Page 95 of Heart Sick Hate

“You’re only saying that because you love me.”

“Maybe.” Dad laughs, and I can’t help but smile. “But I’m also saying it because I’m right. You’re special, sweetie. Unique. It’s what draws people to you.”

“That and Rhett standing at my side.”

Dad frowns, patting the back of my hand. “They love him for what he promises, but they love you for who you are. Doesn’t matter how well they know you. They see it.”

I wish he was right. I wish I was still that girl he thinks I am. Pure, holy. Deserving of a place in his church when I feel the flames of Hell nip at me each time I step inside.

“Maybe your expectations of me are too high.” I pull my hands back and plant them in my lap. “What if I can’t live up to that?”

“That’s not something you need to worry about.” Dad shakes his head. “I expect nothing from you, Echo, except for you to be who you really are. And who you are is a girl her father is proud of. More than anything I’ve done in my life, watching you succeed is my greatest gift.”

“Even with my tattoos and hair?” I wave up at the black and blonde.

“Especially with those.” He smiles. “It’s your differences that make you who you are. I know Rhett gives you a hard time about it, but he’ll understand someday. Like I said, he still has some growing up to do. In life—and in his role.”

“I hope so.”

I really do. If I’m going to be stuck with him, one of us needs to begin to like the other as more than friends.

“I know so.”

The waitress drops off the check and Dad pulls some cash from his pocket as he stands. His bodyguards takethe cue and make their way to the door, while Dad helps me with my chair.

“You’ll be there tomorrow night to celebrate the official opening day announcement for Eternal Light’s new location, right?”

I nod. “Wouldn’t miss it.”

“It’s all going to work out for the best, Echo.” Dad plants his hands on my shoulders and gives them a gentle squeeze. “Rhett will love you second to none but the Lord.”

I’m sure he will. Just like I know Crew in all his evil intent would put me first.

But Rhett is perfect. He’ll be the golden beacon for the church and the cookie-cutter husband. Rhett is everything a girl could ask for, and more.

If only I wasn’t falling in love with his brother.

28

Crew

Doesn’t matter how manytimes I shower. I smell her on me.

Lavender, innocence, darkness, and sex. The perfect blend of unholy temptation. And in Oakland, I had her in my arms, on my lap, in my bed.

She wasmine.

Except now, we’re back in LA, and she’s standing next to my brother pretending to be his.

An itch crawls my skin.

Before Echo, I never felt truly attached to anything, not even this world. But she’s the cord. The sole being breathing life through my otherwise cold veins. She’s got me thinking dangerous shit like ‘til death. And she has the fucking nerve to tell me she thinks I lack commitment.

I spin her promise ring around between my fingers as I watch her through the crowd.

She’s avoiding looking in my direction, but I know she senses me. Feels me lingering in the air around her. The same way she’s encompassing my head. Ever since I first got a taste of her electric heat, it’s all I ever want to spark me to life again.

Tonight, Echo’s hair is pulled back in a perfect ponytail. I want to grab it and bend her over. Fuck her in front of everyone in this room to prove to them who she really belongs to. But I need to be patient and let this play out.

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