Brooke (Under the Never Sky 2.50) - Page 22

What happened between Hyde and me was a beautiful, fragile thing. But it feels like talking about it with Hayden would be disrespectful.

“It’s not that. ” He rubs his hands over his head and lets out a breath. “Though it should be. ”

“Then what? Is it Perry? Because I’m not with him anymore. ”

Hayden lifts his head. “No, Brooke. It’s you. ”

This throws me. My cheeks warm. “What about me?” I ask, preparing to defend myself.

“You’re running, Brooke. It’s like we’re back in those woods. You’re sprinting through this, and I don’t think . . . ” He sighs. “I just have this feeling you don’t really want to do this. ”

“Are you really going to tell me what I want?”

“I’m only telling you what I think. But I would like to know: What do you want?”

What do I want? I have t

o think about it for a moment.

I want to feel wanted and cherished and safe.

I want to find someone who won’t trade me for another.

I want to find love that is visceral and life-sustaining.

All those answers seem a little inappropriate. So I say, “I want you to kiss me again. You’re good at it. ”

Hayden gives me a look I’ve never seen before. Like he’s in pain and about to laugh at the same time. “If I do, you’ll hate me tomorrow. ”

“You have it backward. I’ll hate you tomorrow if you don’t. ”

“But I’ll hate myself, and that’s who I have to live with for the rest of my life. ”

I don’t know why that makes me laugh, but it does.

Hayden smiles. It’s disarming, his full lips pulling into a wide grin. “I don’t want to start this the wrong way, Brooke. ”

I’m not sure what the right way would be. He’s older, and surely he’s been with other women. Are there paths to love, to relationships, that are better than others? I don’t know. I only know the one I’ve taken.

“Start what? You said you weren’t interested. ”

Hayden laughs. “I’m interested, Brooke. The question is, are you?”

“I’m interested in not hurting anymore. ” And there it goes. My stupid, runaway mouth. “Never mind,” I say, rubbing my arms. The cool night air is seeping back into me, chilling me again.

Hayden falls quiet for what feels like a week. “That’s a good interest,” he says. “The most important one. ” A look of concern emerges on his face, and panic spears through me. I’ve exposed too much of myself, my pain.

“Would you stop looking at me like that?”

“Am I pouting again?”

“No. You’re looking at me like I’m weak. ” The last thing I want is for Hayden or any of the Six to see me that way.

“You, weak?” He grins, shaking his head. “Never. Now come here before you freeze. ” He lifts his arm, inviting me closer.

“Are you joking?”

The words are barely out of my mouth before he drops his arm around me and pulls me close. Then he stretches his legs out, and shifts his back a little, searching for a comfortable position. Everything between us has changed. He feels totally different than he felt five minutes ago. Brotherly.

Tags: Veronica Rossi Under the Never Sky
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