Total pages in book: 131
Estimated words: 123575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 123575 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 618(@200wpm)___ 494(@250wpm)___ 412(@300wpm)
“She deserves better than either of us,” I say.
“Finally, something we agree on.” He pulls out his phone, showing me a photo taken at what must be a recent social event. Lilian is wearing a pale blue dress, looking ethereal and untouchable. “But unlike you, I’m not afraid to give her what she wants.”
A look of dark possession flashes in his eyes. A new kind of fear grips me—not of what he’ll do to hurt her, but of how he might twist her feelings and use them against her.
“She has nothing to do with any of this,” I snap, taking a stumbling step forward. “Nor is she a pawn in your game.”
“No?” His eyebrow raises. “Tell me, what is she to you, Brother? Because from where I stand, you’ve been playing with her emotions for years. Keeping her close enough to torture her with hope, but far enough away to maintain your pristine image.” He pauses for a long moment and then continues. “Even as twins there’s always been a subtle difference between us. You’ve always played it safe, colored inside the lines. But me, I’ve always been the odd one out. Never good enough, never smart enough. But there’s one thing I better at that you, and that’s taking what I want. Revenge? Got it. Your friends? Got ’em. The girl you’ve always wanted but have been too much of a coward to claim. Soon to be mine.”
He scrolls through more photos of Lilian—studying in the library, walking across campus, candid moments that suggest extensive surveillance.
“Sweet Lilian, the girl who sees through my disguise but can’t see through yours. Imagine how she’ll feel when she learns the truth about her perfect stepbrother.”
I lunge at him again, driven by something beyond rational thought. “Touch her and I’ll—”
“You’ll what?” He deflects my attack effortlessly, sending me sprawling across the concrete. “Tell someone? No one’s looking for you, Brother. They all think I’m you, and I’m playing the role perfectly. Even sweet Lilian will come around once she realizes which twin actually deserves her devotion.”
The implication in his words—the possessive undertone when he speaks of her—makes my blood run cold.
“She’ll never—”
“Never what? Fall for the monster instead of the golden boy?” His smile is razor sharp. “We’ll see about that. After all, she’s already sneaking around warehouses to find me.”
“She came looking for me,” I correct him, tasting blood in my mouth. “Because she knew something was wrong.”
“No, she came because she saw through my performance. Because something about me drew her in more than your careful distance ever did.” Arson moves toward the door, pausing to look back at me. “She’s smart, your Lilian. Observant. She noticed all the little ways I’m different from you. But instead of running to the police or her parents, she followed me. Interesting choice, don’t you think?”
The implication turns my stomach. “She’s trying to help me.”
“Is she?” He leans against the doorframe, studying me. “Or is she intrigued by the version of you that finally showed her attention? The one who danced with her, touched her, made her feel something besides rejection?”
I struggle to my feet, using the wall for support. “You’re delusional if you think—”
“I think she’s tired of your noble distance and moral high ground.” His voice drops lower. “I think she’s ready for someone who isn’t afraid to want her back. And I think watching you suffer while I take the one thing you actually care about will be far more satisfying than any quick revenge.”
“Don’t,” I manage, hating how it sounds like begging. “Destroy me if you want. Expose what happened at the boathouse. Tell everyone what a pathetic piece of shit I am, but leave her out of it.”
“It’s too late for that.” He straightens, adjusting his clothes—preparing to step back into his role as me. “The way you beg for her protection is admirable. I wish you would’ve given a fuck about me the same way you give a fuck about her, but I guess blood means shit. Now, all of you will suffer the consequences.”
“Don’t hurt her because you hate me.”
“Hate? I don’t hate you, Brother. I despise you,” he snarls. “And I’m going to prove it. You might feel guilty for the part you played in my silent death, but that’s not good enough for me. That doesn’t satisfy me. I want your pain, your tears, your fear, and worries. And it appears the only thing you care about more than yourself is her. By the time I’m done with her, you’ll wish it was you I was hurting. Because I’m going to make it hurt, Aries, and the best part is that I’m going to make you watch.”
“Arson—” I start, but he cuts me off.
“Enjoy your solitude. I have a date with destiny.” His smile is pure malice. “Or should I say with Lilian?”