Camped out in my dorm room, I printed off the syllabus for Bramwell’s gross anatomy class next semester, when a text from Bee popped up on my phone. Smiling, I clicked on it.
Five more days!
She was due to spend Christmas with me on the island. I’d sent her a train ticket, and itinerary of activities. Such as skating in Canterbury park, perusing the book shops in Emberwick, and of course, coffee at Dragon’s Lair. I also planned to introduce her to Devryck. Professionally, seeing as I hadn’t uttered a word of our relationship to her.
Mom’s old house was still being renovated and wouldn’t be ready for another couple of weeks, but come summer, the house would be fully updated with all the modern amenities. A home for me and Bee. A place we could come back to whenever we wanted, because it was ours.
After Devryck had submitted the results of the last variant, The Rooks were all too eager to offer me whatever I wanted to remain involved in the study.
Devryck, of course, was a huge part of that.
Inspired by my efforts, he decided to update the Bramwell Estate, as well, and rent it out as a summer getaway–obviously once he’d disposed of Angelo. I supposed he’d hoped that Caedmon would’ve returned at some point, but he hadn’t.
I suspected he wouldn’t.
Devryck had also agreed to a DNA test, confirming Spencer was, in fact, his half-brother. Once the shock of that had worn off, Spencer seemed to embrace the news. And eventually, the awkward exchanges between us fizzled back to friendship.
I’m so excited! You’re going to love Dracadia.
Can I tell you a secret?
Always
Promise you won’t judge or get mad.
I promise?
In truth, she worried me a little. Bee had a reckless side to her that’d always put me on edge.
I have a huge crush on the new English Lit teacher here. I caught him staring at me today.
Jesus. I rubbed my brow, trying to decide how to respond, without sounding like our mom. Really, though, who the hell was I to judge?
Just be careful okay? No doing anything crazy that’ll get you kicked out.
I felt like a hypocrite typing those words.
No, I know. I won’t. But Lil, he’s so hot. I mean, smokin’ hot. All the girls in my dorm are going nuts over him. Wanna see a pic?
I groaned, shaking my head.
Sure. But Bee, seriously, just be careful, okay?
Yeah, I know. Okay, sending a pic now. It’s not the best–had to snap it quick during class.
I waited for what seemed like an eternity.
A picture popped up, of a guy standing in front of the class in a pair of dark jeans and a black shirt.
The air stalled in my chest.
I clicked to enlarge it and zoomed in on his face.
An exact replica of Devryck.
This is Mr. Caed. Isn’t he yummy?! He drives a fucking motorcycle to school, Lil. Think I’m going to ask him out for coffee tomorrow!
I breathed hard through my nose to calm the frantic thrumming of my heart.
Shit.
Shit.
Shit.
