Page 66 of Vicious Little Snakes

“What are you talking about? Roll over.”

She gives a frustrated groan and rolls over but doesn’t shut up.

“You stand behind Grey and your reputation. Behind your father and his legacy. Sooner or later, you need to be your own man.”

I know Caroline, but I can’t say that. The idea alone feels impossible. It’s weird to think she’s the only person who’s always seen me for exactly who I am.

When I don’t answer, she sighs, changing the subject.

“Okay, draw me, Brooks, but make sure I look perfect.”

“Not a problem, Carebear. I draw it like I see it.”

* * *

“Do you ever wish you could disappear? Like, get in the car and drive—no destination or purpose?”

Caroline’s never looked so carefree, dancing around the grass, like a child playing with a sparkler in her hand as she asks me the question.

The guys and I had gone into the town earlier, and for whatever reason, I’d bought a dozen packs. Not necessarily with her in mind, but now I’m making a mental note to buy a trunkful tomorrow.

“No. What’s the point of no destination?”

Caroline freezes, turning to stare at me for a moment like she’s pondering how to answer. Fuck, I wish I could read her mind in moments like this. She shrugs as I take another swig of my Coke before turning back to the night sky.

Her hand lifts, and she begins drawing letters against the dark backdrop of the lake with the sparkler.Tell her, Liam. Tell her she’s the one. Tell her you would leave and never look back, but only for her.

“Aww,” she breathes out, turning around and tossing the burned-out sparkler into the fire. She extends her hand to me for another, and I grin as I oblige but not before I lean forward and light it using the bonfire.

“Thank you.” She smiles.

Sweet Caroline is my favorite. Not because she’s polite but because she saves that version for only me. I rub my hand over my head, looking down at the sand before lifting to stare at her back.

“Why would you want to escape our world? Life’s only worthwhile because of the people in it, Carebear. I’d never leave them behind. Those people, you know, they mean everything to me.”

Fuck. I’m such a pussy.

She looks over her shoulder, back to the house where Kai and Grey retreated to a half hour ago. A sly smile draws out on those red lips.

“That’s your problem, Liam. You’re so fucking codependent on Grey.”

I’m talking about you.Just fucking say it. But I know why I can’t—because what if Caroline doesn’t feel the same anymore.

“And you aren’t attached to anyone?” I counter. “What about Kai?”

She glances at me like she’s lost in thought again. “Kai’s like my best friend—that’s different. Who would I have to be attached to?”

My eyes drift to the fiery streaks she creating in the background. I chew the inside of my cheek because I’ve long run out of toothpicks since this morning, as I watch her make loop after loop.Is that?A grin grows before I tamp it down. Son of a bitch.

Taking another drink of my Coke, I tilt my head. “Mmm. I think you underestimate what you feel. Maybe you’re more attached to someone than you realize.”

Caroline looks over her shoulder, almost irritated, rolling her eyes at me. “Unlikely.”

“Then why have you been drawing my name in the sky for the last few minutes?”

She freezes before glancing back at her hand that’s still extended in the air, then chucks the still burning stick into the ocean.

Gotcha, Carebear.