Page 3 of Striking
“I promise,” I choke out. “Whatever it takes. I’ll keep them safe.”
“They’re not made for this world, Rhys. Not like you and me. Your sister is a dreamer, and Atticus...well, he’ll make a good advisor for you one day, but he needs to grow up first. Give him time and space. Let him surprise you.”
“I hate surprises,” I joke, and she laughs before a rattling cough builds in her chest, shaking her frail body.
I lift a glass of water from her bedside table and guide the straw to her lips until she finally pushes it away.
“Sometimes surprises are the best things in life. Be open to them, darling. More open than I was. Please, Rhys...”
I nod wordlessly, unable to compose myself.
“Keep your inner circle small. Trust few and love even less. Guard your heart, Rhys. Everyone will want a piece of it. Save it for only those who deserve it. And trust thatsomeoneout there will deserve it. Don’t let the suits decide it for you, like they did for me. Like they did for your sister. Be stronger and smarter than I was.”
I drop my head to her hands. “I’m not ready to lose you, Mum.”
“You’ll never lose me, darling,” she whispers, her voice soft and weak. “I will always be with you. And one day when you sit on the throne and they rest the crown on your head, I’ll be therewith you, watching over you. Guiding you and protecting you,” she cries quietly. “I will always protect you, my prince.”
“Mum...” I lift my head and watch as she closes her eyes.
Her chest barely moves until it doesn’t.
Until the machine she’s hooked up to stops moving, and the doctor, who’s been silently watching from the corner of the room, steps up and turns it off.
Until I press my lips to her cheek and my tears soak her sheets.
“Rest now, Mum. I love you, and I will make you proud.”
BELLAMY
Spilling your coffee is the adult equivalent to losing your balloon as a child.
Don’t judge my tears.
—Bellamy’s Secret Thoughts
Present Day
“Hey, B . . .”
I look up in time to see my brother walking my way, the beautiful Caribbean sun setting in the distance behind him.
Wasn’t it just noon?
“Oops.” I grin. “I guess I lost track of time.”
Ares’s shoulders shake as he silently laughs at me, not at all surprised. Pretty sure I’ve never been on time for anything in my life. He looks down at my notecards and shakes his head. “We’re leaving tomorrow night. Are you going to spend the entire time studying?”
The book in my lap suddenly feels heavier in my hands. “If I have to,” I argue. “I told you this was my plan when Lennon offered us the villa. I take the boards in three weeks. I want to make sure I’m ready, or I’ll have spent the last two years getting my master’s in nursing for nothing.”
“You could take the test today, and you’d nail it. You know that, right?” He looks less than impressed when I don’t answer. “Are you coming with us to dinner?”
Dinner?Shit. When was the last time I ate?
As if on cue, my stomach growls. Luckily, Ares is too far away to notice.
I hold up the stack of notecards and my favorite pen. “Thanks, but I’ve got another few chapters I want to get through tonight.”
“Come on, Bellamy. You’re supposed to be on vacation, and you’ve got to eat something,” he pushes sweetly. Ever my protector. “Live a little. The notecards will be there tomorrow. I promise. We’re taking the boat over to the mainland for dinner. Have a few drinks and relax. We’re only here for a few days.”
