Page 13 of Men Who Yearn

How did he clean up this body in a single day?

Even if I’d ask him, I doubt he’d tell me the truth.Not just because he doesn’t want to, but because he’s protecting his family.Because he wants to protectme.

I shudder and turn around again, jogging all the way back to campus where the bustling school life almost makes me forget about what I’ve witnessed.Until I see him.Standing there with a cigarette in his hand, leaning against the side of the main building, wistfully staring off into the distance.

I wonder what he’s thinking about.

If he dreamt about me last night like I did about him.

If he’s already forgotten me.

That man … I could never forget someone like him.

I gulp and resume my jog all the way back to the sorority, where I shut the door and breathe in and out a few times.Until my breathing comes to a full stop.Because on the table, right next to the door, is a giant—and I mean giant—bouquet of flowers with my name on it.

I stare at it for a moment as I gather the courage to approach, but my curiosity is too big to ignore.

I pick up the note and open it up.I’m blushing so hard it feels like my head is going to explode along with my heart.

I knew you’d remember me.Don’t ever forget or give up.

…

Good girl.

Yours,

Salvatore

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