The one who doesn’t like hanging out with the group.
They all think she’s just shy. That she just has a lot going on and doesn’t want anything to do with us.
But that’s not true. I know that.
It’s because of me.
And now she’s here, standing in front of me in a giant, white ball gown, her beautiful, natural curls cascading down her back, and all I can think is that Imustbe dead.
I pinch my wrist between my fingers so hard, I’m shocked I didn’t break the skin.
But I’m here, alive and well, watching asAmara Floreslooks around, her captivating brown eyes wide as she starts to process what’s happening.
Well, that makes two of us.
She takes a deep breath, her chest heaving. Looking at the ground, she continues her walk down the aisle.
Her makeup is light, but she’s never looked more beautiful in her life. And that’s a feat I wasn’t sure was possible.
Her deep, dark summer tan sparkles under the sun, her hair as shiny as always.
I wonder if it’s still as soft as it was when?—
Her dress is simple. The corset top tapers into a V at her hips, the fabric spilling over like a gorgeous, flowing waterfall.
I don’t know how to describe it. But what I do know is that I want her.
I’vealwayswanted her.
It takes me a second to realize that she’s stopped in front of me, her eyes refusing to meet mine.
Licking my lips nervously, I glance at Leo, who looks mildly confused. They all do, actually.
Looking out into the crowd, I meet her mom’s gaze, and her eyes light up, her smile larger than when she used to see me at their house on the weekends.
Her mom always loved me. Well, I think. Did she?
Her dad sits next to her mom, his face stony.
And my sister. Well, she’s beaming and grinning like the Cheshire cat.
Amara breathes in a sudden gasp of air, and the man hired tofakemarry us takes his place behind us.
“Hi,” I whisper.
I just want her to look at me.
But she doesn’t.
Instead, she shakes her head. “I need a minute,” she says.
And within seconds, she’s turning around and running.
CHAPTER 12
AMARA
I’m not sure where I’m headed, but I know that I need a second to breathe.
