Page 107 of Living on the Edge

He seems to be thinking. “And Callum has to be the other—even though he doesn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground.”

“I don’t know for sure, or how, but yes, that’s what I think. Taryn did tell me that Callum was telling people that Crimson Edge was going to break up.”

“I see.” He looks disturbed but not angry.

“But now I’ve made a decision.”

His eyes find mine. “I’m not writing the story Rich wants—I’m writing the storyIwant to write. About a band of brothers who plays incredible music. About friendship and secrets and clawing your way to the top. I… well, it’s not done, but you can read it if you want. If you’re still talking to me.”

He stares at me for what feels like a long time even though it’s probably only a minute or so. Then he brushes my hair back from my face, trailing his fingers along my cheek.

“The first time I saw you, I knew you were going to be trouble. For me, for the band, I wasn’t sure—there was just something about you. But it was a magnetic force I couldn’t deny, no matter how hard I tried. The first time I touched you I knew I was a goner. That’s why I left that night we first slept together—I was overwhelmed by how much I wanted you. How much I wanted to be with you. And it was about way more than sex.”

“I’m sorry I lied… I just, there’s so much riding on this.”

“I’m the last person who can say anything about keeping secrets,” he says, shaking his head. “I love you, Ryleigh. It’s been a whirlwind, but I’ve never had these kinds of feelings for anyone else.”

“And I started falling in love with you when I was sick,” I admit. “The way you were almost militant about taking care of me… it’s been a long time since someone mothered me, for lack of a better word. You, Kirsten, the others… everyone has been so wonderful. You guys are like extended family, something I’ve never had, and it’s beautiful to watch. That’s what I want to reflect in my story.”

“I’m okay with that.”

I shift uncomfortably because I haven’t told him the worst part yet. Or maybe it’s not. I can’t imagine how he’s going to feel.

“What else, Ryleigh?”

Obviously, he knows me well.

“I went for a walk while you were talking to your dad.”

“At the house?”

I nod. “The day we got there. I was sitting by the pool, relaxing, and I heard voices.”

“Ah, Jesus.” He rolls his eyes. “This is what you meant when you said you overheard something?”

I nod miserably.

“It couldn’t be my dad since I was with him… my sister?”

I shake my head. “No. Your mother and…Uncle Alex.”

“Uncle Alex?” His eyes widen. “Seriously? Fuck. What now?”

“Look, I was eavesdropping. I have no way of knowing what’s what. But basically your uncle was angry that your mother refuses to let him tell you the truth.”

“About what?”

This is hard.

I know he doesn’t want to be a Hollingsworth. Hell, he legally changed his name. But this is huge. Finding out your father isn’t your father and that your uncle has been sleeping with your mother behind his back?

“Ryleigh?”

“About who your father is.”

“Excuse me?” He stares at me in disbelief. “What did you just say?”

“Your mother and Alex have been having an affair on and off, from what I gathered. And he’s your?—”

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