Page 67 of Carved in Ice (Made of Steel 3)

“You two were written in the stars, right? You were destined to be together. He’s your one great love.”

“He broke my heart.”

“And didn’t you do the same to him?”

I wasn’t even sure why he was asking me these questions. He had read the letter I wrote to Miles. He knew the answers. He knew everything.

“Just admit that you’re still in love with him.”

“Why? Why does it matter to you?”

“Because I want to know the truth.”

A tear rolled down my cheek and I quickly wiped it away. “I think you’ve already made up your mind.”

“And I’m sick of waiting for you to make up yours.”

I wanted to tell him that I had. That I was in love with Eli. That I wanted nothing more than to be with Eli and only Eli. But why had I gone to Miles? Why the hell was I with V now? “Do you know where he went?”

“Miles?”

“Who the hell else would I be talking about?”

V smiled. “He’s still in the city if that’s what you’re wondering.”

“Where?”

“I thought you didn’t want me to interfere…”

“Would you just tell me one single thing I want to know?”

“You’ll find him when you’re ready. But don’t be surprised if he’s not who you remember. I’m pretty sure he’s changed as much as you.”

“That’s the thing, V. I don’t think he has. Because he still believes I can be Summer.”

“And we both know that you can’t be.”

Fuck you. I opened up his door.

“Where are you going?”

“Anywhere but here. You can hang your posters back up. I’m never stepping foot in your room again.”

“I’ll see you in a few hours.”

I turned and looked at him before closing his door. And for just a moment, I thought I saw the night sky in his eyes. A darkness with no light from the stars. Did my eyes reflect his? I didn’t want the darkness in my soul. But I was scared that he was right about me. No matter how much I still wanted to be Summer, I hadn’t been her in so long. I didn’t even remember what it was like to be happy. To be truly, madly, deeply in love. To look at the world with hope instead of dread. I had lost sight of the stars.

Chapter 28

Monday

It was as easy as I thought it would be to sneak into the hospital. I could have been coming every day if V hadn’t locked me in the apartment. I scanned the list of names. Room 454. I ducked down as a nurse came around the corner.

There was a beeping noise and I heard her sigh. I lifted my head to see the nurse walking back in the direction she had come from. Close call. I slid the clipboard back in place and hurried down the hall until I reached room 454.

I was expecting it to be locked or something. But like the rest of the hospital, the security was severely lacking. I walked into his room and froze. Liza was lying in his hospital bed with him. Her head resting on his shoulder. His arm around her. They looked so content. They looked so happy.

Kins had said that he was doing a great job acting. Maybe her initial assumption was correct, though. What if he wasn’t acting? Because it certainly seemed like I was intruding. I didn’t belong here. It felt like my heart was beating in my throat. I stepped back and ran into something. A metal tray clanged as it fell to the ground.

---