Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22917 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Cillian can be a recluse, which was something I was more than okay joining him in, though his reasons for being one were a bit different than mine. While our reasons may have stemmed from the same traumatic event that changed both our lives, it’s clearly been in different ways. He ended up with visible scars, while mine were hidden from the world.
“There are three units on each floor except the fifth. That one big unit,” Amelia tells me as we make our way up the stairs. Amelia shoots Felipe another look, but this one is filled with sadness.
“What?” I ask, wondering what’s going on.
“You remember Felipe’s younger brother River?”
Oh, I more than remember. Felipe’s brother River is a year older than me. Felipe’s sister Glenda married my brother Cillian. His parents weren’t too happy about that because in our culture, most marriages are arranged. With Felipe, his parents didn’t have control over him. He’d ventured out and built not only a name for himself but wealth too.
He still had them reach out to our parents for Amelia’s hand, and his father agreed. With Glenda and Cillian, it hadn’t been so easy. They’d fallen in love, and Cillian did his part in the arrangement with Glenda, but the Andoras told him no. Glenda pushed back and said she’d do it anyway, which ended up ripping the families apart.
They wanted Glenda to marry someone else because they thought Cillian wasn’t worthy. It was bullshit. Cillian comes from a strong family and could even offer more than the man they’d picked for Glenda. Still they’d refused and said it had something to do with their company. There were also a few comments made about Cillian regarding his looks.
The scars he wore across his face were my fault. I can’t help but think I had a hand in the rift between the families. They say time heals all wounds, but no matter how much time passes, it seems my mistake keeps haunting both me and my family. It’s still causing destruction all these years later.
“I remember him,” I finally say, and I hate how much I remember him.
The first time I met River was at Felipe and Amelia’s wedding. He was my first and only crush to this day. After the falling-out between our families I’ve only seen him once. It was about six months ago and was completely random. I was walking down to the small bakery not far from our home in the city. I used to go almost every day.
One morning, I ran right into him, and my body collided with his. His hands held my shoulders to keep me from falling, which I certainly would have done if he hadn’t. Running into him had been like running into a brick wall. Gone was the body of a boy, and in its place was one of a man. River had become even bigger than Felipe, which is saying a lot.
I still remember his whispered words. Fuck, you smell good. His hands had even tightened their hold on me like he didn’t want to let me go. Then I looked up at him, and we both saw who the other was.
He jumped back while releasing his hold on me at the same time. I’d lost my footing and ended up falling on my own ass anyway. He looked down at me like I was the devil and told me to stay away from him or he wouldn’t be responsible for his actions. His words still hurt. I never told a soul even when everyone kept asking why I didn’t go to my favorite bakery anymore.
“He lives on the top floor,” Amelia says, and my heart sinks. How is this happening? “He’s a sophomore here.”
Neither Felipe nor Glenda speak much about their parents. I’ve only met them a few times and it freaked me out. I was scared Amelia was going to end up with a marriage like theirs since she was marrying their oldest son. The parents hate each other, and even though I was young at the time, Felipe made it very clear how he would treat Amelia. Like a queen.
“Do you and him talk?” I look to Felipe.
“Yes, he’s my brother, and I love him even if he can piss me off most days.” He shakes his head. “But he’s damn smart. Reminds me a lot of myself.” A half-smile pulls at his lips, making guilt fill me. I hate that I had anything to do with his rocky relationship with his brother.
“Do you own this building, Felipe?” Now knowing River lives here, I’m guessing he does. Felipe has a ton of investments.
“Maybe.” He shrugs one shoulder as we step onto the third floor.
“Of course you do.” I shake my head but force a smile. I don’t want anyone knowing how I feel about River. Ever.