Page 51 of Revere

I’m still shaking when I take a step back, wiping my wet cheeks. It’s nearly impossible to pull myself together, but I straighten my spine and clear my throat. Fighting for air when Alex just sucked it all from the universe.

“You’re talking,” I repeat, like that can make it real.

Alex nods.

“I didn’t even know if you could speak after what they did.”

“No one knew,” he says. “They still don’t.”

My eyes dart between Alex and Mila. “You’re only talking to her?”

He nods again.

“And you’re…” I glance at where my brother and Mila are still holding hands. “Are you sure this is a good idea, Alex?”

“I’m not taking advantage of him if that’s what you’re worried about.” Mila’s defenses are on full alert because she doesn’t realize that’s not why I’m asking the question.

My gaze snaps to my brother. “That’s not what I’m talking about.”

And he knows it.

“I’m fine,” he says, and I hope I can believe him.

“Okay.” I leave it at that. “I guess we’re all going to dinner then? Do Mom and Dad know she’ll be there?”

“No.”

This should be interesting. The fact that Mila was at his side under the pretenses of friendship sent my mother into a tailspin, but if he walks in holding her hand, my mother might lose all composure.

“I can stay here if I’m interrupting. It seems like it might be a family thing.” Mila tries to pull away from Alex, but he doesn’t let her. “I doubt your parents even want me there, Alex. I wasn’t invited.”

“Don’t worry,” I respond for him, knowing we’re in this now, whether we like the outcome or not. “They don’t want me there either. And Igotan invitation.”

“Besides.” Alex tips Mila’s chin up. “I want you there.”

“So, this is real then?” I ask. “You two are actually happening?”

“We are.” Mila is the one to answer.

No pause this time. The truth bleeding between us. Which means there’s only one thing we can do, and that’s see how this goes.

“And to think, I was going to stay in LA and skip this dinner.” As much as I hate being here, they’re going to need me tonight.

17

SERPENTS AROUND EVERY CORNER

PATIENCE

“Put this on.”Mom shoves a sweater over my shoulders, and I tug it closed. “The new deacon will be here any minute.”

“Why is he coming to our house?”

Mom frowns. “He’s a former associate of your father’s, and he’s new to town. We’re helping get him settled.”

Former associate can only mean one thing, especially where members of my parents’ church are concerned. He’s Sigma Sin. Ironic, really, considering men of God shouldn’t be crafted from a fraternity built by the devil himself.

“Why do I need to be here?”