Page 58 of Of Light and Dark

I sit at the island,my hands wrapped around the now empty mug, and let my gaze wander through the three sets of French doors. The property behind the mansion is as grand as the house itself. The bluestone patio is visible as far as the eye can see through the glass. There is an inground lap pool with adjoining hot tub and lush green grass that has been well cared for even if no one lived here.

Around ten, Nate walks in from the hallway leading to the garage. He balances a large white box in one hand while two black duffel bags are strapped over each shoulder.

"Too lazy to walk twice?" George remarks in a dry tone as he faces my brother.

Nate places the box next to me on the island. "Nope, just left the heavy stuff for you."

Their comfortable banter is new, and I don't know if Nate is this relaxed because I am finally where he has wanted me for the past week or if it's something else. My gaze ping-pongs between the two men, waiting for what happens next. I expect everything from George pulling his Glock—which is strapped to his side at all times—to walking over and smacking my brother over the head. Instead, his stoic face is on full display, and all he does is glower at Nate for several breaths before he walks out, muttering to himself.

I focus back on my brother. "What’s all this?" I dip my head toward the items he deposited in front of me.

He unzips the first bag and reveals enough electronic equipment to put one of those Best Buy stores Dad dragged us to as kids out of business.

"What the—?" My eyebrows shoot upward.

"Everything you'll need, little sis." He shoves his hand into his jeans pocket, and something flies toward me. "Oh, and here."

I barely catch the object.

"Happy Birthday." He looks like the Cheshire cat.

This grin is never good.

Slowly, I glance down and frown at the item in my palm. Is that—? My eyes shoot back up. "You’re giving me a car?"

Nate shrugs nonchalantly. "Well, it’s kind of my fault you totaled your Jeep. So, it’s appropriate I replace it."

I turn the key fob over and suck in a breath. "A Mercedes?" My voice is shrill, and I'm not sure if it's from shock or excitement. My rapid pulse could be from either.

Misinterpreting my outburst, his face falls. "If you don't like it, you can buy something else."

"Don't like it? ARE YOU NUTS?" I jump off the barstool and tackle my brother. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

He chuckles. "You don’t even know what model it is."

I squeeze tighter. "I don't care." Peering up at him, I add, "I know you. You would never give me anything less than the best. You don't do average."

The corner of his mouth tilts up. "Guess you do know me."

Suddenly, I feel like someone has punched me in the stomach, and I jerk back. Nate scowls, about to say something, when my hands fly to my mouth, and I blink against the stinging sensation in my eyes.

It’s my birthday. My eighteenth birthday.

"What’s wrong?" He gently grabs me by the upper arms.

I haven't been away from Rhys on my birthday for as long as I can remember. Even when we didn't speak, he was always there that day—in the background, but he was there. Tears stream down my face, and I press my lips together, not to start sobbing uncontrollably.

"Good Lord, Nate. What did you do now?" George’s exasperated tone brings me back to the present.

I wipe under my nose. "I’m sorry. It’s just..."

"Rhys?" Nate concludes in a flat tone.

I nod. The waterfall is back in full force. I'm such a mess. I left to keep them safe then break down if someone just mentions his name.

"Let me set up the system, and we can call him?" Nate phrases it more like a question.

I want to hear his voice more than anything, but— I cut my thoughts off.

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