels from her body to my own. Charlotte's sublime softness feels amazing against me. A lot of things stir inside of me, and not just physical desire. My heart feels lifted, as if it’s just shed a ton of weight. For a moment, the pain of losing my sister seems dull and distant, like a half-remembered bad dream.

She releases me, retreating to her own seat and buckling herself back in. I glance over at Charlotte, my lips forming an inverted U. What is it about her? I’ve never been so distracted on the job before.

Charlotte bursts into laughter, which heightens my confusion.

“What’s so funny?”

“You. You acted like I just grew a second head when I hugged you. How long has it been since you were hugged, Grayson?”

I chuckle, but even I can hear the anxious edge to it. Charlotte really gets under my skin.

“Ha. What kind of a ludicrous question is that?”

“It’s a simple question, that’s what kind. How long?”

I shrug and shake my head.

---