Chapter 12
Landon and Logan had their futures mapped out since birth.
Europe was the plan. Boarding school. Ivy League business degrees. Groomed to take over the Holt empire one day.
I knew all that.
And I knew exactly what happened when the protectors left.
Back in high school, some cousin cornered me and sneered, “What happens when your precious twins leave the country? You think they can protect you forever?”
“You’re just a bug once they’re gone. Anyone can crush you.”
At the time, Logan had thrown an arm over my shoulder and said:
“Dumbass.”
“She’s our shadow. Where we go, she goes.”
“And the Holts have enough money to put a second sun in the sky. You think they can’t afford a third plane ticket?”
That had been his promise.
They were going to Germany. Elite universities. Big shot futures.
So I’d busted my ass for three years. Studied till my eyes bled. Scored every AP credit I could. Just to keep up.
And now?
Now he was using that promise like a goddamn leash.
I laughed.
A bitter, broken laugh that scraped up my throat.
“You really think I give a damn about your fancy college plans?”
“I’ll build my own future. Right here.”
“I’ll climb so high you’ll need a telescope to kiss my ass.”
I yanked up the hem of my gown and stormed off the dance floor.
I heard the music swelling behind me. People laughing, toasting, whispering.
But for me?
Everything was dead quiet.
Empty.
Like someone had scooped out my insides and replaced them with air.
