Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 29299 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 29299 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 146(@200wpm)___ 117(@250wpm)___ 98(@300wpm)
“It’s different.”
“Why? Because she’s your sister?” I roll my eyes, flicking my watch on my wrist to check the time. Won’t be long until she’s on. “We’re not that different, you and I. My mother died, and I had to be the man, take care of my younger brother, and step up. But you need to know. You did your job. She’s grown. She’s starting her career and her life.”
“I don’t know who I am without her. She’s all I’ve got.” He bows his head and places his hands in his hair.
“Then don’t lose her by giving her ultimatums and expecting her to choose a mediocre life. It’s beneath her. She’s too talented, Lucca. Don’t darken her dreams by making her live them without you.”
His head snaps up, his eyes accusing. “Why do you care? Why did you call me here?”
“Because she misses you. I see her hurting, and it pains me to see her in distress.”
“You act like you love her,” he sneers.
“I do love her,” I confirm, truthful and determined for him to understand that.
“You want my approval and for me to let you have her.”
“She’s already mine, Lucca. I’m not asking for anything. I’m giving you the chance to stop being a dick and give your sister what she actually needs.”
“And what’s that?”
“You. Your support and love.”
The room becomes silent as the mic croaks and Sofina is introduced.
Nina makes her way over to us and loiters at the side of the booth we’re sitting in, so I gesture for her to join us. She sits next to Lucca, her face a little pale.
“I know you from somewhere, right?” Lucca asks her with a furrowed brow.
Blushing, she shakes her head and offers a tight smile. “No, I don’t think so.”
I hold in a snort. You a member of any private clubs, Lucca?
My attention falls to the stage as I watch my girl take her place as the star she is. She glows under the spotlight like a princess. Her hands tremble as she positions the mic and takes a seat on a stool placed in front of it. My heart stills when a melody from a piano sets the tone, and then she sings. I fall deeper for the girl with the angel voice.
Nerves start as wiggling caterpillars in my gut, but as soon as the music starts, they turn into butterflies and take flight, lifting me up. Singing feels natural when I close my eyes and give into it. The moment the first words tumble from my throat, it’s like I need to let the rest escape in order to breathe. As I sing the lyrics, I think about the man who inspired them. Ronan. Handsome, sweet, protective Ronan.
Take care of me.
When the world is throwing rocks at me, shield me and protect me.
Hold me. Love me.
Please…just take care of me.
And I’ll take care of you, too.
When I finish on a high note, my adrenaline is pumping the blood so fast through my veins I feel drunk on the feeling. The cheers ring in my ear and an uncontrollable smile takes over my face. When the stage light dims, I can see the audience and my breath stills when I see Lucca standing right there.
He moves around a table and goes to step on stage when a big security guy comes from the sideline and grabs him. Oh God. My brother is a hothead and someone grabbing him won’t go over well. I need to intervene. I race forward as Lucca struggles and hits out at the man as I knew he eventually would. He and the security guard get into a scuffle that ends up involving other people.
My stomach drops when the quarrel ensues and then screams and shouts ring out. Tables are knocked over, and people are trying to move out of the way of the chaos. But it’s creating more madness.
I can’t get to Lucca or even see him anymore. Acid floods my bones and lead fills my shoes. Everything stills, and sounds morph and distort. I can’t focus. I can’t see through the mass of people. I’m being jostled around by panicked bodies.
I faintly hear my name being anxiously called, and then two secure arms wrap around me from behind, and a familiar scent cocoons me, and the baritone of Ronan’s voice penetrates the chaotic noise, and I take a breath.
He’s lifting me from the floor and carrying me to the back of the stage area. I’m placed on my feet and spun to face him. Frown lines are etched into his beautiful features as he studies me and runs his hands over my body, checking me for injuries.
“My brother,” I choke.
“I’ll go get him. Don’t move from here. Okay?”
I nod, but he doesn’t move.
“I need you to say you promise.”
“I promise.”
The shouting and screams have silenced. A sickness settles in my stomach. The night was going so well, and it turned to shit in a heartbeat.