Page 77 of Hard Rock Fling

I couldn't tell her.

"Hurt bad enough I'm worried for his safety." Worried for his life. "But I don't think he'll ever forgive me if I told."

Faith squeezed my hand. "I guess it comes down to what's more important. Is his safety more important than his feelings for you? Are you willing to watch him get hurt just so he won't be upset with you?"

I shot off the bed. "Of course not! His safety is the only thing that matters."

"Then I guess you know what you have to do."

My shoulders slumped. "It's not that easy. I don't want to betray his trust."

She pursed her lips. "Well. You don't necessarily need to be the one who tells."

"What do you mean?"

"He's in trouble. Even though he doesn't want anyone to know, I'm sure deep down inside somewhere he's desperate for help. You need to convince him. Get him to ask for help so you don't have to go behind his back."

I stared at her for a few minutes before throwing my arms around her shoulders. "How do you always know what to say?"

"That's what sisters are for."

I pulled back and wiped the tears from my cheeks. "Thanks."

I hoped she was right. I had to talk to Ian. I had to make him understand. To convince him to get help.

And if that didn't work, if Ian didn't agree to tell someone…

I pushed those thoughts aside, not wanting to get ahead of myself. Talk to Ian first. Then decide what to do.

Faith took my hand. "Hope… can I assume Mr. Sexting is the one you're talking about?"

I stiffened, but then remembered she didn't know who he was. "Yeah. It's him."

Worry flickered across her face. "I just need to ask. Are you sure? I don't want you to be making a mistake, getting involved with this guy."

"So what if I am? It's my mistake to make."

"What if he hurts you?"

"Then I guess I'll have to live with a broken heart."

And there it was. I finally admitted it to myself, the words I'd been avoiding.

I was in love with Ian.

Even if he would never love me back, even if I meant nothing to him, it didn't change my feelings. I would help him, whether he wanted me to or not.

"Is he really worth it?"

Flashes of Ian's face flicked across my vision, echoes of his words in my ears.

You keep up the good work, sweetheart.

Does the princess need more wooing from her prince?

Tell me you want this. Tell me you want me.

"Yes. He is."