Dreamers (The Dreamers Series) by Brooklin Skye Page A

eye contact through every word. She has intensity about her, something I’ve never noticed before. “You’re all mine now, that’s all that matters.”
    My heart stops momentarily, as Mia’s words from earlier replay in my mind.
    She seems the type to attach easily…You don’t even know if you’re gay…Be careful with her heart.
    “Heather,” I begin slowly. “I like you.” I downplay the amazing thumping she brings to my heart.
    “I like you too, obviously,” she chimes in.
    “This is only our first date,” I speak softly. “I don’t know…”
    She cuts me off. “Syd, this isn’t my first time riding the bi-curious, straight-girl bus. I don’t have any expectations of you. I’m just glad you’ve given me a chance to sweep you off your feet, which I fully intend to do. Now, just enjoy the queen treatment for tonight, and let me spoil you.”
    “Queen treatment?” I smile as my body loosens and relaxes.
    “Yes, queen treatment. Get used to it.” She winks.
    “I just might do that.”
    Whatever spell she’s cast upon me, I never want it to end. As confusing as everything has seemed lately, she could be right. I might already be hers, after all.
    ***
    The wine from Mia’s and the entire bottle of Prosecco have my head spinning. Heather’s beautiful date ends with her practically carrying me to bed. I pass out somewhere in the middle of her stripping my shoes off, and covering me with my snuggly warm comforter. The last thing I remember is Heather pushing my bangs back, kissing my forehead.
    “Goodnight, baby girl,” she whispers as I fall into a deep slumber.
    ***
    He sits on the edge of the bed, furiously glaring at me with dark navy eyes. “Where the hell have you been?”

5
Darkness to Light
    “I was on a date with Heather, if you must know. I’m tired and I drank too much. Let me sleep.”
    To my surprise, his steaming temper doesn’t seem to dissipate, but heightens instead. His eyes change color like a mood stone. The dark blue alters his usual arrogant gaze into an evil glare that leaves me uncomfortable in his presence.
    “You were supposed to be visiting your sister,” he roars, his words drenched in hatred and viciousness.
    “Correct me if I’m wrong, but this what YOU wanted. Why are you all bent out of shape about it?”
    Frustration canopies his stunning face. For the first time he actually looks confused and begins grabbing his hair, ripping it angrily through his fingers. Of the times I’ve seen him this is something I have never experienced—vulnerability. He’s falling apart. I’m entirely baffled and have no idea what to do.
    “Nick. You’re ripping your hair out. Stop it!”
    I grab his hands, pinning them to his sides, as if I could actually stop him. I’m shocked to find that he stills and I really have managed to overpower him, or maybe not. Perhaps he simply doesn’t have the will to fight me. Perhaps he doesn’t even care. This is a pitiful sight, and I don’t even know why it’s piercing at my heart the way it is.
    “Let me tell you why it bothers me. Because you said one thing and DID another. You lied to me. One minute you tell me there is no way you’re doing that to her, the next you’re hitting up fancy restaurants and she’s tucking you into bed. Which is it, Sydney? Are you doing it for me, or yourself?”
    I remain silent, startled by his aggression. I didn’t go out with her to pick information about his death, I wouldn’t do that to Heather. I don’t really want to answer his question since he’s acting like a maniac and I don’t know how he will respond to the fact that I WANTED to be with her—to live my life like a normal person and have some fun for a change. I’m alive and enjoying it. I shouldn’t feel guilty for that, but somehow I do.
    I’m startled as his voice hits like thunder to my eardrums. He isn’t finished with me yet.
    “You’re gonna sit here and ignore me when I’m speaking to you, Sydney? Thanks for