Nicholas stood still for a long moment. Long enough for me to cough politely and then step backwards, out of Julian’s arms. Julian, noticing my distraction, followed the length of my gaze to Nicholas. Julian stepped away from me and moved out to the center of the deck. Nicholas walked further away

The waves were choppy today, making for an unpleasant boat ride. Even a boat as big as the yacht we were on was subject to many up and down jumps. My stomach was in knots. Though, admittedly, it probably would have been even without the constant ups and downs. I had a dire feeling being out on the

At the last moment, I reached out and grabbed her wrist with my hand. She hadn’t been expecting it, so she was unprepared for the sudden weight. Holding tightly, I pulled her as I fell, so that we both toppled over the side of the boat and into the water. The ocean water was deep and cold. I hadn’

Nicholas continued to hold me, even as the ship neared the dock of the familiar island. By this point, Julian had also joined us and was pacing back and forth in the small space in front of us. Veronica sat quietly nearby, observing all with watchful eyes. Jessica was still laying down, clutching he

My breath caught. I braced myself. I didn’t know what would happen next. Nicholas had gone very still beside me. His arm around my waist tightened slightly. Then he removed it and stood. “Nicholas,” I said. He didn’t acknowledge me. He puffed out his chest and faced down his brother. He didn’t