Page 69 of Stolen Moments

For everyone. I think about my childhood friends back home, who need me too.

“I don’t like it,” he grumbles.

“I don’t like it either, but this is how it has to be. It’s only for a little bit longer, I promise.”

“How much longer?”

The original plan was until Chris’s final tuition payment was paid, but I don’t know if I can wait that long. “At least until the end of summer, and then I’ll tell you everything.”

His gaze flicks over my face, but I give nothing away.

His shoulders sag. “Okay. When you’re ready to talk, I’m here. I won’t judge you. I never would. You’re everything to me, Emmy. You, my dear sister, are all I need in this world. I don’t care about anything else. You know that, right?”

Tears well in my eyes, and I clear my throat. “I know, Chrisy. You mean everything to me too. It’s me and you against the world; I haven’t forgotten. That’s why I need a little bit more time. It’s going to be okay.”

I don’t know if my words reassure him, but he accepts my answer.

I take a deep breath, pushing away my negative thoughts. Everything has to work out. I have to believe that in order for me to keep doing what I’m doing.

Chris pulls me into a tight hug, and I can’t help the tears that fall down my cheeks as I think about the cage I inadvertently trapped myself in. Instead of walking away all those years ago, as I should have, I let my parents manipulate me. I let them scare me into submission. Only now, I have more to lose and I won’t let that happen.

I can’t lose Mason. I don’t think my heart could handle the loss.

Chapter twenty-two

Mason & Emery

Text Chain

April 6

Mason: I’m sorry for cutting our weekend short. Can I make it up to you?

Emery: I’m listening.

Mason: I have a thing in Seattle next week. I have to be back in L.A. on Monday, but I’d like to spend my Saturday with you. Can I see you?

Emery: You can see me.

Mason: I can’t wait to boss you around.

Emery: **Eye Roll Emoji**

Emery: Me too.

April 20

Mason: I can’t get the image of you sprawled out on the bed and crying out my name while I was eating your delicious pussy out of my head.

Emery: Mason…

Mason: Emery…

Emery: I’m at work.

Mason: So?

Emery: You’re so bad. I told you not to send me filthy texts during work hours.

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