Page 125 of Pretty Broken Wings

My body physically reacts to the thought of leaving the two of them, rooting me to the spot. I fucking love my brother, even though sometimes, I fucking hate him. And Raven… I’m obsessed. I want to harness some of the strength she has and learn how to have it myself.

One more day. I just want one more day.

No.

I can’t watch them on their little date as they fall in love. My stomach twists at the thought.

I want that to be me.

Maybe it can be. A voice whispers.

No. It can’t.

One time. Just once.Then you can leave and never see them again.

What in the fuck? How can that be possible?

Switch places with Gage.

Fuck. My stomach twists as the thought takes root. That’s horrible. It would be so wrong. Plus, he’d never allow that. I shake my head, moving toward the door.

He doesn’t have to allow it.You’re identical. Figure out a way to get him out of the house. Tell him Mom’s hurt, and he has to go right away.

No! I hit my hands against my head, even as the plan sinks its claws into my chest.

Take it. Take one night where you feel love. Then you can disappear, and they’ll move on with their happy little lives.

I fight with the thought, pacing back and forth, back and forth.

No, I won’t.

Yes, I will.

Fuck! I rip at my hair. But the longer I think about it, the more I know I won’t be able to resist.

I can’t stop myself. I’ll take one date. One time where I feel something other than hatred. And then I’ll go.

CHAPTER SIXTY-SIX

What the hell is taking Gage so long?

I glance out the window. Gage told me he’d be out in a second and to get the car started, and that was, like, five minutes ago.

I shift, feeling stupid in my ripped jeans and jean jacket. The only nice clothes I have are my work clothes, and he’s already seen me in them. Does it matter? It doesn’t matter. I wish I had perfume to wear so he could tell I at least put some effort into it.

I wasn’t going to agree, even though deep down, I wanted to. I wanted to blush and jump up and down and act all stupid. But then, I saw Axel standing in the hallway.

Plus, I can always pull out. When this contract is done, I’m gone. I’ll start my life fresh. What’s keeping me from at least enjoying while I’m here? He can’t hurt me if I leave soon anyway.

The thoughts should be comforting. But for some reason, I feel all shifty, like I can’t get comfortable.

Finally, Gage steps out of the house, tucking a teal shirt into his pressed slacks. At first, I think he has the glasses, but then I see they’re the old pair. He moves around to the passenger side, shooting me a small smile. “Sorry about that.”

I arch an eyebrow. “That’ll cost you.”

Gage blinks, then laughs softly. “Damn. Bleeding me dry over here.”

The words are said jokingly, but I can’t help but wince. I’ve seen the amount of money he gives me every day. It’s more than I’ve ever seen in my life. And a tiny part of me feels bad.