Page 75 of Tempting Her Dragons

“We should have been the ones you could open up to,” Laken says. “We failed you when you needed us the most and it painsme. I was too wrapped up in killing and didn’t put my attention where it should have been: with you.”

“Thank you,” I say softly. “I wanted to bury the memories and act like nothing was wrong. I lied to myself and to both of you. I know you tried, but I needed more. I feel like I’ve been acting most of my life, hiding pieces of me behind a smile.”

“You shouldn’t have to,” Bishop says. “It’s our fault. We’ve been shit brothers and should have seen past the mask.”

“You look like her,” Laken says. “Our mom was beautiful and you look just like her. She would kick our ass for making you feel abandoned.”

“Would she?” I ask, smiling.

“Yes, she would be so disappointed,” Bishop says.

“I wish I would have known her,” I sigh.

“You do,” Laken says.

“What?” I ask.

“Every time you look in a mirror, you see her,” he answers.

“Your strength and stubbornness also,” Bishop adds.

“We loved her, and we love you,” Laken says. “We could make excuses, but we failed you.”

“My intention wasn’t to make you feel guilty,” I say.

“We know,” Bishop says. “I have always felt it. Being in the Games was traumatic, and I wished I would have been stronger.”

“Why didn’t you run?” I ask.

“What?” Bishop jerks.

“When they were taking me, you could have run.” He stares at me and I shift uncomfortably.

“There is no reason I would have. Leaving you wasn’t an option,” he growls. “You thought I would?”

“You may have suppressed your dragon, but you were still strong enough to leave while they were busy with me.” I look away at the anguish on his face. Deep down, I know he would never leave me and I regret the impulsive words.

“Sister,” he whispers. “The only way I would have left you is if they killed me. I fucking love you.” Suddenly my mind is filled with his feelings. He opened our connection and I am flooded with emotions he’s had locked away. I drop back, his pain from that time overwhelming me. Kingston turns to me, grabbing my arm.

“Stop,” he snarls at Bishop.

“He’s not hurting me,” I gasp.

“We’ve both been hiding,” Bishop whispers.

“Yes.” I blink as he cuts off the connection.

“I never want you to doubt my love and dedication.” Bishop rakes his hands through his hair. “I’ve made mistakes. All I want is an honest relationship with you from now on.”

“I can do that.” I scoot forward and slowly stand. Bishop grabs my hand and pulls me around the low table between us. He wraps his arms around my waist and presses his cheek to my stomach. I bend, circling his shoulders.

We stand in silence, letting all the hurt of the past heal.

“Saph,” Laken grumbles. I lift my head and see his stricken face.

“Brother.” I leave Bishop’s arms and step around the chair. Laken scoops me up, holding me close, a deep rumble coming from his chest.

“If I share my memories, it will give you nightmares,” he says. “Will it satisfy you if I give my promise to be a better brother? I regret many things, but at the top of the list is leaving you and Bishop.”

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