Page 71 of Swan

“Um, yeah, bye.” Her brows pinched. Probably wondering why I had to bolt. As long as she didn’t think I was heading out on a date, I was fine with the quick departure.

Maya had better keep her damn trap shut, or I’ll fling more than paperclips at her head.

Out in the hallway, I heard Maya say, “I’ll be back in a tick. I just have to remind Drake of something.”

Jesus Christ.

I bolted for my room and nearly had the door shut when she pushed back on it. The witch must have run her arse off so I couldn’t lock her out.

“Does she know?” she hissed.

“Don’t know what you’re talkin’ about.”

“Bullshit, my brother. You have a thing for Swan.” She gasped. “And earlier you were testing me to see if I knew.” She laughed. “I wouldn’t have even thought it could be Swan if you hadn’t mentioned anything in the first place.” But then my sister sobered, and pity overtook her expression as she scrunched up her nose. “Drake….”

Groaning, I scrubbed a hand over my face. “I know.”

“You know?”

Turning, I stalked further into the room and heard Maya close the door.

“I fuckin’ know that my chances of Swan being mine are slim. She’s been through a lot, and she’s only ever seen me as a friend. Hell, she probably considers me as family since we’re all so close.”

“But?” Maya asked.

“But… I can’t stop wantin’ her as mine. This feelin’ hasn’t just grown. She’s been coiled around my heart for years.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Nothin’.”

“What?”

“I want this to be up to her. I don’t want to force anythin’. If she could come to want me as I do her, then I’ll have everythin’ I’ve ever wanted in life. If she doesn’t and finds someone else to make her happy, then I’ll eventually move on.”

Or at least I’d try to.

“I don’t even know where her head is to even think about dating. Do you want me to find out?”

“No, Maya. Don’t go puttin’ anythin’ in her head. Let her work herself out. All I’m gonna do is try to spend as much time as I can with her without it lookin’ set up or anythin’. Please, for the love of God, keep this to yourself.”

“I promise I won’t say a word. Not even to Texas if you don’t want me to.”

“I think he’s figured it out. But no one other than you, him, and Griz know.”

“Griz?” She choked over the word, half laugh and half shock.

Chuckling, I nodded. “Yeah. He threatened me. And of course he hates the idea of his daughter into anyone, but I think he’d be okay if it was me.”

“That’s lucky. But are you sure?—”

“If you question what I fuckin’ feel for that woman, I’ll….”

Her hands shot up in front of her, and she pressed down on air. “Simmer down. I wasn’t going to do that. I can see the strength of what you’re feeling. I was going to ask if you’re sure you want to leave it up to her?”

“She lost the love of her life. I doubt she’d be interested in anyone anytime soon.”

“It’s been over a year.”

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