Page 76 of The Masks We Break

A sheet of warmth coats my neck. “What do you mean?”

He gestures to me, making me laugh and simultaneously spreading my blush onto my face. “Girl, you used to hide under your clothes, wrap around yourself at the slightest embarrassment, and your speech… I haven’t heard you complain about your stutter once in weeks.”

I swallow his words and try to digest what he’s saying. I mean, I don’t dress differentlyforBlaze, but his constant words of encouragement have injected me with an infectious type of self-confidence. Instead of seeing a girl with a thicker bottom half, I see a woman embracing her curves. It’s also true I don’t cower anymore and am now vocal with my wants and needs.

Blaze didn’t just tell me I was in control of my own happiness; he showed me how to do it.

My heart accelerates, thrumming in my chest as though to lead me to its match. I check the time on my phone. He should be finishing up his morning run by now.

Maybe I could slip out and see him before he goes to work.

“Whatever it is, it looks damn good on you.”

I match his smile. “Thank you, William. Now, number seven.”

He growls. It’s so deep my chest feels the vibrations—Dang werewolf.

Just as he starts to solve the problem, the front door lock clicks and swings open. Amora walks in, brown bags hanging from the crook of her elbow and two drinks in either hand.

“Hey, girlie. I got us some Starbies—” She pauses, halfway done kicking off her booties, and stares at William like she’s seen a ghost. Her face blanches, a grimace taking over her naturally happy features. “What the hell is he doing here?”

“Well, hello to you too, darlin’.” William drops his pencil, leaning into the couch again. “It’s been a while.”

Amora’s keys land in the entryway bowl with a loud clang, clenching her teeth. “Not long enough.”

My eyes bounce between the two, confusion mixing with the heavy tension suddenly filling the room. Amora’s posture is rigid, her muscles tight, while William is relaxing, a lazy smile curls the edge of his lips.

I point at her, then to him. “What am I missing?”

There was a small moment the two exchanged at a high school party, but to my knowledge, that was the extent of their interaction.

Amora stalks toward me, handing me a cup before she turns toward the kitchen.

William laughs, but it doesn’t seem genuine. “Little lady over there has never been put in her place, and she’s still holdin’ a grudge, I see.”

“Fuck off. Why are you even here, Will?” Amora bites, spinning around at the bar, and shoving a hand on one hip.

Will?

“Studying with Remy. Is that a problem?” Still, William remains calm, brushing his hands over his jeans as if it’s a casual conversation. “You seem a little tense. Need a lil’ reprieve?”

He tilts his head back and winks at her.Winks!

What in the heck am I missing? I open my mouth to ask, but Amora cuts me off, tossing her freshly manicured nails in the air. “I’m still getting over the massive disappointment from the first time.”

Okay.I stand, blocking Will from her view. “How about everyone calm down?”

William mirrors me, grabbing his books before pulling to his feet. “It’s cool, I was just leaving. I’ll see you in the morning at the wake.”

I shoot Amora a quick glance but agree. “Yeah, let me walk you out.”

He narrows his eyes but nods, leading us out the front door. When I close it, the heat hits my face, even in thirty-degree weather. I can’t see him, but I know he’s there, and my heart flutters.

“That was nothing, really.” William sighs, running a hand over his head, looking at my front door. “Just a little conflict from the past.”

Part of me wants to ask, but the other thinks it’s best I don’t get involved. If either of them wanted to tell me, they’ve had ample time to, so perhaps it’s not for me to know.

Will pats my shoulder, staring down the length of the door before smiling softly. “Just remember, Rem, if a guy really wants you, he’ll do what he needs to. Don’t accept anything less.”

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