Page 57 of Fractured Constellations
“I suppose what’s done is done,” Richard states, clearly continuing the conversation that was taking place before I entered. “We could use it to our advantage, perhaps a campaign around the new treatment and Luna’s crucial role in its success.”
My eyes widen as all the breath leaves my lungs.
“What new treatment? What success?” I blurt, and his dark gaze finds mine, his eyes narrowing as if he’s annoyed by my questions.
“The treatment you’ve been having, Luna, is one that Banks Industries has developed for the treatment of Hodgkin’s. The testing has shown that it’s a miracle treatment, and you can be our poster girl, so to speak. Your results are promising, and the testing we’ve done shows a good success rate. I thought Dr. Harrison went through all of this with you?”
I glance at Chase, because he’s been the one to undertake my treatment plan, and his knuckles are white as he clutches his cutlery.
“He failed to mention the newness of the drug, or that we were the ones to make and trial it,” Chase grits out, carefully placing his cutlery down to face his father. “And I’ve found some concerning information about the trials, that suggest they were rushed, and Blade found research that states not all side effects have been published.”
Richard scoffs, waving his hand like they’re not discussing anything important. “I’m impressed you’ve been researching so thoroughly, but if you did find anything, it would have been from the early stages of development. I can assure you the treatment has passed all the necessary testing and all side effects are published and minimal.”
I suck my lower lip in, chewing it as I listen. He sounds genuine, but there’s something that I can’t put my finger on.
“So it’s safe?” I ask, and his gaze finds mine again. It softens, but somehow, it feels calculated, sending goosebumps pebbling over my skin.
“Of course it is, Luna. Your mother and I would never put you in jeopardy. You’re part of the family, and we look after our family, don’t we, boys?”
The guys murmur affirmatives, Thorn’s hand coming to land on my thigh. His skin warms mine through the leggings I’m wearing, and I take an inhale. “Of course, but I’m not sure Iwant to be some kind of poster girl for it. This is my journey, my battle, and I’d like to keep it private.”
There’s a slight twitch at the corner of Richard’s eye, but it’s gone before I can properly register it, then his forehead creases. “I understand that, I really do.” His head tilts to the side, his eyes imploring me to understand. “But, Luna, think of all the good you could do for others like you, other young people going through the same thing that you are. You could give them hope, connect with them through allowing them to follow your journey.”
My chest tightens, my palms becoming a little sweaty as his words sink in. Am I being selfish about this?
“I suppose if it could help others…”
“Excellent. I shall have my marketing team come up with a strategy, and we can organize a photoshoot when we announce the treatment. The boys can join you, —showing solidarity with the shaved heads could garner public sympathy.” It’s like I’m no longer even here, because he’s already coming up with all the ways he’s going to splash my cancer across the media, and my breathing picks up.
“Luna doesn’t have to do anything unless she agrees to it,” Thorn interjects, his hand squeezing my thigh, and it’s enough to have me gasping a breath. “If she’s comfortable with a photoshoot, then we can organize one.”
“Of course, Thorn,” Richard agrees. “I wouldn’t push her to do anything that she doesn’t want to, but you heard her, she does want to help others. Let’s talk options once my team has some ideas.” He picks up his coffee, taking a sip and dismissing the subject before I’ve even had a chance to think about all he said. “The next order of business is the start of the academic year. The triplets will be off to Harvard at the end of week, but don’t worry, Lorelei and I will be here to take over Luna’s care.”
“I’m not sure us leaving is a good idea. Luna still needs our support,” Chase interjects, and there’s that slight twitch again at the corner of Richard’s eyes.
“And you need to look to your futures and get your degrees. It’s what you’ve all been working towards for years. It would be a shame to throw it all away now, especially as Lorelei and I are more than capable of helping Luna through this too.”
Blade opens his mouth to say something, his nostrils flared, but I don’t want to cause an argument, so I speak before he can.
“I’ll be fine. You really should do what Richard says and focus on your studies. It’s important to keep working on your goals.” I hold Blade’s dark green gaze, begging him to not make this into an issue. Yes, I’m terrified about them leaving—they’re part of what’s keeping me going—but I can’t be selfish, especially as we don’t yet know if I’ll even survive. I can’t have them throw away their futures on something so uncertain.
Blade’s jaw works, but then he gives me a nod, and the tension in my shoulders eases. The rest of breakfast goes by quickly and mostly quietly, my mom talking about the time we will be spending together once the triplets head off with excitement that eases the terror of them leaving a little.
Richard finishes first, getting up and calling my mom to him as he leaves the room to no doubt start the ball rolling on making me his poster girl.
My chair is spun, leaving me gasping as Blade leans over me, fire burning in the depths of his eyes.
“I will only leave on one condition, Goldilocks,” he tells me, and I can’t take a full breath, the intensity of his gaze setting me alight.
“Anything,” I whisper, the word no more than a breath.
His mouth purses, and one of his hands lifts from the arm of my chair. Carefully, reverently, he places it over my chest, right on top of my pounding heart. “Keep this beating.” I can’t moveas his plea hits my very soul, his tone soft yet commanding. He’s not asking, he’s ordering me. “Just keep your heart beating for me, okay?”
I swallow, wishing it were just as simple as making a promise. “I’ll try?—”
“Not fucking good enough, Goldilocks. You will keep this heart beating because it no longer just belongs to you.” His fingers dig into my chest slightly, like he will break through the skin and bone and force it to keep pumping blood throughout my body.
“It’s ours, pretty stepsis,” Thorn whispers from behind me, his face nuzzling the space where my neck meets my shoulder. Then his hand comes on top of Blade’s, and I know it’s not really possible, but I feel his touch like a burn straight into my soul.
