Page 265 of The Curse Trilogy

“I don’t know yet. It was easier when they weren’t on a level playing field. Hale and I are counters, and I don’t have to tell you how incredible that draw feels. But Brazen is just as amazingly drawing. Either way, one of them will get hurt once the hope ends. I just don’t know which one.”

“Don’t you?” she asks very condescendingly, and I smirk a little.

“I actually don’t,” I snicker out.

“You will,” her motherly tone answers back, and then her eyes light up as Grayson walks back up on the roof.

His eyes hang low as he carries my drink, and Angelica has lost all interest in me now. She swishes over to Grayson, and her lips attack his with fervency. He almost drops the drink as it sloshes around when he shows his startled stance, and then his arms close around her to embrace the girl he has missed.

I walk by them and take my drink out of Grayson’s hand as I pass so he can hold her fully as their lips continue to devour each other. I disappear back inside, and I make my way to the fifth floor over the school.

The first boom of the fireworks erupts, and I feel my childish grin spreading as I walk toward the open doors of the balcony adjacent to a synthetic gardening area. The vibrant lights bounce around the sky before crackling to a fade and sizzling into disappearance. My smile widens as my hands slide across the balcony railing, and then something catches my eye from the corner, distracting me from the thundering beauties lighting up the sky.

It’s a large picture frame type of embedment in the wall. I gasp slightly when I realize what it is, and my hand rests over my mouth as I read the engraving.

This school was built on not just hope, but the very idea of hope. It was inspired by a woman whose bravery has surpassed the expectations of heroes. She is the voice of the ones too afraid to speak. She is the strength for those too weak or fragile to fight. She is the light for those still searching for their way. Most importantly, she is hope. She is our hope for a better future, and everyday she does more to ensure the safety, the happiness, and the chance at a better life for everyone. Araya Crush is an example for all children of all types. May this school carry on the legacy she has created.

Tears drizzle down my cheeks as I stare at the plaque illuminated by the still firing masterpieces behind me. I can’t believe he did this for me. My fingers stroll over and feel each word engraved into the stone. I feel so loved right now.

“That was going to be one of your birthday presents,” Hale softly murmurs from beside me, and I turn to face those soft, gentle, and longing hybrid blue eyes. “The construction wasn’t done yet, but I had them go ahead and install this so I could unveil it that night. I wanted it here because this is where the kids come to just get away from everything. It’s my favorite spot too. It seemed like the perfect place,” he continues, and his lips match the softness of his voice as they find the back of my hand.

I can’t speak, and thank you doesn’t even seem like it would be close to good enough for something this remarkable. I don’t think for a moment. I just shut down my brain and let my emotions take over as I very steadily move closer to him. My hand grips the back of his neck, and he doesn’t hesitate for a split second before meeting me in the middle.

His lips tangle with mine, and I cling to him as though he’s my only source of air. He grabs me at my waist and at the back of my neck as his perfect lips own mine. He grips me tighter, and I consider saying to hell with absolutely everything else and just giving myself to him.

I finally draw back, though it’s damn near impossible to do, and every inch of my body wants to slap my own face for doing such a stupid thing.

“You did this, Hale. Not me. You gave these kids this hope, not me. That should be your name up there. You don’t give yourself any credit,” I murmur adoringly, and his lips beseech mine again.

I give in without waver as he holds me to his body, and then I draw back once more to catch my breath before I do something even more foolish.

“I would have never done anything this extreme if I hadn’t fallen in love with you, baby. You were the inspiration, and that’s what this school is about… inspiration. The right name is displayed.”

I shiver lightly under his touch, and then I lean into him while resting my head on his chest.

“You staying with me?” he asks so hopefully, and this time it hurts to think of rejecting him.

“I can’t, Hale. I’m still working through some stuff, and I don’t want to give you false hope.”

“You can’t let me go either,” he smolders, and my hand caresses his cheek before I offer him one last sweet kiss.

“I know. It’s not fair, and I’m sorry.”

I start to walk off, and he pulls my hand in his once more.

“I’ll walk you back. You can’t go alone.”

I squirm awkwardly now that we’ve indulged in that incredible kiss. It’s definitely tempting to just fall into his arms right now, and I’m worried I won’t be able to walk away.

“If you promise to drop me off and go, then I’ll let you walk me back,” I shiver out, and he stifles his grin when he sees my wavering strength.

“I promise I’ll be a gentleman… at least for tonight.”

I suppress my own grin, and I loop my arm through his as we make our way to the elevator. A drunken, giggling couple display their passion despite our presence, and I have to lean into Hale’s chest to muffle the laughter I can’t hold back.

I feel him shaking lightly as the sloppy, wet slurps of kisses go on, and he pulls me closer as he bends over to hide his grin in my hair. The door dings, and the staggering duo slam into the wall while tipping too fast. Hale tugs at my hand, and he shakes his head as we walk in the opposite direction.

“I’m afraid you’re on the lower ranked floor, so you’ll have to endure such drunken displays,” he chuckles out.