Page 90 of Van Cort

So she worked, studied, volunteered at the only shelter in town, and did anything else Rhett deemed useful for her application. He even waved the issue of money off like it was of no consequence. Of course, to him, it wasn’t.

She didn’t tell him that it made her feel ashamed that she couldn’t afford her own way, but West saw it in her.

He always saw too much.

Music lessons had morphed into extra tutor lessons, and the time they had for each other shrunk under the pressure of carrying all of the hopes for Harvard.

At least West had to study alongside Lara. Although sometimes she wondered if it was a ruse for him and a way of supporting her. Rhett only knew how to do that in one way. He was harsh and demanding about everything in his life, and that didn’t waver for Lara. It never had.

And, with the final decision of her entry outside of his direct control, the cracks in his exterior broke with cruel intent, fuelledby more and more alcohol. The music room might still have been their safe place, and they still waited for each other in the passageways, out of sight, but now, they studied.

Lara knew if she didn’t get into Harvard, all of this would be for nothing, and she’d have to leave West and Rhett. The world as she knew it would end, and right now, Lara didn’t know how that would land with Rhett. He was too busy taking care of everyone, protecting West, that he somehow thought that drowning himself in alcohol might stave off whatever demons he was chasing.

It didn’t work.

Lara wished he’d talk to her and open up. Foolishly, she thought that he would. They shared a connection that went deeper than any mere friendship. She’d witnessed the true extent of what his father was capable of, and that might have been the one and only time Rhett allowed her to help him.

His dominant streak had only grown from that night they first slept together, building, sharpening, and now it was laced with pain. His own, maybe, but the excitement she first felt with him, that ruthlessness that was so intriguing in him, now danced with danger. Warning bells sounded, and it was West – his comfort and his presence – that silenced them.

***

The exams came, but that didn’t lift the tension that had grown between them. It was now the beginning ofspring.And there was nothing to do now but wait. And hope.

The warmer weather was just around the corner, and they were planning a weekend away on the island. To take their minds off the wait for news.

Lara gathered her supplies, making sure her hunting knife was packed alongside the clothes and toiletries. A change ofscenery was what West had said, and they’d all agreed. Even Rhett.

It had been a while since they visited the island. And too long since they could just relax and enjoy being themselves together.

Her stomach knotted when she thought about possibly losing them.

Or being left behind. She was selfish enough to want them both, and to keep them both.

She closed the door to the cottage and walked through the well-worn path towards the lawn of the mansion, and then down to the boathouse where Rhett and West were meeting her.

Anxious excitement built in her stomach at spending such uninterrupted time with them that wasn’t focused on study.

She made it to the jetty, and the breeze from the water crept through her jacket and chilled her skin.

“Any news?” Rhett called from behind her.

“No.” She shook her head. It was his familiar greeting now. Everyday.

She didn’t know who was more anxious. He didn’t keep his distance and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear. “You’ll be fine. I’m not losing you.”

The declaration was everything she needed to hear, but it also swamped her in the pressure of getting the acceptance. It curdled her stomach every time she thought of it. She couldn’t change anything now, though. It was done. In fate’s hand. Or, rather, some academic board’s hands. So she grabbed hold of the sweet, rare moment Rhett shared and tucked it away in her heart, safe and protected.

Her eyes studied his, and the intensity lifted her pulse. It always did. With either of them.

Rhett’s attention was pulled from her, and they both turned to see West storming towards them. His head lowered, his strides determined. He looked more like his brother than himself.

“What’s wrong?” Lara asked.

“Nothing. Let’s go.” He stormed past her and Rhett and towards the boathouse.

“West?” she called, but Rhett shook his head and pulled her back a fraction, as if he was worried she would go after him.

“Do you know?” she asked.