Page 59 of Poison Aches

“I’m still going.”

“And how will you do that when you have no money?”

“What?” I quickly turn around and glare at my brother. “You’re joking,”

“Go and see if I’m a clown,” he threatens. “I know I said I’ll take care of your tuition and living expenses, but that is only if you stay away from New York City.”

“Samuel!”

“Just change your mind.”

“You’re forcing my hand by financially manipulating me?”

“Money answereth all things. Bible—Ecclesiastes 10, verse 19.”

“Seriously? Would God smile at this display of bullying?”

“Maybe not, but He will at the fact that I’m doing everything in my power to protect you, your heart, and your mind.”

With that he gives me one last look, glances at my packed bags, and then he turns to leave.

“Oh, and one more thing,” he suddenly says. “You better maintain the story we’ve been telling all these years. You remember nothing about Emmett Easton’s mother.”

He gives me a pointed look.

Panic sets in my bones. I know what he means but I can’t help but start to feel the restless guilt I’ve felt for years awaken in me.

“And if he ever finds out?” I whisper, feeling the dread hovering over me.

“You better pray you’ll feel nothing for him by the time the war breaks out.”

With that, he leaves without addressing the shock his words just caused in me.

A war will break out if Emmett ever finds out that I remember?

My phone vibrates with a text.

Immediately, my heart starts pounding so fast, I start to feel slightly dizzy, but I shake my head and read the text again.

Melissa: This is so exciting! Father can’t wait to meet you! Here’s the address. See you soon!

CHAPTER 8

Emmett

“Call your fucking sister.”

There’s a bit of static on the other line but I know the fucker heard me, but he stays silent.

I don’t bother filling the silence. After all, this is the fucking norm whenever this asshole calls.

Long stretches of silence…but it’s not awkward and neither of us gives a damn.

“Really?” George says in a clipped tone. “That’s the first thing you say the first time I call you after months of radio silence?”

“Has it been that long?” I murmur, swiping to the next page of the document on the iPad in my hand. “Never noticed.”

A low curse echoes over the line, but I don’t care. My mind has been racing for the past forty-five minutes.

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