Page 92 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“But how…?”

“You exhibit the behaviors of someone wealthy and powerful.”

“But that’s not enough to distinguish between Beatrix and me.”

“I took a guess. I assumed you were the older sister because of your independence.”

“And you decided to test it out when I was in a panic because you knew I would respond…” I was foolish to drop my guard. Of course he took advantage of me at the first opportunity.

“No. I was just half asleep at the time.”

I kept my eyes on the ocean, feeling the breeze through my hair.

“Do you want to talk about it—”

“No.”

After a pause, he said, “I’m here if you change your mind.”

“You don’t care about my problems, Cobra.”

Silence.

I watched the ocean, seeing the whitecaps under the moonlight.

“Actually…” He paused again. “I think I do.”

I turned to face him, to look at him for the first time since that dream had poisoned my mind.

His hard eyes were locked on mine. “I do.”

“You sound like you’re just realizing it.”

“Because I am.” He stared.

I stared back. “Do you have nightmares?”

“No.” His answer was immediate. “I guess I don’t have any regrets.”

“Consider yourself lucky…”

“It’s hard for me to get attached to people. Hard for me to care.”

“What about your brother?”

“Brothers. They’re the exception. I’d die for every one of them—even when we don’t get along. I’m lucky they’re all still living after all this time.” He looked forward and stared at the ocean. “Are you close with Beatrix?”

“We have our differences…”

“What kind of differences?”

“Well, she’s perfect. And I’m…lost.” Completely and utterly lost.

He was quiet.

I stared over the cliff and felt his gaze on the side of my face.

“Your father doesn’t know you’re here, does he?”