Page 42 of Good Losers (Lochkelvin Academy)

“Maybe that’s something you need to find out. I’m sorry,” Rory murmurs. “For what it’s worth, I never wanted to cause you harm. But your family’s greed and web of lies has brought this on you. I’m sorry.” He buries his face in Luke’s neck, embracing him fully. “How can I make it up to you, if anything?”

There is a long moment of silence, but then Luke pulls away. “You will never be able to. You have ripped my life apart.”

“I understand.”

“However…”

Rory glances up at him in surprise, the shine of optimism bright in his eyes. “Anything.”

“Right now, I need to take some time to myself. But after? Well, I have never led a life of my own. I have never… experienced what others experience.” There’s hesitation in Luke’s voice, as though he’s embarrassed by his words.

“Experience?” Rory asks. “Like what?”

Luke’s gaze drifts across to mine, and heat rises in my belly, spreading across my body into an all-consuming blush. “I have lived a regimented life, surrounded by guards and trained for the throne. What I am saying, in a roundabout way, is that I have never once in my life had fun.”

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