Page 61 of Living with Death

“But she didn’t need to be forced to decide between living with you or dying. That was unfair.”

I sigh, sitting back in my chair and looking down at the unique markings on my forearms before looking at my brother’s. We all have them—Michael’s twist upward, outlined in gold, going over his shoulders. Mine swirl down onto my hands and cover my back.

Michael stills. “Her grandfather has written her a letter. He has informed Mabel that you have tricked her.”

I frown. “How is that possible?”

“Because He has allowed it. You will have to face the consequences of your choices, brother, and there’s nothing I can do about it.”

Chapter Nineteen

The ride is quiet, and Azrael stares out the window, watching the trees. The driver is separated from us by a partition, so it's just the two of us.

“What did you do all day?” I ask, breaking him from his thoughts. His elbow rests on the door, and his fingers run over his chin. He turns to me, eyes gleaming.

“I read a book.”

“A whole book?”

“Yes. It was fascinating.”

“What was the name of this book?”

“It was one you had on your shelf. Stephen King was the author.”

“The Shining?” I ask.

“That's the one.”

“You readThe Shiningin one day?”

“Is that so hard to believe?”

I laugh. “Yes.”

He lifts his shoulder. “Well, how long did it take you to read it?”

“Weeks. It took me actual weeks.”

He smiles, the moon gilding his face. “I read faster than you.”

“Obviously.” I grin, looking out my window.

He reaches over and links our fingers, bringing them to his lips. “How was your day?”

“Awful. I was away from you.”

He smiles against my hand. “Liar.”

I grin and roll my eyes. “My day was fine. Spent it trying to find out information on Cassie.”

“And how did that go?”

“Well, I found her mother's information. I will contact her to see if I can help get Cassie into rehab.”

He nods, but his eyes go back to his window. “You know you can't help someone who doesn't want help.”

“I know, but I want to say I tried.”

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