Page 99 of Cold Hard Truth

“But enough about me.” Reed bites back a smile. “What’s going on with you and my brother? I’ve barely been able to get you alone these past couple of days.”

“I’m sorry.” I frown.

“Please don’t apologize.” She rolls her eyes. “You two have been destined since we were kids. I get it. I don’t blame you. I’m just surprised. These past few years Sage has been—”

“Flirty? A fuckboy? All things I already know.” I laugh, finishing her sentence.

“Well, yeah.” She rolls her eyes. “But also, in love with you.”

Her comment has my smile dropping. “I don’t know if I’d take it that far.”

“Lyla, I know my brother. When you left, it fucked him up in ways I think he’s still trying to figure out. And the way he worked through that wasn’t the healthiest…” She sighs. “But that was him coping, and now…” She waves her hand at me.

“I’m back.”

“Exactly. I don’t think he can handle it again.”

“I’m not trying to hurt him.” I hate the idea that I ever did.

“Lyla, I know that, okay?” Reed rests her hand on my shoulder. “That’s not what I’m saying. I know you went through unspeakable things, so I don’t blame you for leaving. I mean look at me, I got out the second I could too, and I didn’t go through what you did. You tried to stay longer than either Ellie or me, and we both know why that is.”

“Sage.”

She nods. “What I’m saying is that it doesn’t matter whether it’s been eight years or just one. Time heals different wounds at different speeds, and you’re both still raw from everything that was left unresolved between the two of you. So just be careful. I don’t want my brother on Kane’s bad side unless you’re sure about what you’re doing.”

I’d like to tell her I am because I want to be. But it’s been so long since I’ve stayed in one place, I barely remember how—even for Sage.

“I love you, Lyla. You’re like a sister. You and Ellie made growing up in that place bearable.”

Tears well up in her eyes and it brings my own. “I still miss her every day.”

Reed takes my hand. “Me too. But I also missed you. And so selfishly, I’m not just talking about Sage right now because I don’t want to lose you again either.”

I squeeze her hands, and she pulls me in for a hug.

Family.

That’s what Reed is when I don’t have much left.

Hugging her tight, I speak low so Mason can’t hear us. “I love you too, Reed. So be careful, please. I sense something’s off with you.”

Reed pulls back.

“You don’t have to tell me what it is right now.” I shake my head. “When you’re ready, we’ll talk.”

“Thanks, sis.”

“Sis?” Sage’s voice comes from behind me, catching my attention. “Hearing shit like that makes me feel dirty.”

“If anything should make you feel dirty, wouldn’t it be what you did to me last night?” I wink at him as he rubs his eyes.

Mason bursts out laughing from the couch and Reed squeals with disgust. “Gross.”

But Sage just grins at me because he likes that I have no filter.

“On that note, I’m out of here.” Reed hops off the stool.

“No, don’t go. I take it back.” I grab her hand.

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