Page 41 of Breakaway

Falling quiet, she gapes at me, her mouth forming a little O. I hesitate, expecting her to say something else but also knowing she won’t. She let something slip she wasn’t going to share, and the horrified look on her face says it all.

With a sigh, I move closer and haul her to my chest. Resting my chin on the top of her head, I feel her relax into my embrace, and she cuddles into me.

“Seven years ago, my brother died,” I whisper, bile clogging my throat. “Most of the time, I can deal with the pain of his death…but not on the anniversary. All the things I’ll never tell him. All the stories he’ll never share with me. All the dreams and fucking good-byes that will never be said. There isn’t a day thatgoes by without me thinking about him, about how it would’ve been different if it were me?—”

“Roman!” Nevaeh gasps, trying to lift her head, but I just hold her tighter. “Don’t ever say anything like that again! You hear me?”

“Okay…” I say, yawning loudly. “It’s not like I can help myself. Seven years is a long time.”

She wiggles, and I loosen my hold on her, letting her sit up beside me. Staring down at me, Nevaeh bites her bottom lip. Her eyes travel around my face. I yawn again, hiding it behind my palm.

“You need to sleep, Roman,” she murmurs. “Your friends will be worried if they see you like this.”

“Will you stay?” I ask quietly.

“Roman, I…”

“Please…stay,” I beg her, my voice barely audible. “At least until I fall asleep.”

Her lips tremble, then form the cutest little smile. She bends down and kisses my forehead, awakening a very strange and unfamiliar feeling inside my abdomen.

“Night, Roman.” Nevaeh lies down and rests her head on my chest. “Sleep tight.”

“Sleep tight,” I whisper back, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. The sensation I feel only intensifies, spreading warmth all over my body.

Are these butterflies in my stomach? Because of her?

1 ?? ?? ???? ? — I can’t

2 ?????. — Not great.

3 ??????????, ??????? ??? ???????. — Please, my sweet boy.

Chapter 17

I’m Not His Sister

NEVAEH

DidI really think I wasn’t going to fall asleep in his bed? Because if I did, the title of the most delusional person ever would be mine. Or maybe I’m just a hopeless romantic who can’t stay away from the man I like. He’s a little bit broken, a little bit distant…but nevertheless, he’s the man I can’t stop thinking about.

The man who might hold all the pieces of his shattered heart, who might fit mine perfectly. I can’t even imagine feeling anything like that for someone who doesn’t reciprocate it. To have someone constantly on my mind while I don’t think I’ve ever crossed his.

“Malyshka, it’s time to wake up,” he whispers, gently caressing my cheek. I smile, opening my eyes and peering at him. “You weren’t asleep?”

“I wasn’t ready to start the day,” I correct him.

Roman chuckles, and I turn onto my right side to have a better look at him. His skin is brighter, and the usual dark circles under his eyes aren’t so prominent. A long and restful night’s sleep was good for him, allowing him to recharge his batteries. And I hope it improved his mood. For his own sake. The wayhe’s torturing himself because of his past isn’t healthy. Even if I understand him better now.

“Thanks for staying with me. I needed that.”

“What are friends for?” I give him a small smile. “I’m glad I could help. If you want to talk, just know that I’m here for you.”

Roman sighs, closing his eyes. “I also wanted to thank you for not pushing me to talk about Maks…about my brother.”

“I figured it might be too much on a day like yesterday. Talking opens old wounds and doesn’t always bring healing…” I mutter, and his eyes focus on me. “I’d love to know more about your brother though. Whenever you feel like talking about him and what happened. But no pressure. Only when you’re ready.”

The corners of his mouth lift, lighting up his face. He’s so fucking handsome always, but this smile…it makes my heart melt. As if I’m made of snow, and now I’m just a little puddle. “I think he would’ve liked you. You carry this sunshiny energy inside you. Maks was like that too. An optimist who always saw the good in people.”

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