Page 49 of Revere

On a plane to Bristal, who knows who could be listening.

“I can relate to that.”

“You aren’t close with your family?”

He shakes his head. “Not particularly.”

No elaboration. I suppose I can’t judge him, considering I didn’t bother going into details about my family life either.

“Buckle up.” His gaze drops to my lap. “There’s a storm over Bristal; the ride might get bumpy.”

His tone is commanding yet calming. And I realize that his presence had me completely forgetting I was even sitting on a plane until that comment.

“Wonderful,” I grumble, buckling myself in.

“Don’t worry.” Jacob slides a hand onto my thigh like there’s been no time at all between his office and this moment, like there’s nothing inappropriate about it. “I’ll distract you, Patience Lancaster.”

And he does, without needing to so much as say anything. Because when Jacob is beside me, all I think about is him.

My stomach swoops as the plane takes off, and he laces his fingers through mine, and he holds my hand the entire flight while I stare out the window, wondering what in God’s name I’m doing.

Mila hasn’t responded to my texts today, so I decide to drop by the dorm before heading to my parents’ house for dinner.Anything to put off the inevitable. But as I pull into the dorm’s parking lot, I spot Alex standing outside, leaning against his car.

His dark-blond hair blows in the slight breeze, and his posture is relaxed, like he’s patiently waiting for something.

I park the car beside him and climb out.

“Alex?” My eyebrows pinch. “What are you doing here?”

He’s supposed to meet me at our parents’ house since I was planning to drive straight to and from the airport. I never told him I was dropping by the dorm room first, so I can’t be the reason he’s here.

Movement from the building catches my attention, and my question is answered in the form of Mila walking outside. She’s in her usual short summer dress, but slightly dressier than normal. And for a second, I think maybe it’s a coincidence that she’s walking toward us, until Mila pushes her hair off her shoulders, and I realize how my brother is looking at her.

I assumed them spending time together was out of friendship or obligation, but the blush that climbs her cheeks when her gaze meets his tells a different story. And when her eyes dart to where I’m standing beside my car, the color drains from her face.

“Patience?” Mila winces slightly. “I didn’t know you’d be here this weekend.”

Guilt.

It’s written all over her face. Mila has feelings for my brother, and she’s been hiding them.

Ice shoots through my veins as that sinks in, and not because of the secret they’ve been keeping. Not even because my best friend has been seeing my brother. But because I know him.

I love Alex. He’s the only person in my life who has been there for me unconditionally. But he’s capable of terrible things. He’s shed blood. Taken lives. Done worse than the things that were done to him.

Mila involving herself with a Sigma Sin member is one thing, but my brother is downright dangerous.

“I came to town to have dinner with the family. I’m taking a flight back to LA later tonight, so I didn’t say anything.” My gaze moves from Mila to Alex. “What are you guys—are you?—”

I already know the answer, but my mind is resisting it. Even as Alex watches Mila like she’s the center of the universe. Or worse, his prey.

“Oh my god.” Heat drains from my cheeks as I take a small step back.

All around me, my friends are sinking in Sigma House quicksand, while I’m fighting for my life to escape.

“I can explain.” Mila steps toward me, but as she tries to walk past my brother, he snags her hand, stopping her at his side.

I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen Alex touch someone on purpose. At least, not unless he was beating them to a pulp.