Page 5 of Risks

I trust Varen. He wouldn’t hurt me.

Having the same marketing class onThursdays means hanging out with my roommate before she takes off to see herboyfriend and do other stuff.

Since it’s a long weekend startingnow, Aya’s throwing out ideas of how I can enjoy myself while she’s at home inWest L.A.

“You’re welcome to come with me.”She wiggles her flawless brows and throws her long, jet-black hair off hershoulder. “Experience a Japanese household. My mom and dad always maketraditional food.”

“Sounds good. Does your family travelto Japan often? Hiratsuka, you said?”

“Yep.” Pride ricochets from her bodyas she speaks. “We’ve been visiting since I was a little girl. Even though wewere born here, my parents were adamant that my brother and I learn the languageand culture. They didn’t want their kids to lose that, you know?”

I nod, understanding. “That’s cool. Fromwhat I see online, Japan looks beautiful, especially in spring, with all thecherry blossoms. My mom says there are two of them at their new house. I lovethose trees.”

“Same.” Her near-black brown eyessparkle along with her big smile. “You should visit Japan someday.”

“Hope I get the chance. I do want totravel and see more places. I’ve only been to Scotland so far, and I trulyenjoyed it, especially touring with my boyfriend.”

“Cool.” A curious look falls overher face. “How did you two meet? You never mentioned that.”

“Oh, um…” I brush aside a loosecurl, becoming awkward. You know what? Who cares. “He’s actually mystepbrother.”

Blatant surprise mists her eyes.“Really?” She doesn’t seem put off or anything. “That’s interesting.”

“Yeah, his dad married my mom. Wefell for each other.”

“Wow.” She tucks her hair behind herears, observing me with a smile. “You seem so in love with him. Your entiredemeanor brightens whenever you talk about him.”

Turning shy, I giggle and duck myhead. “He’s definitely one of a kind, my Varen.”

“Hm.” She bumps my arm. “Good foryou.”

We continue the chit-chat untilreaching the dorm. Entering the lobby, my steps and conversation with Aya stop abruptly.

My eyes widen in disbelief.

Butterflies launch a wild carnivalin my stomach.

My lips part, but no sound is comingout.

I’m in shock.

I must have lost it because no wayis Varenhere.

In Los Angeles. At my college. In mydorm.

“This one says he’s yours,” the RAconfirms my vision, pointing to Varen. He’s staring at me like the first timeagain—mesmerizing blue eyes absorbing every bit of my presence.

“Yes,” I manage to say, still sosurprised. “Varen…”

The RA smirks at us and sauntersoff.

Varen and I rush to each other like ascene out of a period drama where long-lost lovers meet again.

I chuck into his arms dramatically, inhalinghis intoxicating scent and squeezing his body out of pure glee. “You’re really here.”

“Hey, baby.” He hugs me tighter. “Surprise.”

“Oh my god.” I ease back a little tolook at him. “I can’t believe you’re here.”

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