Page 95 of My Favorite Secret
Her lips press into a worried line as she contemplates Thomas’s words. “I’ll be fine. But will you? You don’t need to do this alone.”
“I’ll manage, honey. I’ve asked Tyler to watch over you while I’m gone.”
She rolls her eyes, smiling. “Dad, I’m an adult. I don’t need watching over.”
“I know, but it puts me at ease knowing you have someone with you.”
“What about Felix? If you’re implying it’s time for him to return home?—”
“Of course not.” Thomas looks at my brother. “We’ve had our differences, but Felix has been incredible during this time of need.”
Felix nods. “Thank you, sir.”
Harper places her bag on the ground. “I’d like to be with you in Italy, but I think you’re right that I should stay behind. It’s what Mom would want. She dedicated a lot of time to my dancing.”
“I agree,” Thomas says. “I’m glad we’ve had this conversation.”
“Well, I should get on with my night. I have new pointeshoes to sew. Will you two be studying in the library after dinner? I’ll sit with you while I sew.”
Felix gives Harper a teasing nudge in the ribs. “Aren’t I supposed to be sewing your shoes as punishment for picking you up late from ballet?”
The two of them laugh. Thomas lets out a happy sigh. My eyes flick to him and I realize he’s watching all three of us with glassy eyes.
“Are you okay?” I ask, confused.
“Yes. I’m just thinking about Clara and how happy she would be to see you all reunited. She always held a special place for the Blackwood boys in her heart, especially you and Felix. She said you were her sons. I’m glad to see you three have each other to lean on for support.”
Harper licks her lips, her smile a little nervous and her cheeks hot. Like me, I’m sure she feels guilty for deceiving her father. But I can also see the heat in her eyes. The addiction to me and my brother.
As of next week, the three of us will be living alone in this apartment. No more sneaking around. We won’t be able to stop fucking even if we try.
CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE
HARPER
“Did I miss anything important at the academy today?” Cindy barely finishes speaking before a coughing fit takes over. I wince and pull the phone away from my ear. She’s been out sick with the flu for two days.
“Nothing you can’t catch up on.”
The elevator doors slide open, delivering me home after a long day of dance. It’s Friday night and I’m more than ready for the weekend to start. As I step into the hallway, heading for my apartment, Cindy enters another coughing fit.
“Babe, you need to rest,” I tell her. “We’ll talk later. Don’t worry about ballet.”
“I’m more concerned about missing Kaleb North’s party next weekend. I think he could be into me. My cousin tells me he’s the most popular guy at her school. I need to send you a photo. We’d make such a cute couple. Promise me we’ll go to the party if I’m not sick.”
I laugh, having heard all about this new crush of Cindy’s earlier in the week. “I already told you I’d come to the party to support you.”
“I know but you’re always with Tyler and Felix.”
“I’m not ditching you for them. We’ll go to the party, just us two. Now go to sleep so you can recover.”
“Okay. Love you.”
Before I can say goodbye, a second voice chimes in on her end of the call—bright, teasing and loud. Cindy’s little sister. “Love you, Felix and Tyler! Can you share me instead of Harper?”
There’s a beat of stunned silence. Then Cindy’s voice cuts in, horrified. “Amalie! Get out of my room!”
My heart drops. I come to an abrupt stop in the hallway, barely able to speak more than a whisper. “You told you sister about Felix and Tyler? No one is supposed to know.”
