Page 63 of Twisted Collide

“Can you tell me about her?”

I doubt he will, but when he pulls the car up to the now empty practice facility, he pivots in his seat and looks at me.

“She’s incredible. Smart, funny. Full of love.” He smiles warmly, thinking about his sister. “She’d give a stranger the shirt off her back. She’s just that way.”

“Got it. The opposite of you.” I wink, but I see a flash of hurt and immediately regret the bad joke. “I’m sorry. I was just—”

“Don’t apologize,” he says more seriously. “She is my opposite, and I don’t mind admitting it. She deserves so much more than this life has given her so far. I intend to ensure the rest of this life is different for her.”

I can tell there’s a long story there, and I hope he tells me. That’s all I wish—for Dane to open up to me. To trust me with his secrets.

I’m not sure when it happened but over the past few weeks of working with the team, I realize I wish he would confide in me. I wish I could get him to open up.Truly open up.Sometimes I do, giving him little glimpses into my life. I know in my heart that I can trust him completely with my truths, but I want that trust reciprocated. I’m greedy and hungry for it.

“Growing up—” He starts and stops, and I reach across the console, taking his hand in mine. I give it a reassuring squeeze.

He will pull away any second, but when he doesn’t, I feel lighter and happier than I’ve felt in weeks. Instead, he keeps holding my hand, and in my mind, it feels like he’s pulling the energy out of me to find the strength to open up to me.

“Growing up, it was just us. Well, that’s not true . . . It was just us when I was eighteen and she was eleven. I’m not sure how much you know about me, but I raised Molly.”

“You did?” The word comes out reverently, shock and awe taking root.

“I didn’t have a choice and wouldn’t change it for the world. Our parents died in a car accident, and my sister almost died with them. It was just her and me, and there was no way she would live with anyone else. Not when I was old enough to care for her.”

I swallow, thinking about how young and brave he was.

With every new detail I learn about him, I grow even more desperate for more.

“Will you tell me the full story?” I ask, voice barely a whisper.

He takes a deep breath. “Maybe one day. But not today.”

And with that, the conversation is over, and broody Dane is back in full force.

25

DANE

Hudson:Hear me out I think Danes got the hots for Josie.

Dane:Shut up.

Hudson:That’s not a no. So tell us, what’s she assisting you with . . .

Dane:You’re really not funny.

Hudson:Do you see me laughing?

Dane:I don’t see you at all.

Hudson:You know what I mean. Okay, but seriously, you banging her?

Dane:I’m not above murder.

Mason:I’ll be your alibi.

Aiden:Children.

26

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