Page 98 of Danger

“Smart.”

“I have never forgotten about you,” she whispers, her eyes full of sadness.

I had a tough life, but I survived.

I lean closer, feeling the connection between my little sister and I, even though it’s been so many years. “I never forgot about you either.”

Our bond was always there, it doesn’t matter how far away we were from each other.

“Monterey told me you had been looking for me.”

I nod. “Yeah.” At the mention of Monterey’s name my chest tightens and a longing for her starts low in my core.

“You love her, don’t you?” Isabella asks.

I shrug. “It doesn’t matter.”

Suddenly my shirt collar tugs around my neck and I try to swallow a lump that has formed in my throat.

“Why?”

I crack a smile even though there’s no humor here. It’s like a defense mechanism. Because if I sit here long enough, I’ll have to eventually admit to myself—and my sister—that I’m completely in love with her. Like my whole life has been one big race, speeding toward the finish line, only to find the grand prize waiting for me is Monterey. “Because she doesn’t love me.”

Isabella opens her eyes and laughs. “Are you kidding me?”

The server interrupts us, setting down our burgers and making sure we have everything we need. I’m not paying attention to any of it. My heart pounds inside my eardrums, wondering if there’s something I’m missing.

Does Monterey love me?

Isabella laughs again. “You’re an idiot, big brother. I just met Monterey, but I am a woman, and I know what it’s like to love someone. And Monterey loves you. You have to be blind not to see it.”

My chest warms as I listen to my sister’s words. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

Something ignites inside me.

“Well, eat your burger so you can win her back.”

“I don’t know if I can do that.” Fucking fear making me hit the brakes again.

Isabella turns her head, studying me with her eyes. “Why not?”

“What if I’m…” my words fall away. I can’t even get these feelings out.

How can I say it out loud?

“What if you turn out like Dad?”

Even though we’ve been apart for years, it’s like she can read my thoughts like she could years ago. “Yeah.”

Isabella pushes her plate to the side. “Look at me.”

I laugh with a little eye roll, not wanting to face these raw emotions. “It’s fine.”

“No.” She shakes her head, pointing her finger at me. “Look at me, Dylan.”

I meet her eyes, but turn away quickly when the feelings hit deep in my chest.

She grabs my hand. “Look at me.”

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