FallingforSakuraVol.2:ASe cre tKissPart2

Sakuraandthe Prince tonBrothe rs

The Prince tonBrothe rsSe rie s

Ale xiaC.Praks

Copyright©2016byAlexiaC.Praks

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FALLINGFORSAKURA

Vol.2

ASecretKissPart2

SakuraandthePrincetonBrothers

ThePrincetonBrothersSeries

AlexiaC.Praks

TableofContents

Chapter1
Chapter2
Chapter3
Chapter4
Chapter5
Chapter6
Chapter7
Chapter8
Chapter9
Chapter10
Chapter11
Chapter12
Chapter13
Chapter14
Chapter15
Chapter16
Chapter17
Chapter18
Chapter19
Chapter20
Chapter21
Chapter22
Chapter23
Chapter24
Chapter25
NextintheFallingforSakuraSerial
MoreBooksbyAlexia
AboutAlexia

CHAPTER1

Prote ction

SakuraPrincetonwasmorethanalittlehumiliatedatthecircumstanceshefoundherselfinandblusheda
becoming pink. She stole a peek at her adopted brother Sebastian Princeton to see if he was pissed
becausehehadtocarryherorifhewasrepulsedbyherstateofdisarrayandwetness,whichshethought
wouldreallybotherhimbecauseshewasmessinguphisclothing.

Sebastian,awareofhereyeinghim,glancedatherandgaveherasympatheticsmile.
Sakuradidn’tlikethecompassionatelookhewasgivingheronebit.Sheknewhefeltsorryforher

after what had happened. Her being maliciously shoved into the deep pool by Alaina in an intention to
causeharm.Instantly,shewaspissedwiththewholesituation.Shedidn’twantSebastian—oranyofthe
brothersforthatmatter—tofeelsorryforher.Shewasn’tweak.Shewasastrongwoman.Well,atleast
shethoughtsoanyway.Forsure,shewasn’tachildwhoneededstrongmentosupporther.Nordidshe
needamanlikeSebastianPrincetontocarryher.

Sheclearedherthroatandsaidsoftly,“Youcanputmedown,Sebastian.Icanwalk.”
Sebastiangaveheraquickglance.Notingherdishevel,exhaustedappearance,hedecidedshewasn’t

fitenoughtocarryherselfupthestairstoherownbedroom.Withoutgivinganyanswertoherrequest,he
headedstraightuptothesecondfloor.

“Sebastian?”Sakuratriedagain,thinkinghedidn’thearherthefirsttime.“Icanwalk.Youcanputme

downnow.”

When he still didn’t response, she sighed. “Sebastian!” she said again, tugging at the collar of his

shirttogethisattention.

Sebastianfinallyturnedhisattentiontoheragain,hiseyesdarkandhisfaceimpassive.
“Putmedown,”shebegged.“Please.Icanwalkfine.”
“No,”herepliedsimply.“Nothere.”
Sakurablinked.“Whynot?”
“Becauseyou’restillinshock,andyourdressistoobigandlong,”hesaid.
Sakurablinkedagain.“Ibegyourpardon?”
Herdresswastoobigandlong?Whatdidthathavetodowithanything?
“You’lltrip,”heexplainedasiftoachild.
Shefrowned.Ofcourseshewouldn’ttrip.Shewasn’tatoddlerwhohadjustbeguntolearnhowto

walk,forGod’ssake.

TheyoungestofthePrincetonbrothersConrad,whowaswalkingbesidethemwiththepupTobyin

hisarms,offeredhappily,“Icancarryyouifyoudon’twantSebastianto.”

“She’sfinewheresheis,”Sebastiansaid,headingstraighttoSakura’sbedroomdoor.
Seeingthatit’dbedifficultforSebastiantoopenthedoorwithSakurainhisarms,Conradrushedup

first to do it for his brother. Once inside, Sebastian gently put Sakura down, in which case Sakura
murmureda“Thankyou”tohim.

Toby dashed up and barked happily to get Sakura’s attention. In response, Sakura gave her dog a

smile and patted his head in affection. Then she pulled the oversized dress around to properly cover
herself.

“Thanksforbringingmeback,”shesaid,hereyesonthecarpetwherehersoakeddressdampenedit.

“Gogetchanged,”Sebastianinstructed.“You’llcatchacoldifyoudon’tgetthatdressoff.”
The moment he said dress, she looked down at herself, the bridesmaid’s gown clinging to her. She

wasasorrysightallright.

“I’llfindyousomethingtochangeinto,”Conradoffered,marchinguptoherwardrobe.
“No!”sheshouted.“It’sokay.I’lldoitmyself.”Butitwastoolate.Conradhadthewardrobedoor

wideopenandwassearchingthroughit.

“Goon,”Sebastiansaid,nudginghertowardthebathroom.Whenshedidn’tmove,hewrappedhis

handaboutherarmandledherintothebathroomhimself.Oncethere,heturnedontheshower.

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked,confused.
“Helpingyou,”hesaid.Hegentlytwistedheraroundsoherbackwastohim.Then,withoutwarning,

heunzippedherdressallthewaydownherback.

Sakura wasn’t prepared for that. In fact, she wasn’t prepared for the dress to fall from her person

either.Shescreamedinfright,thencaughtitinthenickoftime,atherwaist.

Sebastianwasn’tprepared,either,toseeherhalf-nakedinfrontofhim.Hecouldn’thelpbutnotice

thesmoothnessofherslenderbackallthewaydowntothecurveofherbackside.Asshecaughtthedress
atherwaist,hehadagoodviewofherbreasts,and,byJove,theymadehimwanttoweepwithjoy.They
werethemostamazingbreastshehadeverseen:porcelainwhite,full,round,andperkedatjusttheright
angle.Perfectinaman’shand.

Sakura pulled the dress back up to cover herself, barely. As in the nature of any woman, she only

coveredherbreasts,soherbackwasstilltotallyexposedtohim.

“Sebastian,pleasegetout,”shesaidquietly,hercheeksblushing.“Andbringmeatowel.”
Sebastianwasusedtoseeinghalf-nakedwomen.ItwasjustkindofnormalsinceAlaina,Tara,and

their friends were always in their bikinis during the summers. Then sometimes the urge came and he’d
broughthomethoseoccasionalwomenforthenight,butevenwhentheywerenakedinfrontofhim,he
needed to be worked on in order to get going. But not this time. Not with this one. This one was a bit
different.Thisonemadehisheartraceandhispalmssweat.Thisonemadehimhardonsight.Andshe
didn’tevendoanything.Infact,shewastellinghimtoleave.

Hetookastepback,tryingtocontrolhimself,tryingtocalmdown,tryingveryhardtosuppresshis

desireforthegirlbeforehim.

“Igotthedress,”Conradcalledout.
Sebastianheardhisbrothercomingtowardthebathroom,andbeforeConradhadthechancetopeek

inside,hegrabbedthedress,said,“Towel!”andslammedthedoorshutagain.

Sakurarelaxed,thinkingSebastianhadleft.Shegatheredherlonghair,buncheditup,andletitrest

overoneshoulder.Thensheproceededtoturntotherunningshower.

Sebastianwashopinghisdesirewoulddiedown,butitwasgettingworse.Hishandtightenedonthe

dress.Shit,hethought.Hehadtogetoutofhere.

“Where’sthetowel?”Conradcalledoutfromtheotherside.
SakurawastestingthewaterwithherfingersandreluctantlyturnedtoanswerConrad.Shegaspedin

frightwhenshesawthatSebastianwasstillinthebathroomwithher.

“Sebastian!”sheshrieked,hervoicehusky.“Whatareyoustilldoinginhere?”
Sebastiantriedtosoundasnormalashecouldandmanagedacoolreply.“Waitingforthetowel.”
Sakuratightenedhergriponthedressatherchestandfrownedathim.Hecouldn’tblameherforthat.

Hewasratherthankfulshecouldn’tseehimgoinghardwithdesireforher.

Hepassedherthedress,andafterturningthedoorknob,lefttheroominahurry.Amomentlater,he

openedthedooragainandthrewherthetowel.

Once the door was latched again, Sebastian turned to look at Conrad, who was now sitting on the

carpetwithTobyonhislap.

Sebastiancametositbesidehisbrother,hisbackrestingagainstthebed.Heturnedhisattentionto

Sakura’sbedroomandwasinstantlysurprisedatwhathesaw.Hethoughtherbedroomwouldbeplain
withjustanormal-sizeddoublebed,awardrobeforherclothes,andperhapsastudydesk.Butthiswas
far from it. Her room was designed and decorated tastefully, with a soft, earthy palette. There was a
featured wall where the head of the queen-size bed rested—lovely pink cherry blossoms and golden
leaves.TherewasaFrench-Georgianstylerecliner,sofa,andstudydeskandchair.Henotedthelaptop,
camera,andsketchbookandpencilsneatlyarrangedontheantiquedesk.Heespeciallylovedtheflower
arrangementsittingtotheside,magnoliaandcherryblossoms.Whatabeautifulcombination.

“Ihopeshe’sallright,”Conradsaid.
SebastianglancedatToby,whowashavinganice,relaxingtimeonConrad’slap.
“Me,too,”hereplied.
AtthatmomentthedoorburstopenedandDarcyPrinceton,thesixthPrincetonbrother,walkedin.
“Whereisshe?”heasked,hisvoicedarkwithconcern.
Sebastiannoddedtothebathroom,indicatedthattheiradoptedsisterwasinthere.
“Issheallright?”Darcycouldn’thelphimselfasking.
Thebrothersdidn’tanswer.Truthbetold,theydidn’tknow.Darcyunderstoodandcametositonthe

othersideofConrad,foldinghisarmsacrosshischest.Thethreewaitedinsilence,dreadingtofindoutif
theirvictimwouldbeallrightaftertheattemptedmurder.Afewminuteslater,Sakuraopenedthedoor,
andtheyallhastilystood.

Sakurawassoshockedtoseethreemeninherbedroomwaitingforherthatshecouldn’tdoanything

butstare,momentarilyforgettingwhyshewasinsucharushtogetoutofthebathroomwithherwethair
inawildmessandherskinnotyetdriedproperly.

Yes, once she had gotten hold of herself from the fear of her drowning, showered thoroughly, and

gottenout,sherealizedConradhadn’tgivenheranyunderwear.Andwhywouldhe?Hehadn’taclueas
towheretheywereandprobablydidn’tthinksheneededanytoo.Andhereshewas,standingtherewith
onlythedresson,herskinstillwetandherhairstillwild,lookingatthethreeuninvitedmeninherroom.

Sebastian had a good, thorough look at his very pretty adopted sister. That white dress was rather

fetchingonher,showingoffherveryslenderfigure.Thetopbit,however,wasdesignedinsuchawayas
to hug the breasts. The neckline was rather low and showing porcelain-white skin that begged for a
caress.Nottomentiontherewerebuttonsinthefrontstartingfromaboutherdiaphragmtothetop.Gosh!
Did she not think to button up properly? He could bloody see her skin beneath. And yes, that damn
cottonmaterialwasratherthin,andsincehersoft,smoothskinwasstillbloodywetfromtheshower,it
wasshowingtheshapeofherbreastsandnipplesveryclearly.

Yes, she was enchanting. She would tease any man’s senses. Oh, bloody hell! She was practically

beggingforamantoravishher.

Sebastian felt his whole body shuddering in pleasure. Shit! He had to get control of himself. He

moved closer to her, blocking his brothers from taking in her enticing sight. Sakura glanced up at him,
wonderingwhathisproblemwassincehewasnowscowlingatheragain.Shewasn’tinthemoodforhis
nastinessandtookasteptooneside.

Heblockedherbytakingastepaswell.
“Whatareyoudoing?”sheaskedtiredly.
He noted her weary expression and the weakness in her voice. Damn! Why was he being so

unreasonable? She had just had a near-death experience, and here he was, scowling at her because she

waswearingwhatConradhadfoundforher.Hedidn’tevenhavethesensetogiveherunderwear.And
apparently,neitherdidhe.

Hesoftenedhisfaceandgaveherasmileinstead.
“Gobackin,”hesaid,gentlynudgingheraroundandbackintothebathroom.“I’llfindunderwearfor

you.”

Sakuratwistedaroundsofastherheadspun.“No!”shesaid.“Imean,I’lldoitmyself.Whydon’tyou

guysgodown?I’llbetheresoon.”

Darcy wasn’t having any of it. He folded his arms across his chest and told her with his stern

expressionthathewasn’tgoinganywhere.

Conradnodded.“CanIsitonyourbed,Sakura?”
Sakurasighed.“Look,I’llbefine.”
“Theymightcomeback,”Darcysaid.“Iwon’tallowthemto—”Hebrokeoff,glancingaway.His

heartwrenchedwithpainatthethoughtthatshemighthavejustdiedifhehadn’thappenedtobethereat
thepool.ThatjustmeantAlainawouldbeamurderertoo.Hisfacebecameevengrimmeratthethought.

“Gobackin.Sebastianwillfindyourunderwear.Youdon’tlookpresentableenoughtocomedown

fordinner,”hesaid.

Sakurasighed.“Okay.”
“CanIsitonyourbed?”Conradaskedagain.“Ilikeyourbed.”
Sakuracouldn’thelpherself.Despitebeingsotired,shesmiledatConradandsaid,“Yeah,”before

turningbackintothebathroom.

Once she closed the door, Conrad happily made himself comfortable on the bed, Toby with him.

DarcysatonthechairbythestudydeskwhileSebastianwentthroughherwardrobe,searchingforherbra
andpanties.Oncehefoundsomeinasmalldrawer,helightlyknockedonthedoor.

Sakura poked her head out and quickly grabbed the underwear, her face flaming red from

embarrassment.Thenshehastilyclosedthedooragain.

Sebastiannoticedtheblushingbutkepthisfacestraightasheknewshewasverysensitive.That,of

course,madehimwonderifshewasstillavirgin.Shesurelydidactlikeone.Thatmadehimsmile.He
didn’tknowwhy,buthelikedthefactthatshewasstillavirgin.

Darcy picked up Sakura’s photo album sitting on the desk and flicked through. He was impressed,

notingthemanybeautifulpicturesofnatureshehadcaptured.Thelatestonewasofacherrytreeinthe
woods.Itlookedveryprofessional,andhelikedit.Ashegazedatit,somethingtriggeredwithinhismind.
Thentheimagesflashedbeforehiseyes.

Thesummerbreeze.Thedarkhairdancinginthewind.Thewarmsmile.Thesmall,gentlehand

strokinghishair.Thewarmlipsonhischeek.Thetree!Itwasthesametreeheandshe—

Sakura opened the door and came out. Darcy put the photo album back in place and stood up, his

wholebeingtense.

“DoIlookmuchmorepresentablefordinnernow?”sheasked.
Darcy felt his heart pumping a bit too fast for his liking. He gritted his teeth. Calm down, you old

beast!Whywasitsopainfullookingather?Butwhydidhefeelpleasure,too?Andwhydidhewantto
bewithhersobadly?Onlymomentsbefore—whenshecameoutwearingthatdresswithoutunderwear,
herporcelainskinglisteningwet,andherlonghairinawildmess—hehadfeltsurgesofpleasurethrough
hisveinsandhisheartsomersaulting.Yes,thepleasureandthrillmixedtogetherwasutterlyintoxicating,
exactly like when he was diving—his body flying and twisting and turning in midair before hitting the
waterinthepool.Itwastrulywonderful,andshemadehimfeelwonderful.Butatthesametime,hefelt
somuchpain.

Heclearedhisthroat.“Yes,”hesaidandthenwalkedoutthedoor.
Sebastianturnedtoher.Hetouchedherarmandsaid,“Itwouldbebettertolockyourdoorfromnow

on.”

Sakurawasn’thappywiththatidea.“What?SuddenlyI’mnotsafeinmyownhouseanymore?”
“That’snotit,”Conradsaidfromthebed.“Youaresafe.Butit’sthem.”
“They’reyoursisters,Conrad,”Sakurasaid.“AsIam.”
Conrad didn’t know how to response to her remark. Yes, Alaina was his real sister. Tara was his

adoptedsister.ButSakura?Therealitysuddenlyhithim.Shewasalsohisadoptedsister,wasn’tshe?But
thatwasn’twhathewanted.

Hisfacewasserious,andhehuggedTobytighter.
“Sakura,”Sebastiansaid,notingthatConradhadgonesilent.Itonlymeanteitheroneoftwothings:

hewasthinkingdeeplyandseriously,orhewashurtemotionally.

Sheturnedtohim,tearsinhereyes.Hewipedthewetnesswithhisthumb,herskinsoftagainsthis

touch.Sakurashovedawayhishand,furiousatthewholesituation.

“Pleasebecarefulfromnowon.Wecan’tprotectyou—”
“No!”Shecuthimoff.“Icanlookaftermyself.Afterall,Ididn’thaveyouguystolookaftermewhen

Iwasyounger.I’msureIwon’tdiejustyet.NowpleaseleavebecauseI’mtiredandneedtorest.And
pleasetellDaddyJamesandMomBrendathatI’mnotfeelingwell.Goodnight.”

ShetookTobyfromConradandwalkedtothewindow,staringout,tearsinhereyes.
Sebastianwaspissedbecausehehadn’tprotectedherwhenshewasyounger.Hewaspissedbecause

she had been so used to being alone and dependent on herself that she didn’t want his or his brothers’
help.HewasalsopissedbecauseshehadcalledhisparentsMomandDad.Yes,technicallytheywere
hermomanddad,too.Thetruthwas,however,hedidn’twantthemtobehermomanddadandneither
didhewanthertobehisadoptedsister.Thereason?Because—

Shit! Could he really deny this to himself? Could he? Why didn’t he want her to be his adopted

sister?Whydidn’thewanthertocallhisparentsMomandDad?Whydidithurthimwhenshesaidthat
she,too,washissister?

Hisheartstillburningwithpainandhisheadstillpoundingwithconfusion,heheadedoutthedoor.
Conradgotoffthebed.Hedesperatelywantedtohugher.Hewantedtotakeherintohisarmsandtell

herthateverythingwasgoingtobeallright.Yes,Conraddidn’tcarethathehadtobeheradoptedbrother.
All he knew was that he wanted to protect her. So he came up behind her and hugged her, his arms
wrappingaroundherform.

“It’sokay,Sakura,”hewhisperedintoherear.“Youcancry.It’sonlymehere.”
Sakura didn’t need any more encouragement. Tears poured from her eyes, and her whole body

trembledonceagain.ConradstoodtherehuggingherwhileshehuggedTobyinherarms.Whenshehad
finallyusedupallhertears,sheturnedtohimandgavehimaweaksmile.

“You’resonicetome,Conrad,evenwhenyouwereverysmall.Yourbrothersignoredme,pretended

I didn’t exist. But you were different. You knew I was here. You secretly played with me when they
weren’taround,andIthankyouforthat.”

Conradgaveherasmile.“Well,”hebegan,hiseyestwinkling,“Idon’tactuallyremembermuchof

that.”

She managed to laugh, and he liked that. Yes, he made her smile and that was enough for him. For

nowatleast.

“Itwasbecauseyouwereverysmall,soyouwouldn’tremember.”
Hewipedhertearsfromhercheeksandchuckled.“LikeDarcysaid,youneedtolookpresentablefor

dinner.”

“DoIhavetogodown?”sheaskedweakly.
“Areyouafraid?”
Sakuraautomaticallyliftedherchinanotchhigher.“No,I’mnotafraid.”
Conradsmiled.“Good.Thenlet’sgo.”Thatsaid,hegrabbedherhandandledheroutthedoor.

*****

CHAPTER2

Me morie s

Sakura managed to compose herself by the time they got to the dining room. She was relieved that
everyonewastoobusychattingtonoticehercominginbehindConrad.Shetriedtofreeherhandfromhis
grasp,buthewouldn’tlethergo.HeledhertothefarsideofthediningtablewhereJamesandBrenda
were.

The rest of the brothers, who had already found out what had happened, noticed the hand-holding.

Darcytriedtokeephisfacecomposed,butitwashard.Sebastianscowled.

Lauren, who was busy chatting away with Richard, Mary, and Peter, rushed over to Conrad the

momentshehadseenhim.Shemadeherselfcomfortableinthechairnexttohis.

“Hey,”shesaidexcitedly.“How’syourdaybeen,Conrad?”
Conradmanagedtogiveherasmile.“Hey,yeah.Good.”
LaurennoticedSakuraandpokedherheadoverandsaid,“Hey,Sakura.”
SakuraturnedtoLaurenandmanagedtogivethegirlaweaksmile.“Hey,I’llgoandgetyourdress.”
“Don’tworryjustyet,Sakura.Wecantakecareofitafterdinner.”Thatsaid,Laurenpromptlyturned

backtoConradandbeganchattingawayanimatedly,towhichConradsecretlygroanedindespair.

Mary and Katherine, who were sitting on the other side of the table across from them, noticed the

changeinSakura’smoodandappearance.They’dbeenherfriendssincetheyhadbeenyoungandknew
something wasn’t right. Though they didn’t say anything, they knew they had to find out what had
happened.

Young Michael was once again sitting next to Nicolas, asking the man so many questions it caused

PeterandRichardtolaughwholeheartedly.

“You’vegotyourselfadedicatedfan,Nicolas,”Petersaid.
“Yes,Ithinksotoo,”Nicolasreplied,andMichaelsmiledupathimwithdelight.
When the maids brought in dinner, everyone ate and chatted, enjoying themselves. James, however,

noticedSakurawasratherquiet.HealsonoticedAlainaandTarawerebehavingoddly.Theykeptstaring
at Sakura as though they would like to hurt her. Protectiveness surged in his blood. He knew without a
doubt something had happened. Of course he had known something like this would happen when they
arrived.Hehadalsothought,however,thattheywouldhavechangedsincetheywerenowgrownadults.

ItwashalfwaythroughthemealwhenSakurajustgavein.Shewasjusttootiredandcouldn’tpretend

thatnothinghadhappenedearlier.Shereallyneededtoliedown.SheleanedovertoJamesandtoldhim
quietlyshewasn’tfeelingwell.Henoddedathertoleave.Shesmiledathimgratefullyandthenquietly
got out of her chair and left the room. The brothers noticed. Darcy wanted to go after her, but it was
Conradwhogottherefirst.Heannouncedthathewasfull,andafterthankingBethpolitelyforthemeal,he
lefttheroom,leavingLaureninmidsentenceandstaringafterhimindisappointment.

ConradcaughtupwithSakurainthecorridor.
“Sakura!”hecalledout.
Sheturnedandgavehimaweaksmile.“Areyoubeingmybodyguardorsomething?”
Hechuckled.“Kindof.”
Shecockedherheadtooneside.“Well,I’mfine.Butsinceyou’rehere,minddoingmeafavor?”
“Sure,anything,”hereplied.

“Okay,”shesaid,leadinghimupthestairs.
Oncetheywereinherbedroom,shegavehimLauren’sdress.“CanyoureturnthistoLaurenforme?”
Conradstaredatthedress.“Isthatall?”
Shelaughedweakly.“Whatelsedoyouexpect?”
“I dunno,” he said. He was hoping she’d ask him to protect her by letting him stay in her room or

somethingsotheycouldspendtimetogether.

“Thanksaton,”shesaid.Conradlookeddecidedlywounded.
“Don’tyoulookatmelikethat,youngman.”Shechuckled.“IpromiseI’llbefine.Goodnight.”
Conradnodded,andwiththedressinhishands,reluctantlylefttheroom.
Onceshewasalone,Sakurasighed.SheeyedToby,whowasalreadysoundasleepinhisbasket.She

wenttokneelbesidehimandpettedhim.“Goodnight,Toby,”shesaidandwenttobrushherteethand
changeintoherpajamas.

Tonight she slipped on her Victoria’s Secret cotton Mayfair sleep shirt of gray and white ribbon

stripesandacutepairofboxershorts.Feelingniceandcomfy,sheswitchedoffthecentrallight,leaving
onlyherbedsidelamp,andthengotintobed.

Shelaytherefullyawake.Itwasquietinherroom,andinthedistanceshecouldhearthenoisesfrom

downstairs.Laurenwasprettyloud,probablytalkinganimatedlytoConrad.Thentherewasthenoiseof
Katherine, Mary, Peter, and Richard laughing and chatting away enthusiastically. Of course Alaina and
Tarajoinedinthelaughter,asifnothinghadhappenedearlieratthepool.Itwasodd,however,thatshe
didn’thearanyofthebrothersjoiningintheconversations.ShewasprettysureTristanwasalwaysloud
in this kind of affair. So were Logan and Conrad. This evening, however, they were awfully quiet, as
thoughtheywereinmourning.

She didn’t know how long she lay there, listening to the humming of human conversations floating

through the ceilings from downstairs. She certainly didn’t know when she had fallen asleep either, and
whenshedid,shehadanightmare.

*****

Thirte e nYe arsAgo,Summe r

“Snow,” nine-year-old Darcy said softly, his eyes on Sakura’s sleeping form, his finger gently touching
hersilkyblacktresses.Hemovedhisfingerstogentlycaresshercheek,thenstrokedhisfingersacrossthe
lengthofherlips.Hegrinned,feelinghisheartbeatingfasterandhispulsethrobbingirregularly.

Raysofbrightsunlightshonethroughthelibrary’swindows,makingherevenmorebeautiful,justlike

alittleangel.Hehadn’tseenherinayearandnowlookathowgrownupshe’dbecome.

Ten-year-old Sakura opened her eyes, fluttering her long, dark lashes that so fascinated him. She

adjustedtothebrightnessoftheroom,andonceshesawhimshesmiled.Itwasabeautifulsmile,andit
causedDarcy’shearttoflutterwithjoy.

“Darce,”shesaidsoftly,sittingup.“You’rebackfromboardingschool.”
“Iam,”hewhispered.
“Well?Howwasit?Didyoulikeit?Ihaven’tseenyouforsolong.What?”sheasked,notingthathe

wasstaringatherforabittoolong.

Hegrinnedandheldupabook.“Readthistome,”hesaidinstead.“Imissedyoureadingtome.”
Shenotedthatthebookwasold.ShesmiledwhenshesawthatitwasRomeoandJulietbyWilliam

Shakespeare.

“Allright,”shereplied,takingthebookfromhim.Inaninstant,thebookwassnatchedfromherhand

andthrowntothefloor.SakuralookeduptoseeAlainaandTarastandingbeforethem,glaringdownat
her.

TarapulledDarcyawaysohardthatitcausedhimtofallbackandlandonhisbackside.
“Getawayfromher,Darcy!”shesaid.“She’sthedevil’sdaughter,don’tyouremember?Orhaveyou

goneawayforsolongthatyou’veforgotten?”

Alainasaid,“Yeah,Darcy.She’sthedevil’sdaughter.”
“She’s not.” Darcy protested, frowning at the girls. He got up and glared at them. “Now leave us

alone.”

“No! We won’t leave you alone,” Tara said. “Can’t you see? She’s here to take your mommy and

daddyaway.Didn’tyouseehowyourdaddylovesher?Andyourmommytoo?”

“Don’tbestupid,”Darcysaid,pickingupthebook.
Alainasnatchedthebookfromhim,thenstartedrippingoutthepagesinanger.
“Alaina!Stopit.Whatareyoudoing?”heasked.
“Ihatethisbook,”Alainashouted,furiouslyrippingthebookevenfaster,ventingallofherangerand

frustration.Onceshewasfinished,shethrewthetornbookatSakura,smackingherintheface.

Sakurawassore.Shebitherlipandheldbacktearsthatbegantowellupinhereyes.
Darcygrittedhisteeth.“Whydidyoudothat?”
“BecauseIhatethebookandIhateher.”AlainapointedafingeratSakura.“Please,Darcy,hateher.

She’sheretostealMomandDadawayfromus.Youhavenoideawhatvilethingsshedidwhenyouwere
gone. Mom and Dad practically hate me now. She lied to Mom and Dad that I did things I didn’t do,
Darcy.Pleasebelieveme.Ifyoudon’tbelieveme,askTara.”

“Please,Darcy,”Tarasaid,touchinghisarm.“Sheisevil.Justcomewithus.Don’tgonearher.”She

turnedtoSakuraandsneered.“Godwillneverforgiveyouforwhatyou’vedone,bitch.”

“Comeon,Darcy,”Alainasaid,pullingDarcybythehandandleadinghimoutthedoor.“You’llsee

oneday.She’sevil.”

Darcy looked over his shoulder at Sakura, who was now hiding her face by hugging herself into a

smallball,herbodyshiveringlikealeafinanangrystorm.

Ashewalkedfartheraway,theworldaroundhimfadedandturnedpitchblack.Asplitsecondlater,

whenhesawlightagain,hesawSakurainatreehouse.

“Goon,”Alainasaid.“Whatyawaitingfor?Getoutofhere.Youdon’tbelonghere.Daddymadethis

treehousejustforus.Notyou.Nowgetout!”

Sakurablinkedbacktears.“ButDaddyJamessaidIcanplay,too.”
“DaddyJames?”Alainashoutedather,smackingherfistagainstSakura’sface,sendingheragainst

the wooden wall. “How dare you call our daddy Daddy James? He’s not your dad. He’s ours!” she
screamed.

“Whydon’tyoujustpissoffanddie?”Tarasaidtoher.“Gojumpoffthetreehouse.Justkillyourself

already.Theworldwouldbebetteroffwithoutyou.”

Sakurablinkedbacktearsandgentlyrubbedhersorecheek.
“Oh,God!You’repathetic,”Alainasaid.
“Whydon’twehelpherkillherself?”Tarasuggested.
“Yeah,whynot?”Alainasaid.“Comeon,witch.Goandhangyourselforsomething.”Shegrabbed

Sakurabythecollarofhershirtandpulledherforward.

“No,pleasedon’t!”Sakurascreamed.“Pleasedon’t!”
Theywouldn’tlistentoher,however,andlaughedastheydraggedhertothedoorofthetreehouse.

Theytriedtoshoveheroutsoshecouldfallbackwarddownthetree,butSakurawasholdingonwithall

hermight,pullingback,fightingtostayinsidethetreehouse.

As they were struggling, Tara noticed Darcy running across the length of the lawn toward the tree

house,callingAlaina’sname.Obviously,hewaslookingforher.

“Darcy!”Tarascreamedoutatthetopofherlungs.“Helpus!Please!She’stryingtokillus!”
Alaina caught on instantly. She glanced over and saw her twin brother racing at full speed toward

them.Shesmiledgleefully,adrenalinecoursingthroughherveins.“Nowhe’llfindoutjusthowevilthis
bitchis.”ShechuckledtoTara.

Taranodded,andoncuetheybothscreamedatthetopoftheirlungs,“Helpus!Darcy!She’stryingto

killus!”

Darcyracedtothemandstoppedatthebottomofthehugetree,lookingup.“Alaina!”
Tarachosethatmomenttotakeaction.Thisisit,shethought.SheletgoofSakura’shandandshoved

herbackintothetreehouse,causingSakuratotumbleandhitagainstthewall.

Sakurafellandlandedonherbackside,confusedthatshehadn’tyetfallenoffthetreehouse.Thenshe

watchedinhorrorasTaragrinnedlikeamaniacandshovedAlainaoutthedoor,lettingherfalloutofthe
treehouseallthewaydowntothegroundwithathud.

TarasmiledwithsatisfactionasshewatchedherlittlebestfriendflydownandlandbyDarcy’sfeet.

Shecouldn’thelpfeelingtheexcitementwithinherwhenshesawthesurprise,theshock,andthefearon
Alaina’sbeautifulface.

Thud!
Alainalandedthereonthegrass,herbodylikealittledoll,allbrokenandtorn.Ohhowitpleased

Tara.Itpleasedhersodamnmuch.

“Alaina!”Darcyscreamed,hisfacewhitewithhorrorashepickeduphisunconscioussisterinhis

arms.“Alaina!”hecried.“Pleasedon’tdie!”

Taramanagedtocomposeherselffromherexcitement.Sherusheddownthetreehouseandpretended

to cry her heart out. “Alaina! Alaina! It’s her. She’s trying to kill us. Can’t you see, Darcy? She’s the
devil’sdaughter.She’sheretokillallofusandtakeourmommyanddaddy.”

Darcy,hisheartsuddenlytornwithangerandhatred,letgoofAlainaandclimbedupthetreehouse.

Once he was inside, he grabbed the shocked Sakura and shouted at her. “Why? I never believed them
before,butnow!Why?Howcouldyou?Howcouldyou?”Then,asifhewererevoltedbyher,heshoved
herfromhim.

Sakuralandedagainstthewall.Shehuggedherselfintoaball,rockingherselfasshewhimpered,“I

didn’tdoit.Ididn’t.Pleasebelieveme.Ididn’t.”

*****

ThewhimperingsoundechoedinDarcy’shead,andhewokewithastart.Heflashedhiseyesopenand
sat up, his palm against his chest, feeling the continuous thumping of his beating heart. Thump! Thump!
Thump!Oh,God!Itwaspainful.

Sweatsoakedhisfaceandbody.Hewipedhisforeheadwiththebackofhishand,thentookoffhis

nightshirt.Hisskinwasglisteningwithsweatinthedarknessashesatthere,hismindplayingscenesof
hischildhood.Suddenly,asifhecouldn’tstandthestuffinessoftheroomanylonger,hegotoffthebed
andwenttodrawthecurtainsbackandopenthewindows.

Coolspringairrushedin,andhebreathedasighofrelief.
Whythedream?Hehadn’tthoughtaboutthatdayforsolong.Sowhynow?
Hisheartached.WhyhadhehurtSakurawhenshehadn’tdoneanythingwrong?Whyhadhehurther

whenhelovedhersomuch?Why?

Hewasaheartless,maliciousmonsterwhodidn’tdeserveherloveorkindness.
Darcy’swholebodyshudderedinanguishandtearsburnedwithinhiseyes.

*****

CHAPTER3

Nightmare s

Thirte e nYe ars Ago,Summe r

Thirteen-year-oldSebastianwaswatchingSakurafromafar,andlikealways,shewasalonewithabook.
He suspected it must be Shakespeare. She was sitting under the magnolia tree now, reading. Sebastian
stayedback,watchingher,marvelingattheglossyblackhair,theporcelainskin,andtherubylips.Every
timehehadmanagedtogetclosetoher,hestaredathereyes,thosebeautifuleyesthatseemedtoalways
pullhimintoadeep,darkpoolofmysteryandintrigue.

He had seen Hayden dragging her out the other night, for what Hayden would call borrowing a

motorbike. That really pissed him off because he didn’t want Hayden to get Sakura into trouble. And
troublehedidgetherintobecausehehadcrashedthebikeandhadgottengrounded.Whatreallypissed
Sebastian off even more was the fact that Hayden had believed Tara and Alaina’s lies that it had been
Sakurawhohadtoldonhim.NowHaydenreallyhatedSakura.

ThentherewereTristanandLogan.Hisstupidteenagebrothershadabetonwhowouldgettokiss

Sakura first. He suspected they hadn’t had enough kisses yet from those silly, eager teenage girls from
NewYorkwhowouldonlybetoopleasedtolettheboystaketheirvirginities.SebastianknewTristan
did get to kiss Sakura, albeit only on the cheek and in which case she had slapped him really hard
afterward.Tarahadseen,ofcourse,gotreallyjealous,andtoldJames,whogroundedbothTristanand
Loganforamonth.ThisonlyledtotheboysdespisingSakuraevenmore,believingSakurawasthereal
bitchyadoptedsisterTaraandAlainahadconstantlytoldthemabout.Thoughtobehonest,Sebastianwas
gladhisbrothersnowleftSakuraalone.

Hewatchedherclosingthebookthenrunningherfingersthroughherlonghair.Shegotupandslowly

madeherwayacrossthesandybeachtotherockycliffbythesea.Thereshestood,gazingacrossatthe
oceanbeyond.

Sebastianwatchedher,hisheartachingforher—forherlonelinessandforhersadness.
Hedidn’tknowhowithappened.Perhapshe’dbeentooengrossedinwatchingSakurathathedidn’t

knowTaraandAlainawerethereuntiltheywerebehindSakura.Alainahadherleftarminaslingsince
she’d broken it after she’d fallen from the tree house, which he was told Sakura had pushed her off.
Sebastianknewitwasbullshit.HeknewTaraandAlainalied.Butthenagain,Darcywouldn’tlie.Darcy
neverlied,andsohewasn’tsure.

Hemadehiswayacrosstogetcloser,tohearwhattheyweresayingbecausehewascurious.Healso

feltasthoughsomethingwasn’tright.Hedidn’tknowwhy,buthehadto.Itwasstupidtospyonyourown
siblings,buthejusthadto.

“Seewhatyoudid,youbitch?”Tarashouted.“YoupushedpoorAlainaoutofthetreehouse,andnow

lookatherarm.It’sbroken!”

“Youhavetopay,youbitch!”Alainayelled,pointingafingeratSakura.
“ButIdidn’t,”Sakurasaid,movingbackwardastheyadvancedtowardher,herlegsinchesfromthe

edgeofthecliff.“Ididn’tpushyouoff.”

“Stoparguingandjustgoanddie!”Alainascreamed.“Noonewantsyouhere.Noone!”
“You’rebetteroffdeadanyway,”Tarashouted,herfacered.

“Youhavetopayforwhatyoudidtome,”Alainasaid.“Nowgoanddie!”
Sebastian watched in horror as Alaina pushed Sakura back then, with all her might, shoved Sakura

intothesea.“Justdiealready!”shescreamed.

Sakuradidn’tshoutforhelp.Shejustgaspedasshefoundherselffallingbackward.
Splash!
Herbodyhitthewater,andshebegantostruggletryingtoclimbback,butshefoundshecouldn’t.She

wasdrowning,andnoonewasgoingtohelpher.

Withoutthinking,Sebastianranfromhisspot.HeracedpastTaraandAlainaandthrewhimselfinto

theocean.Oncehisbodyhitthewater,hepulledhimselftogetherandswam.

Withinthedeep,murkywater,hetriedhisbesttofindhiswaytohelpSakura.Butshewasnowhere

insight,andhepanicked.No!Hehadtofindher.Shehadtobesomewherehere.

Hefoundherbeingdraggeddowntothebottom.Hereachedhishandouttoher,begginghertocome

tohim,hisblueeyeslarge,filledwithdreadandfear.Thenhefoundhecouldn’tgoanyfartherandfelt
himselfbeingdraggeddownandabout,deeperanddeeperandroundandround.Thewaves,theywere
toostrong.Theywerechurningandwhirlinghimfromhisdestination.Hefelthimselfbeingsuffocated.
God!Heneededtobreathe.ButtherewasSakura.Hehadtosaveher.

Heclosedhiseyes,couldnolongerthink,couldnolongerholdontohislife.Heknewhewasdying.
A moment later, he felt himself being pulled up, and then he was out of the water. He opened his

mouthwideandsuckedairintohisstarvedlungs.

“Comeon,”heheardNicolassayfaintlyagainstthehowlingwindandsmashingwaves.Hetightened

hisarmsaroundhisbrother’sneckastheybothstruggledtheirwayacrosstothebeach.

“Sakura!”heshouted,hisheartthunderingloudlywithinhischest.
“Dad,”Nicolasrepliedbetweentakingdeepbreaths.
Oncethey’dreachedtheshore,Nicolashelpedhimontothesandybeach.Sebastiandidn’tevencare

that he could have just died if it weren’t for his brother. He was more concerned about Sakura, so he
rushed to her the moment James brought her up from the sea. Tears burned his eyes as he helplessly
watchedhisdadgivingherCPR.

Oh,God!Shewassopaleandstill,asthoughshewerealreadydead.Isshedead?Hewonderedand

blamed himself for what happened. If only he had been a stronger swimmer. If only he had been there
beforeAlainahadpushedherover.Ifonly—

Sebastianfelthimselfshiveringfromfearandhisheartachingwithsorrow.Sakura!Pleasewakeup.

Don’tyoudieonme!Sakura,pleasedon’tgo.Please,don’tgo.

He wanted to shout at her for being so weak, for letting other people bully her. Oh, God, how he

wantedtoshoutather.

Again,Jamesblewairintoherlittlelungsandpressedonherchest,begginghertowakeup,tocome

backalive.

“Comeon,Sakura,”Jamessaidinanguish.“Sweetheart,wakeup.”
Sebastianfeltdarkandhollowwithinhisstomach.Theworldaroundhimfeltcold,andatthesame

time,hefeltangrywithhimself.Hewasangrybecauseofwhathecouldn’tdo.Hecouldn’tevenprotect
her.Hecouldn’tevensaveher.Hefelttearsstinghiseyesashisheartburnedinanguish.

Andthenfinallyshebreathedagain.Shecoughed,spurtedoutloadsofseawater,andcollapsedagain

inJames’sarms.

Jamessighedwithrelief,tearsinhiseyes.
Sebastiancouldn’tcontrolhimselfandcried,tearsrollingdownhischeeks.HefeltNicolas’sarms

aroundhim,comfortinghim.

“Sakura,”hewhispered,staringatherpaleface.“Don’tleaveme.”

*****

“Sakura!”Sebastianshouted,wakinghimselfup.Hisbreathingwaslabored,andhisheartwasthumping
hardwithinhischest.Hesatupandrubbedhistemple,realizingitwasonlyadream.

“Sakura,”hesaidsoftlyunderhisbreath.“I’msorryIcouldn’tsaveyou.”
Theincident—hehadforgottenaboutthatuntilnow.Butdidhereallyforgetaboutit,orwasitthat

theincidentwastoopainfulforhimtobearandhisbrainhadchosentoblockthatmemoryfromhismind?

The drowning. Yes, it all came back to him now—everything. The real reason he had taken up

swimmingprofessionally,thereasonhe’dbecomesostrongandsofast.Theraces.Herememberednow
whyhehadwonsomanyracesduringhisteenageyears,bothnationallyandinternationally.Ithadbeen
becauseeverytimehegotintothewater,he’dseelittleSakuraagain,seeherdrowningandbeggingfor
hishelp.Thushe’duseallhispower,kickingandstrokingfasterinordertoredeemhimself,inorderto
saveher.Buthehadneversavedher,andinsteadhe’dwonsomanyraces,somanytrophies.Ithadnever
beenthetrophies,however,thathewanted.IthadalwaysbeenSakura.Yes,Sakurawashisrealtrophy.

Eventually he quit swimming professionally, as Sakura had begun to fade from his mind and

disappearedcompletelyfromhismemory.Whatisthepoint?he’daskedhimself.Whywasheswimming
professionallywhenhehadnopassionforit?

“Sakura,”hewhisperedunderhisbreath.“Icouldn’tsaveyouyetagain.
Thatwaswhenheheardthescreamfromnextdoor.Itwasloudandfulloffear.Sebastiandashedoff

hisbedandoutthedoorintwosecondsflat.HemetDarcyinthecorridor.Thebrotherslookedateach
other,andasiftheyunderstoodeachotherwithouthavingtospeak,SebastianopenedSakura’sdoorand
hurriedinside.Darcyfollowed.

Shewasn’tinbed.TheyfoundherhuggingherselfandToby,whowaswhimperingwithconcern,into

aballinthedarkercornerofthebedroom.

Sebastianrushedtoherandkneeledbesideher.Gentlyhestrokedherhairfromherface,andslowly

henudgedherfaceuptolookathim.

Sebastianfeltasthoughaprofessionalboxersuddenlyslammedhismightyfistintohisstomachthe

momenthesawherface.Shewassheetwhite,andhereyeswerelargelikeafrightenedchild.

Hepulledhertohimsohewouldn’talarmher.Shedidn’tfighthim,andhewaspleased.
“It’sokay,”hesaidsoftly.“It’sjustanightmare.”
Sakurashookherheadandbitherlip.“Thewater!Itwastryingtotakeme.Ican’tgo.Notyet.Ican’t

leaveTobybehind.”

Inresponse,Tobyrubbedhisheadagainstherchest,tellingherheunderstood.
“Shh…It’sonlyanightmare,”Sebastiansaid.“See,you’restillhere.”
Shelookedupathimandblinked.“You’renotDaddyJames.”
The situation was serious, yet Sebastian wanted to laugh. If Nicolas were here, she would have

thoughthewasDaddyJamesandwouldn’thesitatetogointohisarmsandlethimcomforther.

“No,I’mnot,”hesaidsoftly.
Suddenly she surprised him by moving into his arms and hugging him tightly, her face snuggling

securelyagainsthismassivechest,tearsinhereyes.Hewaspleasedbecausethatmeantsheallowedhim
tocuddlehereventhoughhewasn’therDaddyJames.

Oh yes, he remembered that time long ago when Sakura had countless nightmares. Their dad had

alwaysbeenthereforher,huggingherandtellinghereverythingwasallright.Andhe,Sebastian,would

watchfromthedistance.Onceagain,herememberedherwordsshehadsoftlyuttertotheirdad.

“Doyouloveme?”
“OfcourseIdo.Withallmyheart,”theirfatherhadsaid.
“Thenonlylovemeinsecret.Idon’twanttohurtmysiblings.”
“You’reSebastian.”Hervoicepenetratedhismind.Hewatchedherasshegazedupathim,hereyes

largeandglisteningwithtears.“You’reSebastian,”sherepeatedweakly.“Sebastianwhosavedme.Iwas
socold,andyouweresowarm.Mychesthurt.Mybodyhurt.Therewasafireinthecave.Youhugged
me.Yousaidyoulikedme,butyoudon’tlikemeasyoursister.Iwassosad,soverysad.Butyoukissed
me.ThenIwashappyagain,soveryhappy.”

ShemovedherfaceandsleepilylookedatDarcy.Shewhispered,“Darce.MyDarce.Butyou’reno

longer my Darce. You hate me now. Why?” She turned and snuggled her face back against Sebastian’s
warmchest.“Pleasedon’tkillmeyet.IwanttogotoMary’sweddingfirst,andIwanttomeetmyreal
mother…Thenyoucankillme,Tara,Alaina.Iwanttomeetmyrealmother,”shemurmuredsoftly.“She
gavememyname.Sakurameanscherryblossom.Shegavememynecklace.I’mgoingtofindher.Iwant
tocallherokasama.ItmeansmotherinJapanese.Yes,Iwanttocallherokasamasomuch…”

The brothers noted that her eyes were now closed and she was rocking herself back and forward.

DarcybentdownandtookTobyfromher.Thedoggroaned,wantingtogobacktohismaster,butDarcy
wasfirm.

“Hush!”hesaidtoTobyashepettedhim.
“Yes,”Sebastiansaid,placinghishandunderherslenderlegs.Thenheliftedher.“You’llmeetyour

realmothersoon.You’llfindher.”

“Yes,realsoon,”shemurmuredunderherbreath.“I’llmeetherrealsoon.”
Sebastianplacedheronherbedandpulledtheblanketuptoherneck.Soonshewasindeepsleep.

The two brothers stood there, watching the woman who had affected them so much, both mentally and
emotionally,inthesepastfewdays.Shehadbroughtbacktheirmemoriesoftheirchildhood,ofthepain
andofthepleasureofbeingwithher.Nowmorethanever,theybothrealizedtheynolongerwantedto
forget about her, no longer wanted their memories of her to lie dormant in their minds. No, what they
wantednowmorethaneverwastoembraceher,towelcomeherintotheirarms—notasasister,butas
thewomantheyhadalwayswantedandloved.

A few moments later, after they were satisfied she wasn’t going to have another nightmare, the

brothersheadedoutthedoor.

“Wantsomecoffee?”Sebastianaskedatthecorridor.
“Yeah,whynot?”Darcysaid,leadingthewaywithTobyinhisarms.
“Can’t guarantee it’ll be as good as Sakura’s, though,” Sebastian said. “By the way, maybe you

shouldputonashirt.Itisrathercold.”

DarcynoddedandgaveTobytoSebastian.
Sebastian said before his brother could disappear, “Don’t forget. We have our hair appointment at

ten.”

Darcygroaned.“Shit!”hemutteredunderhisbreath.
Sebastianlaughed.“It’sforourdearcousin’ssake.YouknowMary’llflipifsheseesyouwithsuch

longhairatherwedding.”

“Speakforyourself,”Darcysaid.“Yoursisalmostaslongasmine.”Withthat,Darcydisappeared

intohisroom.

*****

CHAPTER4

FirstLove

Thirte e nYe arsAgo,Summe r

Darcy felt his heart throbbing intensely as he hid behind the door to his room, listening to his parents
talkingtoDr.Young.

“Chestinfection,”Dr.Youngsaid.“Pneumonia.Allsheneedsisanantibioticandalotofrest.”
“Itmustbefromthedrowning,”Jamessaid.
Darcyfelttearsstinghiseyesandhisstomachhollowed.Atthatmoment,hehatedhimselfsomuch

thathewantedtobeathimself.

HowcouldheletthishappentohisSnow?HowcouldheletAlainaandTarapushheroffthecliff?

How could he just stand there in the distance and watch as she fell into the sea? He was a coward. A
nuisance.Ano-goodweaklingwhodidn’tdeservetobecalledaPrinceton.Hewasashamedofhimself.

Darcyhuggedhimselfintoaballinthecornerofhisroomandcriedhisheartout,cryingforhisSnow

andhatinghimselfatthesametime.

Hehadmisseddinner,andthankfullynoonehadcomelookingforhim.Hekneweveryonewastoo

shockedwithwhathadhappenedtoworryaboutdinner.WhatwouldDaddotoAlainaandTara?He’d
punishthem;hewassure,whichtheydeserved.AndSakura?Whatwasgoingtohappentoherafterthis?

Itwasdark,andDarcycouldn’tsleep.HisheartwasstillracingandhismindwasstillonSakura.

Thatwaswhenhecouldn’ttakeitanylongerandgotoutofbed.Heneededtoseeher.Heneededtomake
sureshewasallright.

HewasoutofhisroomandheadingtoSakura’sroomacrossthehallinaninstant.Hequietlyopened

herdoorandpokedhisheadin.

There, he saw her slight, pale form in bed, sleeping. He noted she was having difficulty breathing,

andhisheartachedforher.

“Snow,”hewhispered.
Heslidinandclosedthedoorbehindhim.Hecamearoundtoherandtouchedthebackofhishandon

herforehead.Henearlyjumpedbecauseherskinwasburninghot.

“Snow,”hesaid,tearsbrewinginhiseyes.“Pleasebeallright.”
“Darce,”shewhisperedsoftlyinhersleep.“Ididn’tdoit.Ididn’tpushAlaina.”
Darcybithislip,hishearttremblingwithpaininhischest.“Iknowyoudidn’t,”hesaid,hisvoice

shaking.“Iknowyoudidn’t.”

Hereachedoutandtookherlittlehandinhis,holdingontohertight.Thenhenoticedshebeganto

whimperinhersleep,shakingherheadandbodyasifshewerehavinganightmare.

“Snow,”hewhispered.“Snow.”
Shekeptshakingherheadandwhimperingbrokenlyastearsfellfromhereyesdownhercheeks.
Darcyknewhehadtocomforther,hadtoprotectherfromhernightmare.
Heclimbedintobedwithherandscoopedherintohisarms.Withherfeverishbodyagainsthis,he

huggedhertight.“It’sallright,Snow.I’mhere.You’resafewithme,”hewhisperedagainstherforehead.
“You’resafewithme.”

Afewmomentslater,shecalmeddown.“Darce,”shewhispered.“Pleasedon’tleaveme.”

“Iwon’tleaveyou,”hereplied,tightenedhisarmsaroundher.
“Pleaseloveme,”shebegged.
Darcy’sheartwascryingoutinagony,andhisbodyshookwiththepowerfulemotion.“Iloveyou,

Snow,” he said. “I love you so much it hurts.” Then he moved his lips to her forehead and kissed her
there. Slowly, he moved his lips down to her nose and kissed her there, too. Then, as if he couldn’t
controlhimself,hemovedhislipstohermouthandkissedherardently.Herskinwashotagainsthis,and
he felt himself burn with her. He stroked her face and prayed to God she would be all right as he
continuedtokissher.

Whenhefinallystopped,shegroanedandherlipssearchedforhis,beggingforhistouches.Darcy

waspleasedandfulfilledherwishbykissingheragain.Thistime,sherespondedbytighteningherarms
aroundhimandwhisperinghisname.“Darce,youdoloveme.I’myourSnow.”

Whenhemovedhislipsback,hewhispered,“Yes,you’remySnow.You’llalwaysbemySnow.”
Sheseemedtorelaxathisreplyandsnuggleddeepagainsthischestasshefellintoadeepslumber.

Soon,Darcytoofellasleep,huggingheragainsthim,neverwantingtolethergo.

When he woke again, it was morning, and he noted that her body was hotter than ever and her

breathingwasevenmorelabored,asifthiswasherfinalhour.Hepanicked,rushedoutofbed,andranto
gethisparents.

Oh,God,hethought,pleaseletherbeallright.Please!
Alone,Sakuragroanedsoftly.Herchesthurt.Shefeltsoveryhotandsoveryweak.Sheopenedher

eyes, and the first thing she thought was that she had to get out of here. No one wanted her here, so it
wouldbebestifsheleft.

Withoutthinking,shesatup,andinstantlytheworldspunaroundher.Shetouchedherforehead,trying

togetherbearings.Oncetheworldhaddecidedtostopspinning,sheputherfeettothefloorandgotout
ofbed.

Slowlyanddazedly,shewanderedoutthedoor,downthestairs,andthenoutofthemansionintothe

hotsummeroutside.

Birdswerechirping,andthecoolbreezewaswonderful.Inthedistance,shesawtheendlessgreen

landandbluesky.Yes,sheneededtogo.Sheneededtogetoutofhere.

She didn’t know where she was going, nor did she care just as long as she was out of this place

wherenoonewantedher.Shehadthoughtatfirstthattheywantedher,thattheylovedher,butnowshe
knewbetter.Noneofthemwantedher.Theyallhatedher.EvenDarce.

Itwassohot,andshewasthirsty.Herchesthurt.Whydiditfeellikeshehadatonofbricksontopof

herchest?

Shecoughedandthepainintensified.Itwastrulyunbearable.Shegroanedinagony.
Why is it so bright out here? She blinked and stared up the endless sky. Suddenly, the world spun

beforeheragain.Shesighed,feelingawfullyhelpless.AtleastI’mgoingtoseemyrealmothernow,she
thoughtandcollapsedthereamongsttheovergrowngrassinthemiddleofnowhere.

Itwassoverydarknow,andsheknewthenthatshewasgoingaway.Oddlyenough,shewasgladto

leavethisplacewherenoonewantedher,wherenoonelovedher.Thatwaswhenshesawthelight.It
was beautiful and it beckoned to her, enticing her to come toward it. Sakura couldn’t help herself and
reachedoutherhand,beggingittotakeher.Shecouldhearbeautifulmusic.Itwascallingtoher,telling
herthatitlovedher,wouldtakecareofher,andwouldalwaysbethereforher.Thenshesawtinypetals
ofcherryblossomseverywhere,floatingandrainingdownonher.Thismustbeheaven,shethoughtand
spreadherarmstocatchtheflowers.Thiswasherplace,aplacewhereshebelonged.

“Sakura?”Avoiceechoedfromthedistance.“Sakura?”

Sakurastopped,wonderingwherethevoicehadcomefrom.“Sakura?”Shehearditagain.“Sakura?”
Sakura searched around for the owner of that familiar voice, but he was nowhere to be found.

Suddenlyshesawazureeyesandahandreachedouttoher.

“Sakura?”
Shefelthandstouchingherface.Sakurablinked.Inherdazedandfeverishstate,shefeltherselfbeing

liftedandthenpositionedonsomeone’sback.Shefeltthepersonrunning,hisbreathinghardandlabored.
Hesmellednice,ofearthandpinewood.Shelovedhissmell.

“Don’tdieonme,Sakura,”sheheardhimsay.
Shedidn’tknowhowlonghe’dbeenrunning,piggybackingher,nordidsheknowthatitwasgetting

dark. Suddenly she felt cool drops of rain on her skin. That felt nice. It cooled down her hot skin. She
sighed.Hercheststillhurt,though,andshegroanedagain.

“Holdon,Sakura.We’realmostthere,”hesaid.
Ohno!Toocoldnow.Toomuchrain.Sheshivered.No!Waytoocoldnow.
“Shit!Astorm?Now?”Sheheardhimswear.
Sheheardthunderclashinginthedistance,andautomaticallyshetightenedherarmsaroundhim.She

whimpered,afraid.

Shefelthimtightenhisholdonherasiftosootheherfear.
“We’llhavetostaythereforthenight,”hesaid.“It’stoodark.Andthestorm…”
Some more running, and then she couldn’t feel the rain anymore. She felt him gently lay her on the

cold,hardground.Shetriedtoopenhereyesbutfoundshecouldn’tandclosedthemagain.

Whenshedidmanagetoopenhereyessometimelater,shesawasmallfireburningbrightlynottoo

faraway.Shefeltsoverycold.Sheshivered.Hercheststillhurt.Herbodyached.WhereamI?

Shegroaned.Shereachedherhandtowardthefirebutfoundshewastooweaktodoso.Thenshefelt

herselfbeingmovedandherbodywasontopofsomeone.Thechestwasbareandwarm.Shesighedand
restedherfaceagainstthenapeoftheperson’sneckandherbodyagainstthatverywarm,invitingnaked
body.Shefeltarmsembracingher,huggingher,keepingherwarm.Sheturnedherfacetogazeupatthe
boy who was hugging her. She saw azure eyes looking down at her with concern. His young face was
markedwithsweatanddirt.

“Youhaveafever,”hesaidsoftly,pullinghisjacketontopofherasablanket.
“Sebastian,”shewhispered.
Sebastiantightenedhisarmsaroundherasherestedhisbackagainstthecold,hardrockbehindhim.

Atleastthiscavewouldkeepthemdryandwarmforthenight.Tomorrowmorningwhentherainstopped,
he’dtakeherhome,andDr.Youngwouldtreatherfever.Itwasfromthedrowning.Toomuchwaterhad
penetratedherlungs,andnowshewasinfectedwithpneumonia.Hejusthopedshe’dsurvivethenight.
No,hetoldhimselffirmly.Shewillsurvivethisnight.He’dmakesureofthat.

Sakura moved and touched her cold hand against his warm, bare chest. “Why did you come after

me?”

Hesoftenedhisfaceandasked,“Whydidyourunaway?”
Shebitherlip.Herhearthurt.“Becausenoonewantsme.Idon’twanttoburdenanybody.”
“That’s not true,” he said. In fact, everyone, except for Alaina and Tara, was out searching for her

sinceearlythismorningwhenthey’dfoundhergonefromherroom.Theyallhadpracticallyturnedthe
houseupsidedownlookingforherandhadtoextendthesearchtothewholeestateoncetheycouldn’tfind
her.

Shelookedupathimagain,tearsinhereyes.“Noonewantsme.”
“WhataboutMomandDad?Theyloveyouverymuch,Sakura.They’dbedevastatedifyou’regone.”

Shegroaned.“MomandDad,”shewhispered.“Ilovethemsoverymuchtoo.”Thenshelookedupat

him.“Whataboutyou?Doyouloveme?”

Sebastianswallowed.Hehesitated.Hishandsfistedtight.Hishearttrembled.
“Isee.Youdon’tevenlikeme?Justalittle?Asyoursister?”
Sebastianslowlyshookhishead.No,hecouldn’tlietoher,noteveninherstateofsickness.“Sakura,

I’msorry.”

Her heart retched with pain. “I see,” she whispered, disappointed. She cast her eyes downward,

hidinghertears.

Sebastiantouchedherchinandnudgedherfacesoshecouldlookathim.Veryslowlyhebroughthis

facedowntohers,andgentlyhekissedheronherlips.

Herlipsweresoft,andSebastianlovedthefeelofheragainsthim.Hiskisswasgentleandsoftand

veryloving.

TearsburnedinSakura’seyes.Sohelovesmeafterall,shethought.Shewassohappy.Sherelaxed

againsthimandallowedhimtokissherdeeper.

Sebastian had never kissed any girl before, and Sakura was his very first. Though he was

inexperienced,hisinnatenatureknewwhatitwasdoing.Heopenedhislips,plungedhistongueintoher
smallmouth,andkissedherdeeply—pouringoutallofhisloveforherthathe’dkepthiddenwithinhim
forsolong.Hisfingersdugdeepintoherthickhair,histhumbcaressingherfeverishskin.

When he moved his head back, breathless and his heart glowing with love, she smiled up at him.

“Thankyou,”shesaidandthenslowlyclosedhereyesagain.

Sebastianknewshewouldn’tremembertheirkisswhenshewokeagain.Hesmiledsadlyandthought

atleastfornowhehadheralltohimself.Hetightenedhisarmsaroundherandkissedherforehead.“I
loveyou,”hewhispered.

*****

CHAPTER5

The Be stManWins

WhenSakuraopenedhereyes,itwassobrightshehadtoshutthemagain.Thistime,sheslowlyfluttered
hereyelidsopentogetusedtothesharpbrightness.Asshestaredupattheceiling,shewonderedwhyshe
wassleepinginsolateandwhyshewasfeelingsotired.

Slowlyshebroughtherfingerstotouchherlips,gentlycaressingthem.Whyshewastouchingherlips

she wasn’t sure. She was sure, however, that she’d had a dream. What was it? Why couldn’t she
remember?

Shecontinuedtostrokeherlipsasherbrainsearchedfarandwideforthatelusivedreamshewas

sureshehadlastnight.Theninaflash,whathappenedyesterdayrushedbacktoher.Suddenlyshefeltthat
heavyburdenwithinherchest.

Shecouldn’tbelieveshecouldn’tdefendherself.Shewasnowatwenty-three-year-oldwoman,and

TaraandAlainahadstillmanagedtobullyher.Thiswasunacceptable.Whydidsheletthembullyher?It
justwasn’tright.

She gritted her teeth. No! From this moment forward, she would no longer allow those two vile

womentohurther.Nope!Notanymore.

Atthatthought,shefistedherhandsandjumpedoffthebed,suddenlynolongertired.Yes,sheknew

exactlywhattodo.Shewouldneverdrownagain—ever!

Withouttakingagoodlookatherself,sherushedoutthedoorandheadedstraightdownstairs.Witha

determinedlookonherface,sheburstthroughthediningroomdoor.

The brothers, who were at that moment sitting around the table having their very late lunch since

they’djustreturnedfromtheirveryunpleasanthairdressingexperience,lookedup.Whattheysawnearly
sentthemtoheaven.

Sakura was in her pajamas of cotton sleep shirt and shorts. The buttons of the shirt were mostly

undonefromthetoptomidwaydownherchest,thusshowingoffherlovelyfleshbeneath.Sincehershirt
wasquitelong,thehemreachingdowntojustaboveherthighs,itlookedasthoughshewasn’twearing
anyshorts,thusshowingoffherlovelybare,long,slenderlegs.Nottomentionherhairwasamess,her
skin petal white, her lips red, her cheeks tinged a rosy color, and her eyes were wild and large as she
gazedatthem.

Shewashot.Shewassexy.Andeveryoneofthebrotherswantedtoravishher.
Nicolaschokedonhiscoffee,andhisglassesnearlyfelloffhisfinenoseashestaredattheyoung

woman at the door. Tristan blinked and blinked and blinked yet again. Logan forgot he was pouring
himselfacupofcoffeeandkeptonpouringuntilthecoffeewaspouringontothewhitelinentablecloth.
Sebastianhadapieceofsandwichinhismouthanditstayedthere.Haydenhadapieceofsausageonhis
fork, ready for his mouth, but now the sausage had escaped back onto the plate and the fork was in his
mouthbyitself.Darcycouldonlystareatherinshockedsurprise.AndConradgrinned,hiseyeslarge,his
faceflushedredatseeingherinsuchaseductivestate.

Sebastianwasthefirsttogainhiswits,andafterhe’dfinishedchewinghissandwichandawkwardly

swallowed,heclearedhisthroatandtoldhisbrotherstoquitstaring.

Nicolas cleared his throat also and pushed his glasses up the bridge of his nose, returning his

attentiontohistablet.“You’remessingupthetablecloth,Logan!”hesaid.

Logan blinked, turned his attention to his coffee, and when he realized what he’d done, he swore

underhisbreath.Tristanlaughedathisbrother.

Sakuraclosedthedoorbehindherandannouncedtotheroom,“I’vedecidedtolearnhowtoswim.”
Sebastiansnappeduphisheadandstaredatherinamazement.Darcywidenedhiseyes,andConrad

smiledevenwider.Tristangotupandcamearoundtoher.Hehadagrinonhisfacethatmadehisbrothers
suspicious.Withoutwarning,hegrabbedSakura,pulledherintohisarms,andhuggedherrealtight.

“Goodmorning,Sakura,”hesaidintoherear,hiswarmbreathfanningherskin.
“Whatthehellareyoudoing,Tristan?”Conradasked.
“Err,goodmorning,Tristan,”Sakurareplieduncomfortably,realizinghe’dhadahaircut.Sheblinked

andturnedtolookatthebrothersandnoticedtheyallhadtheirhaircut.Sebastian’sblondhairwasnow
cropped to just past his neck and cleanly styled, which made him look even more handsome than ever.
Darcy’s long hair was completely gone and now the length only reached just past his neck. He looked
verystylish,likesomeveryhotmalemodelinafashionmagazine.Hiseyesmethers,andshecaughther
breathatthebackofherthroat.Oh,God!Helookedsodifferentfrombeforeandsogorgeous.Asforthe
restofthebrothers,theyhadtheirhairprofessionallytrimmedandstyled.Theydefinitelylookedamazing.

“Morninghugs,”Tristansaid.Thenhecheekilyadded,“Andnowforthemorningkisses.”
Withinasecondflat,HaydenwasoutofhischairandshovingTristanback.HepulledSakuraintohis

armsandhuggedhertightly.“I’mgivinghermorninghugs,too.”

“Why,youbrat!”Tristansnapped.
Haydenlaughed.“Goliedown,youolddog.”ThenheturnedhisattentiontoSakuraandsaidsoftly

intoherhair,“Goodmorning,Sakura.Didyouhaveagoodsleeplastnight?”

SebastianandDarcyeyedeachotherwithconcern.
“Err,goodmorning,Hayden.Yes,Idid,”shesaid,givinghimacutesmile.
Sebastian and Darcy eyed each other again. They wondered if she’d forgotten about her nightmare

fromlastnightandtheminherroom.

“Oi,Hayden!”Logancalledout.“Lethergo.You’resuffocatingher.”
Haydenscowledathisbrotherandfinallydidlethergo,reluctantlythough.Tristanputhishandson

her shoulders and his face beside her nape as he said, “Come along now. It’s lunchtime.” He gently
nudgedhertowardthetable.

Sakurafeltratherweirdthathewassoclosetoher.Shegrinnedpolitelyandsaid,“ButI’monlyhere

toaskSebastianafavor.”

Sebastian choked on his coffee and coughed loudly. Darcy frowned darkly. Tristan decided to look

jealous,andLoganchuckled.

“Becareful,”Nicolassaid.“It’shot.Veryhot.”
ThebrothersunderstoodwhatNicolasmeant,butnoneofthemwerepayinghimanyattention.After

all,theylikedithotanddangerous.Thehotterandmoredangerous,thebetter.

Sebastian,afterwipinghimselfcleanfromcoffee,turnedhisattentiontoherandasked,“Whatisit?”
“Canyouteachmehowtoswim?”sheasked,hereyespleading.“I’llpayyou.”
Tristanmadehersitbesidehim.“Whyhim,Sakura?Icanteachyouhowtoswim.”Heleanedcloser

andsaidsoftly,“Icanteachyouhowtoputonaswimsuitandtakeitoffagain.”

DarcygrowledatTristan,completedwithagoodscowl.“Anyoneofuscanteachherhowtoswim,”

hesaidcoolly.“It’snotthathard.”

“Icanteachyouhowtoswim,Sakura,”Conradsaid.“I’mtotallyagoodteacher,andIwon’tcharge

you.”

“Layoffit,puppyboy,”Tristansaid.“Sakurawantsmetoteachher.Isn’tthatright,sweetheart?”

Sakurablushed.ThebrothersknewTristanwasflirtingwiththeiradoptedsisteragain.
Nicolas finally put down his tablet and said to his audience, “Since I’m the eldest, I’ll take the

responsibility.”HeturnedtosmileatSakura.“I’llbeyourswimminginstructor,Sakura.”

Loganfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestandlaughedloudly.Thebrothersturnedtolookathimasif

he’dgonemad.Loganshookhishead.“Don’tyouthinkthat’sratherunfair?”

Nicolascockedhisheadtooneside.“Yourmeaning?”
“Eventhoughyouaretheeldest,itdoesn’tmeanyou’rethebestatswimmingoranygoodatbeinga

swimminginstructor.”

Sakuraglancedfromonebrothertoanother,confused.GoodGod!Shewasonlyheretoaskforone

favorandnowlookatwhereitgother.Shedidn’tlikeitonebitthattheywerefightingoverwhogottobe
herswimminginstructor.ShestoodupandwasabouttosaysomethingwhenHaydensaidloudly,“Logan
hasapoint.”

“Allright,we’lltossacoin.”Tristansuggested.
“No!”Conradputin.“I’llbeSakura’steacher.”
“Howaboutabet?”Tristansuggestedagain.
“Howaboutarace?”Sebastianputin.
ThebrothersstoppedarguingandlookedatSebastian,theirfacesimpassive.
“Fourhundredmeters,freestyle,”hesaidinachallengingvoice.
Conradlookedasthoughhewereabouttodie.Nicolasfrowned.Tristanslumpedbackinhischair.

Logangroanedloudly.Haydenshookhisheadandchuckled.Darcysaidcalmly,“You’reon.”

Sebastiannoddedandturnedhisattentiontohisotherbrothers.“Well?”
Tristanwavedathimtojustgoaheadandshoothim.
Conradsaid,“It’snotfair.IwishI’dtrainedtoswimprofessionally.”
Haydensaid,“I’min.”
Nicolasgotupfromhischairandheadedoutthedoor.“Let’sgo,then.”
Sakurawaslost.Whatweretheyonabout?Whyweretheycompetingtobeherswimminginstructor?
One by one, the brothers got off their chairs and headed out the door. Tristan came to stand behind

her,putbothhishandsonhershoulders,andsaidverycloselytoherear,“Let’sgo.Theraceisaboutto
begin.”

Sakurablinked.“But—”
“Don’targuenow.Youknowwedon’tliketobekeptwaiting,”Tristansaid,pullingheroutofher

chair.

Sakura reluctantly followed them out of the dining room door, and only moments later she found

herselfinthepoolareawithsevengrownmen.

SheshriekedandnearlyranfromthescenewhenshesawSebastianpullingoffhisT-shirt.Herheart

thumpedsoloudlyinherchestandherstomachflippedsohardshethoughtshewasgoingtodieofaheart
attack.

Oh my gosh! Sebastian looked amazing with just his jeans on. His muscles were toned and well

shaped,nottomentionhissix-pack.Sakurahadheardofwomenwholikedtolookatmen,especiallyat
theirabs,andsighwiththatoddfeelinginthepitoftheirstomachs.Shethoughtthattypeofthingwould
nevereverhappentoher,butshewaswrong.Shewasfeelingitrightnow.Herbodyfeltalltingly,and
herbreathingbecameabitlabored.

ShesawSebastianlookingatherinthatstrangewayofhisagain.Shebitherlipandhastilylooked

away,onlytoseeDarcytakingoffhisshirt,too.

ComparedtoSebastian,Darcywasn’tasbulky,thoughhismuscleswereastonedandwell-definedas

Sebastian’s.HisabswereveryprominentandcausedSakura’sbreathtocatchatthebackofherthroat.

OhGod!Anotherhot,shirtlessman.
ThenNicolas,Tristan,Logan,Hayden,and,ofcourse,Conradalltookofftheirshirts.Oh,God, she

thought.Shehopedtheyweren’tgoingtogototallynakedinfrontofher.Shewasabouttorunawayto
save herself from the embarrassment of seeing seven hot men naked when Tristan caught her by the
shouldersandsaidcheekily,“Howaboutakissforgoodluck?”

Sakurablushed.“I’mnotkissinganybody,andwhatareyouguysdoinganyway?I’vealreadyasked

Sebastiantobemyswimminginstructor.”

“Ah,”Nicolassaid,takingoffhisglasses.“It’salreadybeendecided.”Hegaveheragrin.
Sakuragasped.Ohgosh!Nicolaslookedsodifferentwithouthisglasses.Helookedveryhandsome.

Hiseyes,thoughperhapshecouldn’tseeproperly,hadthattwinkleinthem.

“Ifyouguyskeepdoingthis,I’llaskRichardtoteachmeinstead,”shesaidloudly,almostinsheer

panic.Shewaspanickingbecauseshewassurroundedwithsevenverygood-looking,shirtlessmenwho
wereabouttotakeofftheirjeans.Breathe,Sakura,breathe,shetoldherself.

Thebrothersweren’tlisteningtoher.Sebastianjumpedintothepoolwithhisjeansstillon,followed

byConradandHayden.

Sebastiansaidloudly,“Richardisalousyswimmer.”
“Yes,heisindeed,”Logansaid,shovingTristantotheside.“Nowthen,”hesaid,leadingSakuraby

thewristtotheseatnearthepool.“Youjustsithereandenjoytherace,eh?”

Sakuradidn’twantanypartintheircompetitionandwasabouttorunwhenLoganchuckledandsaid,

“Youknowitmakesnodifferencewhetheryouwantustoraceornot.It’sjustusbrothers.Whenwewant
somethingwelike,wecompeteforit.Anditdoesn’tmatterifweknowwe’regoingtolose.We’llstill
giveitourbestshot.Sojustsitthereandenjoytherace.There’sagoodgirl.”

WhenhesawSakurawasn’tgoingtoargue,hestoodupandjumpedintothepool.
Darcywaswatchingherandnotedherfeetwerepaleandturnedalmostpurple.Hetookoffhissocks

andcameovertoher.

“Darcy?”Sakuravoiced,surprisedtofindhimkneelingbeforeher.
Darcy picked up her left foot and pulled his sock on it. “Your feet are freezing cold,” he said, his

warmpalmsonherskin.

Sakurabitherlowerlipashepulledtheotheroneonherotherfoot.Histouchwasgentle,andshe

feltherheartflutterinherchest.

Darcyglancedupatthatmoment,andtheireyeslocked.Hisheartstartedtothunderwithinhischest,

andhecouldn’ttearhisgazefromher.

Sakurabitherlipandblinked,herwholebeingquiveringwarmlyathisintensestare.Thenshealso

feltthebrotherswatchingthem.Shelookedup,andsureenough,theywere.

“IwishIwaswearingsocks,”Conradsaid.
Darcygotup,andwithhisjeansstillon,jumpedintothewater.Suddenlyitwaslikearealraceas

thebrothersallclimbedbackoutandtooktheirpositions.

“Onmycount,”Nicolassaid.Thebrothersnoddedandgotthemselvesready.
Sakurafeltherheartstarttothumpfaster.Herbodytensedandstiffenedasshewaitedpatiently.
“One,”Nicolassaidloudly.Thebrothersbentforward.
God,Sakurathought,theylooklikeprofessionalswimmerswiththeirtall,leanbodiesallbending

likeso,readytothrowthemselvesintothewaterandstarttherace.

“Two,”Nicolassaid.
Sakuragrittedherteethandperchedupontheseat,herheartpounding.

“Go!”
Suddenly,theyalldivedintothewater.Splash!FromSakura’svantagepoint,shenotedthatSebastian

had the strongest start, his body hitting the water the farthest, followed by Darcy and then Hayden.
Nicolas, Tristan, Logan, and Conrad dived in at about the same distance. Then they were on—head to
head—theirpowerfularmspropellingthemforward,strokingalternately,theirstrongfeetkickingalong.

Sebastianwasthefirsttoreachtheotherendofthepool.Heflippedaround,kickedhispowerfullegs

against the wall of the pool, and then swam toward the other direction. Darcy wasn’t far behind him,
followed by Hayden, Logan, Tristan, Nicolas, and then Conrad. They did another three turns, all in
breathtakingpace—necktoneck.Suddenly,Conradstopped.Sakurapanickedbecauseshethoughthewas
drowning.Shewatchedhimclimbingoutofthepool.Heseemedtobehavingtroublebreathing.

“I can’t go on any longer,” he puffed out. He was starving for air, and his chest was heaving with

exertion.“Sorry,Sakura,”hemanaged.

Sakuranoddedherheadandgavehimasmile.Conradnoddedback,andthentheybothturnedtheir

attentiontowatchtheintenseracethatwasstillgoing.

Afewsecondslater,Nicolasclimbedout.Hewasn’tatallbreathless.Hesaid,“Ican’tseeadamn

thing.Ineedmyglasses.”

Conradgavehimhisglasses,andafterhe’dsafelyputthembackonthebridgeofhisnose,Nicolas

satdownandwatchedtheracewithinterest.

Atthistime,Sebastianwasstillinthelead,andDarcywasn’tfarbehindhim.Theyonlyhadanother

lap to go, and then it’d be over. Sakura watched, her stomach flipping and her whole body tense with
anticipation. She didn’t know why she was so anxious. Perhaps she was in the competition as well.
Although,tobehonest,shedidn’treallycarewhichofthebrotherswon.

Then it was the final lap, and Darcy and Sebastian were now side by side, head on. Suddenly,

Sebastian increased his power and propelled himself harder and faster. Darcy must have felt it and
increased his power, too. Then in a split second, Sebastian reached the end first, followed by Darcy.
Haydenwasn’tfarbehindandTristanafterthat.Loganwasthelasttofinish,byamerefiveseconds.

Sakurawasamazedasshestoodtherebreathless.Whatanexperience,shethought.Itwassomething

she’dneverexpectedtosee,tofeel.God,shefeltasthoughshewerewiththem,swimmingalong,feeling
thepowerandtheadrenaline.Thenwhenthey’dreachedtheend,shestoppedbreathingcompletely.

“Ican’tbelieveI’mlast,”Loganmutteredunderhisbreath.
Tristan,Logan,andHaydenclimbedoutofthepool,andtheyalllaydownonthemarblefloor,trying

tocatchtheirbreath.Sebastian,however,wasn’tevenbreathless.Hisfaceshoweditwasnothingtohim.

Nicolassaid,“Hedidn’tdohisbest.”
Sakurawasconfusedasshestaredwide-eyedatSebastian’spowerful,handsomebodyclimbingout

of the pool. Her whole being trembled with longing. She didn’t understand why, but she yearned to be
closetohim.Shewantedtorunherfingersalongthelengthofhistonedmuscles,tofeelhiswet,smooth
skinagainstherfingertips.Herinsidesached,andshehadtocontrolthetremorthatseemedtorisewithin
her.Oh,God,fire.Therewasfirewithinherthatwasburningandrefusingtodiedownuntil…

Sebastian caught her eyes as he stroked back his wet hair. He noticed the look on her face and

swallowedhard.Shit,hethoughtlongingly.Holyshit!Hecouldn’tbelievewhathewasseeing.Didshe
knowshewasstaringathimthatway,thatshewaspracticallyoglinghimwithdesire?

Conrad’swordspenetratedSakura’smuffledmind.“Heisn’tusuallythatslow.”
“Whythehelldidyoudothat?”Darcyshoutedfromthepool.
Sebastianglancedaway,knowingverywellhisbodyhadwillinglyrespondedtohisadoptedsister’s

intense stare, to what those beautiful eyes of hers were implying. He distracted himself from her by

saying,“What?Iwon,didn’tI?”

“Youweremockingus,Sebastian,”Logansaidnonetoogently.“What?Becauseyoudidn’twantto

makeafooloutofusinfrontofSakura?Oh,thanksalot,dearbrother.”

Sebastianwasn’tlisteningtothem.Hismindwaselsewhere.God,howwashegoingtodealwiththis

forbiddenblazeofdesirehewasobviouslyhavingtowardhisadoptedsister?Anditseemed,whethershe
knewitornotorwhethershelikeditornot,shetoowasbeginningtofeelthesamewaytowardhim.

Hecameuptoher,standingmereinchesfromher,hismassiveheighteasilytoweringoverherform.
Sakuragaspedinvoluntarilythemomenthestoppedinfrontofher.Shegazedupathimandcaughther

breath.Hewastrulyanamazingspecimen.Hisfacewasgorgeous,andthoseazureeyesofhispenetrated
deepintohersoul.

Because she couldn’t handle how intensely he was staring, she dropped her gaze and found herself

gawkingathismassivechestinstead.Sosmoothandstillwet.Sheitchedtotouchhim.Oh,God!What
waswrongwithher?Sheshuthereyes,tellingherselftostopbeingsostupid.

Whensheopenedhereyesagain,shefoundherselfstaringathisabs.Theheat!Oh,God!The heat

withinherbody.

Sebastian cleared his throat. He said to her, sounding more like a growl than anything, “Monday

morning,teno’clocksharp,webeginourlessons.”Thenheturnedonhisheelandwalkedoutthedoor.

Sakurastaredafterhim,confused.“Whathappened?Idon’tunderstand?”shewhisperedtoherself.
Nicolassaid,“Ifheweretoputinallhiseffortlikeheusedto,hewouldhavefinishedbeforeanyof

usevengothalfway.”

Sakurawasn’treferringtothat.ShewasreferringtoherownresponsetoseeingSebastianinsucha

state.

“Right,”shesaid,noddingherheadbutstillconfused.
“Ohwell,”Tristansaid.“Ididtrymybest.”Hegotupandwalkedtothedoor.“It’sshowertime.”
Onebyonethebrothersheadedoutthedoor.
SakuraturnedherattentiontoDarcy,whowasjustgettinghimselfoutofthepool.Shenotedthathis

toned,muscularbodywaswet,beadsofwaterkissinghissmoothskin.Ashestoodup,hestrokedback
hisdarkhair,andincidentally,hiseyesmethers.Herbreathcaughtatthebackofherthroatashegazedat
her.Herheartbegantoraceandherfingerstingled.Herwholebodybuzzedwithawarmsensation,and
shefeltlightheadedallofasudden.

“Youshouldgoandhavelunch,”hesaid.“Youhaven’teatenanythingsinceyesterday.”
Sakuraclearedherthroat.“Yes,Iwilllater.”
Henoddedatherandthenleft.
Conradcameuptoherandasked,“Sowhatareyougoingtodothisafternoon?”
“Ihavetofixmydress,”Sakurasaidwithoutthinking,hermindstillonDarcy.
“I’llhelp,”Conradannounced.
Shechuckled.“How?”
“Dunno.ButI’llhelp.”
“I’m meeting up with Beth, Katherine, and Mary later. They’re here to see how I got on with the

dress.I’llhavetotellthemaboutwhathappened.”

“Areyou?”
Sakuralaugheduncomfortably.“Tothedress.Don’tworry.I’mnotabouttospreadrumorsaboutyour

sistersattackingme.Seeyalater,”shesaid,headingoutthedoor.

Conradhadasadlookonhisfaceashewatchedhergo.

*****

CHAPTER6

Punishme nt

AlainawatchedinhorrorasJames’spalmflewtowardherandthen—

Slap!
Herfacetwistedtotheside.Painburnedherskin.Tearsbrewedinhereyes.Shegrittedherteethand

glaredatherfather.

Tara gasped, her eyes wide, her whole body trembling in terror. Oh, God! James had just slapped

Alaina.Thatonlymeantonething.Hewaspissed.Verypissed.

Sheheldherbreathasshewaitedforherturntocome.Butitneverdid.Jamesjustscowledather,his

silvery-grayeyesdark,hisfaceacontrolledmaskedofanger.

Alaina’shandshookasshetouchedhersorecheek.“Whydidyouslapme?”shescreamed.
Jamesnarrowedhiseyesdangerouslyathisdaughter,hisvoicecoldwhenhesaid,“Youknowwhat

you did, Alaina. Have I not warned you many times I do not tolerate your sadistic behavior toward
Sakura? I thought you’d changed. I’ve always known you would never accept her as your sister, but at
leastleaveherbe,forGod’ssake.Whathassheeverdonetoyoutomakeyoutreatherthatway?”

Alaina gritted her teeth. “She took Darcy from me, that’s what. He’s my best friend, Dad! My best

friend!Shehastakenhimfrommesincethefirstdayshecameintothishouse.”

James scowled darkly. “And you still have a grudge against her because of that?” he asked,

incredulous.

“Yes,Dad!”Alainashouted,tearsinhereyes.“Ihateher.Whydidyouadoptherinthefirstplace?

Everyoneknowsshe’sacriminal.EveryoneknowssheburneddowntheorphanageandkilledpoorTara’s
mother.”

“Alaina, that’s enough!” he said sharply. “I want you to go and apologize to her, now! And I mean

now!”

Alainaheldherheadhighasshestaredatherfather.“Iwillneverbowtothatbitch.”
Jamesgrittedhisteeth,andheneverevergrittedhisteeth.Heclosedhiseyesforasecond,takingina

deepbreath.Hewastoooldtodealwiththesetypesofthings.Butdealwiththemhemustbecausethis
washisfamily.Heopenedhiseyesandsigheddeeply.“That’sunfortunate,”hesaidquietly.

Taratookastepforward,suddenlyinterestedinwhathewastryingtosay.
“Whatdoyoumean?”Alainaasked,ahintofpanicinhershakyvoice.
Jamessighedagain.“Iwashopingitwouldn’tcometothis.”
“Cometothis?”Alainashouted.“Whatdoyoumean?”
Jameslookedherstraightintheeyeandsaid,“I’mcuttingyourinheritanceinhalf,Alaina.”
Alainagaspedinshockedsurprise.“Whatdoyoumean?Whatthehelldoyoumean?”
“I’vedecidedtocutyourinheritanceinhalf,”hesaidsimply.
“But,Dad!Why?I’mentitledtoit.It’smine.”
“No, Alaina, it’s mine, and it’s my decision how I share it with my children. You’ve never proven

yourselfworthy.Nicolashastoldmeaboutyourspendinghabits,Alaina,andtobehonest,Idon’tlikeit.”

“It’s all because of her, isn’t it? That bitch Sakura? You’re giving my inheritance to her, is that it?

How could you do that? You and Mom have raised her like your own child. Isn’t that enough already?
Now you’re giving her half of my money? I won’t stand for it. I’ll take her to court if I have to!” she

yelled,herfaceredwithanger.

Jamesliftedhispalmandslappedheragain.Hefelthisheartpoundinghardandfastwithinhischest.

Oh,God!He’dslappedhisowndaughteryetagain.Buthowtodisciplineher?How?Especiallywhen
shewasagrownadult.

“Don’tshoutatme,Alaina.Idonottoleratethattypeofbehavior,andyouknowit.”Oncehesawher

steppingbackandregrettingheraction,hesaid,“IfyoudohappentotakeSakuratocourt,Iadviseyouto
hireaverygoodlawyer.Letmeputthisstraighttoyounow.Everything,andImeaneverything,willbe
broughtup,includingthefactthatyou’vetriedtokillSakuranotonce,buttwice.Howdoyouthinkthat’ll
godownwiththejury?”

Alainaknewherfatherwasthreateningher.GoodGod!Herownfatherwasthreateningher?Andfor

thatbitch!

Jamesknewhisdaughterwasthinkingtwiceaboutheractions.Hesaid,“Sakuraisnothinglikeyou.

Sincesheturnedsixteen,sheneveraskedforacentfrommeoryourmother.Shehasworkedhardallher
life.Sheneverhadtheluxuryyoutakeforgranted.”

Hethoughtbacktowhenhisadopteddaughterhadbeenmuchyounger.Sakurahadworkedveryhard

topayforherowntuitionfees,andthenaftershe’dgraduated,sheevensavedupenoughmoneytopay
him back the amount she thought it had cost him to raise her. He’d laughed at her and ruffled her hair
fondly,tellinghertogivethatmoneytocharityinstead.Sheunderstoodhimimmediatelyandhaddonated
thatlargesumofmoneytotheirnewlybuiltQueenMaryOrphanageintown.Howproudofherhewas.If
onlyAlainaweremorelikeSakura,thenJamesknewhe’ddieahappyman.Butsofar,thatwasnottobe.

“It’sawarning,Alaina.Ifthiseverhappensagain,Iwilldisinherityoucompletely,”hesaidcalmly.
Alainacouldonlystareatherfather,shocked.“Dad?”
“ImeanwhatIsaid,”hesaidsoftly.“You’remyonlydaughter,yetyoutrulydisappointme.”
Alainacouldn’tsayathing.Herheartwaspumpingsoloudandfastwithinherchestthatshethought

shewasgoingtohaveaheartattackanddieanysecondnow.Shecouldn’tbelieveit,couldn’tbelieveher
ownfathermeanttodisinherither.

Shegrittedherteethand,withoutsayinganything,stalkedoutthedoor.
Tarahidasmileasshewatchedthepoorlittlerichgirlgo.SheturnedtoJamesandtriedtolookas

sadasshepossiblycould.

“Itriedtostopher,”shebegansoftly.“ButAlaina,shejust—”Shebrokeoff,pretendingtobereally

upset.

James saw through the act immediately. God, he was sick of it—sick of Tara, her poor me

performance,andhermanipulationofthepeoplearoundher.Hecouldn’tfathomwhyhehadadoptedher
intohishouseholdinthefirstplace.No,itwasbecauseofAlaina,who’dbeggedhimtotakeinTara.And
ithadn’tbeenlongafterthathe’dseenthroughTara’sfaçade,andalltoosoon,thegirlhadlittleAlaina
wrappedaroundherlittlefinger,usingherasthoughthegirlwereherpuppet.

“You’retwenty-threenow,Tara,”Jamessaid.
Taralookedupandcockedherheadtooneside.“Er,yes?”shequeried.
“Afullygrownadult,”Jamesmurmured.“Toooldtoplaythosesillyactinggames,don’tyouthink?”
Taragrittedherteeth.Shit!Hewasontoheralready.No,wait!Hemusthaveknownforalongtime

now.Sowhyhadn’thekickedheroutofthefamilyalready?WasitbecauseofAlaina?

“True,”shesaidandcockedherheadtotheotherside.“Butit’sfun.”
“Idon’texpecttoseeyoueveragainafterthewedding,”Jamessaid.“I’msureyouunderstandwhat

thatmeans.”

Tarafistedherhandsandtriedtocontroltheangerthatwasrisingwithinherchest.Sohewaskicking

heroutofthefamilyafterall.Fine!Thatwastotallyfinewithher.

“Completely,” she said and turned on her heel. As she left the room, she silently murmured, “But

beforeI’mgone,there’sgoingtobeabigshow,andI’msureyouwon’tlikeit,James.Youwon’tlikeitat
all.Alltoosoon,yourgoldengirltoowillbegone.”Shesmiledslyly,hereyesnarrowed.

SherushedupthestairsandheadedtoAlaina’sroom.Shefoundherfriendcryingherheartout.Aw,

Tarathought,thepoorlittlerichgirlhavingaweetantrum.

ShecametositbesideAlainaandstrokedtheyoungerwoman’shair.“Hey,”shesaidsoftly.
Alainalookedupandwipedhertears.“Ican’tbelieveit.Justcan’tbelieveit.NowIhatethatbitch

morethanever.”

Yes,Tarathought,hateher.Hateher.Hateher.God,thatfeltgood.Soverygood.
Shesaid,“Butwecan’ttouchher.She’shisgoldengirl.”
Alainaharrumphed.“Iknowwecan’t!”shesnapped,fistingherhandstight.“ButI’msureKatecan.”
Taracockedherheadtooneside,catchingonAlaina’smeaningimmediately,butpretendedshedidn’t

understand.“Meaning?”

“SherangmecomplainingaboutDarcynotreturninghercallsortalkingtoherwhenhehappenedto

pickupthephone.Shesaidshewantshimback.Thestupidbitch.Darcywouldnevergobacktothelikes
ofher.Butnowweneedher.”

Tarachuckled.“Yes,I’msureyou’veseenhowDarcylooksatSakura.He’ssmittenwithher.”
“Iknow,”Alainasaidthroughgrittedteeth.“That’swhyKateisgoingtocome.She’sgoingtoteach

thatbitchalessonshe’llneverforget.”

“ButIthoughtyouneverlikedgivingDarcytoKate,”Taraprobed.
“Idon’t,butKateisbetterthanSakura,isn’tshe?Besides,Darcydoesn’tlikeKateanymorethanyou

orI.Whenthisisallover,DarcyisstillmyDarcyandSakuracanjustgoanddieandleaveallofusto
liveinpeace.”

Tarachuckled.“ThenweshouldgiveKateacallASAP.”
Alainanoddedandpickedupthephone.

*****

CHAPTER7

Silk&Sakura

Beth didn’t look very pleased when Sakura showed her the ruined bridesmaid’s gown. It was beyond
fixable. Of course she knew what had happened yesterday, along with James and Brenda, who had a
seriousmeetingwithAlainaandTaraearlythismorning.ThoughBethhadn’taclueastowhathadbeen
said, from the look on the two women’s faces she surmised it wasn’t good. They had looked as though
James had given them a sentence worse than death itself. Serves them right, she thought secretly, for
behavinginsuchadistastefulmannerandbullyingSakura,evenatthisage.Had they forgotten how
JamesandBrendalovedSakura?

WhatBethcouldn’tbelievealsowasthefactthatSakuradidn’ttellherfriends,MaryandKatherine,

whonaturallyhadalreadyfoundout.Sakurajusttoldthemshe’dhadanaccidentandnowthedresswas
ruined.

“Wehavetofixit,”Marysaid.“It’stoolatetofindyouanotheronethatwillactuallyfityou.”
Katherinesaid,“I’msurebetweenthefourofus,wecouldfiguresomethingout.Maybecutsomething

out.Imean,Sakura’sdressandminedon’thavetobeinthesamedesign,right?”

“Yes,itdoesn’thavetobeinthesamedesign.Thecoloraloneisenough,”Marysaid,noddingher

head.

Sakurasighedwithreliefthatherfriends,especiallyMary,thebride-to-be,weren’tpissedwithher.

After all, most brides would have flipped by now when their wedding was a mere week away and the
bridesmaid’sdresswascompletelyandutterlyruined.

ThenSakurarealizedsomething.Afterthisparticularwedding,everythingwouldgobacktonormal.

Thebrotherswouldallreturntotheirownlivesandshetohers.Herheartskippedabeatatthatthought,
andshewasn’tsurewhatthatmeant.

Atthistime,outsideontheterrace,thebrothersandtheirparentswerejustfinishingtheirafternoon

tea. It was lovely, and they enjoyed the meal tremendously, especially since there was coffee made by
Sakura.

“SoIheardyouhadarace,”Jamessaid.“Should’vetoldme.”
“Itwasanurgentmatter,”Nicolasputin.
“IcanhardlyimaginethatchoosingaswimminginstructorforSakuraisanurgentmatter.Don’tyou

think,Brenda?”Jamesaskedhiswife.

Brendanoddedandsaid,“Idon’tunderstandwhySakuradidn’tcometoyouifshewantedtolearn

howtoswim.Youcouldhaveeasilytaughther.”

Sebastiansaid,“Sheaskedme.”
Jameschuckled.“Andyoubeingthenobleonedecidedtoputuparaceinstead?”
“Haydensaiditwasn’tfair,”Sebastianputin.
“Ah,”Jamessaid.“Aracesoundsfairenoughinthiscase.”
“Ohwell,”Conradsaideasilyashegotup.“Sebwonsohe’sstillherteacher.”Heheadedtoward

theFrenchdoorsleadingintothehouse.“I’moff.”

TristaneyedConradsuspiciously.Heknewtheyoungesthadsomethinguphissleeves.Hecouldn’t

helphimselfandgotupaswell.“I’moff,too,”hesaid,goingafterConrad.

Jameshidasmile.“Ah,suchalovelyday.”Hereachedforhiscupofcoffeeandobservedasoneby

onehissonsleftthem.

“Wheredoyouthinkthey’regoing?”Brendaaskedasshewatchedthemdisappearingintothehouse.
“Doyouknow,Brenda,thatoursonsneveragreedonanythingbefore?”
“Whatdoyoumean?OfcourseIknowthat.”
“They’ve changed,” he said. “They never go anywhere together unless we make them. But recently

theyhangoutalot.NotthatI’mcomplaining.”

“Whatbringsthemtogether?”Brendaasked.
“Somethingthey’reallinterestedin,”Jamessaid,smiling.
Inthehouse,TristancaughtupwithConradandyelledout,“Whatareyouupto,Conrad?”
Conradjumpedandcursedunderhisbreath.“Nothing!”
Tristanhookedhisarmoverhisyoungerbrother’sneckandeyedhimclosely.“Comeon,brat.Tell

mewhat’sgoingonhere.You’rehidingsomething.”

Conradwentredasabeetroot.
“Stoppesteringhim,”Sebastiansaid,comingtowardthem.
“Yes,stoppesteringme,”Conradmuttereddarkly.“Andleavemealone.Ihaveimportantthingsto

do.”

“Likewhat?”Loganasked.
Conradclampedhislipstogetherandmarchedpastthem.
“He’sgoingtoseeSakura,”Nicolassaideasily.
“Now,”Haydensaid,“wecan’tletthathappen.”
Uponthesecondfloor,Conradsighedinreliefonceherealizednoneofhisbrotherswerefollowing

him. Well, at least he thought so. Thus he rushed across the corridor and headed straight to Sakura’s
bedroom.HewasabouttoopenthedoorwhenTristancoughedloudly,intentionally.

Conradturnedandglaredatthem.“Whatthehell?”
Tristanchuckledandsaid,“What?”andopenedSakura’sdoorandwalkedin.
“What are you guys doing?” Conrad shouted, which of course drew the attention of the occupants

frominside.

“HelpingSakurafixherdress,”Darcysaidandwalkedinaswell.
Conrad sighed, his face still flaming red as he watched his brothers filing into Sakura’s room. He

grittedhisteethandenteredaswell.

Sakurawasn’tpleasedwhenherroomwasfilledwithmen.Young.Hot.Princeton.Men.
“Whatareyouguysdoinghere?”sheaskednonetoogently.
“Helpingyou,”Tristansaid.“Fixingthathorriddress.”
Sakuralookedheavenward.“Ihaveenoughhelphere,”sheannounced.“Nowpleaseleavemyroom.

Andthereisn’tenoughspaceforallofyouhere.”

Itwastrue.Herroomwasn’tthatlarge,andwithallofthemthere,therewasabsolutelynospaceto

move.

“Thenlet’smovetomine,”Maryoffered.“Mineisbigger.”Ofcourse,sinceshewasthebride-to-be,

Jameshadgivenheroneofthebiggestbedroomsinthemansion,whichpleasedMary.

“Let’sgo,then,”Tristansaid,pullingSakurabythehandandleadingheroutthedoor.
“Isn’tthatnice?”BethsaidtoKatherine.“Thebrothersareheretohelptheirsisterout.”
SebastianandDarcydidn’tlikethesoundofthatanddidn’tbothertohidetheirscowling.
A few minutes later, Sakura found herself standing before the full-length mirror and everyone

inspectingher.

“Ithinkitshouldbeshorter,”Tristansaid.

“Howshort?”Bethasked.
“Shortshort,”Tristansaid.
“Notthatshort,”Sebastianputin.
“Ilikeitshort,”Logansaid.“Justabovetheknees.”
“No,”Tristanputin.“Shorter.”
“Idon’twantitshort,”Sakurasaid.“Mary?”Sheturnedtoherfriendsforhelp.Shethoughtthebride-

to-beshouldputinafewwords.Otherwise,thebrotherswouldgooutofcontroldesigninghernewdress
to their hearts’ content. When Mary just cocked her head to one side, Sakura said, “I thought the
bridesmaid’sdresswassupposedtobelong.”

“Well—”Marystarted,butTristancutheroff.
“Ofcoursenot,”hesaidsharply.“Itsuitsyoubettershort.”Andhegrabbedabunchofthematerialon

herandrippedoffthebottombit.

Sakurasuckedinherbreath.“Tristan!”shescreamed.Buthewasn’tpayingheranyattention.When

sheturnedtolookattheotherbrothers,theytooweren’tshockedtoseethematerialbeingrippedofffrom
herperson.Nowshestoodbeforethem,herlonglegsbare.

“Honestly,”shesaid.“That’sit.I’mnotinthisanymore.”Shetookonesteptowardthedoorbefore

Darcycaughtherwristandpulledherback.

“Bepatient,”hesaid.“We’refixingyourdress.”
She blinked and wanted to laugh. First, they’d forgotten she ever existed. Second, they had a

swimming competition to see who got to be her instructor, and now they were fixing her dress. She
wantedtolaughatthat.Afterall,theyweremenandhowcould—

Stop!Pauserightthere,Sakura!shetoldherself.Mostgreatfashiondesignersweremen,somaybe

thesePrincetonmencouldjustbeontosomething.

Sheallowedherselftoberopedbackintothecenterspot.Thentheinspectionproceeded.
“Ithinkitshouldbestrapless,”Haydensaid.AllthebrothersnoticedSakurahadveryniceshoulders

andthoughttheywerebetterbare.

“Iwantstraps,thankyouverymuch,”Sakurasaid.“Andit’smydress,soIdohaveasayinit.”She

eyedHayden,tellinghimshemeantwhatshe’dsaid.

Hechuckled.“Ofcourse.”
Itwastwohourslaterwhenthefinaldesignwasdone,mostlybyTristan,andbythenitwasnearly

dinnertime.

The brothers went off down to the dining room with Mary and Katherine while Sakura went to

change.Thebrotherswereexpectinghertojointhem,butsheneverturnedup.

“Whereisshe?”Conradmutteredunderhisbreath.
“Who?”Maryasked.
“Sakura,”hesaid,agitated.
“Ifyou’rewaitingforher,she’snotcoming,”Marysaid.“Shesaidshe’sbeenslackingaroundfora

coupleofdaysnow,andsheneededtogetbackonwithit.”

Thebrothersweren’thappywiththesoundofthatandwonderedwhatshewasdoing.

*****

CHAPTER8

AnUne xpe cte dHope

“You’refrowning,”NedFabresaidfromacrosstheroom.“Itdoesn’tbecomeyou.Stopfrowning.”

Fromacrossthestudio,Sakuraglancedatthemanwhohadbeenlikeasecondfathertoher.Shesaw

thathewasn’tactuallylookingather.Hewasconcentratingonhispainting.Sheknewhewasteasingher
becausehehadasmileonhiswrinkledfaceasheconcentratedonhiswork,movingthepaintbrushever
sogentlyasifhewerecaressingthecanvaswitheachstroke.

“HowdidyouknowIwasfrowningwhenyou’renotevenlooking?”sheasked,returninghereyesto

hercanvas.Shecockedherheadtooneside,wonderingifshehadoverdonethegreenleaves.

“Icantellwhenyou’refrowning,”hesaid,carefullymovingthetinybrushdownward.Ah,therose

looksperfectnow,hethoughtwithasmile.

“Really?”Sakuraasked,eyeingthephotoshe’dclippedtothesideofthecanvas.Itwasofthecherry

treeshehadtakenthatdaybeforeshemetthebrothers.Shepickedthisparticularpicturebecausethetree
stoodalonewithpetalsfloatingacrossinthewind,andinthedistance,therewerehillsandbeyondthat
theseaoftheisland.Itwasperfectforherpainting.

Nedputdownhisbrushandfoldedhisarmsacrosshischest,finallyeyeingher.“Sowhat’sbothering

you?”

Sakura flicked her eyes to him, taking in his silvery-gray hair, thin face, and slight frame. He was

completelydifferentfromBethconsideringthefactthattheyweresiblings.Theirpersonalities,too,were
completelydifferent.Bethwastheoutgoingonewithano-nonsenseattitudewhileNedwasthelaidback
one,veryquietandpreferringtostayinthebackground.

SakurahadmethimwhenshefirstmovedintoPrincetonMansion,andsincethen,hehadbecomea

verygoodfriendofhers,treatingherlikehisveryowndaughterandteachingherhowtodrawandpaint.
Hehadsaidthatfirstdayinthegardenthatpaintingwaslikemeditation.Itcalmsyoudownandmakes
you forget about the world. He had been right. When Sakura painted, she forgot about the world, so
consumedshewaswithherwork.Thenwhenitwasfinished,itwaslikeseeingherbabycomingtolife
forthefirsttime.Shefeltproud.Thatwaswhyshelovedtopaint.

“Nothing is bothering me,” she said, gently stroking the paintbrush against the white sheet, making

anothertinygreenleaf.

“You’relying,”Nedsaid.“Icantellitinyourvoice.”
Sakurachuckled.“It’shardtohideanythingfromyou,Neddear.”
“You’re mocking me, Sakura. I’ve known you since you were a wee girl, hiding behind the house

cryingyourweeheartout’causeTarahityouandtheboyswouldn’tplaywithyou.Whyyoudidn’ttell
Jamesisbeyondme.ButyouknowaswellasIthatheknewwhatwasgoingon.Otherwise,hewouldn’t
havesentyousofarawaytothatbloodyboardingschool.”

Sakurachuckledagain.“Didyoumissmethatmuch,Neddear?”
“Bloody well I did, young missy, and bloody worried about you, too. Who’s to say you don’t get

bulliedagain,eventhoughthatlittlebratTarawasn’ttherewithyou.”

“Well,I’mgladDaddyJamessentmeawaytoboardingschool.Imetmytwobestfriends,Maryand

Katherine,”Sakurasaid.“They’reverynicetome.”

Nedgotoffhischairandwenttoadeskontheothersideofthelargestudio.Hetookoutsomepaper

andcamebacktoher.“Let’sjusthopeTaraandAlainadon’tgowhisperingnastythingsaboutyouand
turntheirheadsagainstyou.”

Sakurafrownedatthat.“Thatwon’thappen.”
“Whoknows?”Nedsaid.“Here.”
SakuraeyedtheenvelopeinNed’shandwithconfusion.“What’sthat?”
“Openit,”hesaid.
Sakuraputdownherpaintbrushandtooktheenvelope.Sheopeneditandtookoutsomepapers.She

flickedthroughthemandwidenedhereyesinsurprise.“Ned!”

“Yes,”hesaid.“It’syourbirthmother.Youdidaskmetohelpyoufindher,didn’tyou?”
“Well,yes,butIdidn’texpectyoutogothisfar.Imean,yougothernameandeverything.”
Helaughed.“Thereisn’tmuchIcan’tdoforSakura.”Hepattedherheadlikehewouldhisdaughter.
“Howdidyoudoit?Imean,I’vee-mailedsomanypeople,but—”
“Now.”Nedchuckled.“Youwerejustaweebabywhenyourmotherwashere,leavingyouthereat

theorphanagedoorstep.I’lladmititwaseasyformebecauseIknowalotofpeopleinthissmalltown.
Chasingupthosewomenwhousedtoworkintheorphanagewasatadhard,and,mindyou,theyweren’t
verycooperativeeither.”

“Isee,”Sakuramurmured,herheartpoundinginherchest.Shecouldn’tbelieveit.Couldn’tbelieve

Nedhadfoundoutwhohermotherwas.“Thankyousomuch,Ned.”

Nedchuckled.“Now,don’tyougivemethosedistastefulbigeyes.It’sdisgraceful.”
Sakurachuckled,too.Nedalwayssaidthateverytimeshewasabouttocry.Butthistimeshewasn’t

abouttocrybecauseshewashurt.No,shewasabouttocrybecauseshewashappywithgratitude.

“You’rewonderful,Ned.”
“Nope,Iain’twonderful.I’mawful.Ishouldhavefoundthisoutalongtimeago.”
Sakurareadthenameonthepaper.ItsaidHarukaTanaka.Wasthatreallyhermother?
“Nowthen,whatareyougoingtodoaboutthat?”heasked,watchinghercarefully.
Sakuraputdownthepaperandstaredatthehalf-finishedpainting.“I’mgoingtofindher.”
“It’sallinthere,”Nedsaid.“She’shere,inAmerica.NewYorkCity,tobeprecise.”
Sakurafeltherheartquicken.“Here?InAmerica?ButIthoughshelivedinJapan.”
“It seems she’s just moved. She’s working for some Japanese fashion designer. They’re opening

anotherheadquartersinNewYork.Iheardthey’reopeninganewstoresoon.Supposedlytheguyshe’s
workingwithisveryfamousinJapan.”

“Isee.That’dmakethingsaloteasier,wouldn’tit?”Sakuraaskedherself.“Yes.Afterthewedding.”
Nedsmiled.“Youknow,settingupthatgalleryforyouisn’tthateasyeither.”
Sakurablinkedandturnedherattentiontohim.“Ned!Youdidn’t!”
Hechuckled.“OfcourseIdidn’t.”
Shesighed.“Ifyoudid,it’dbesomuchworkand—”
“Didn’twanttowasteyourtalent.”
“Ned!”Sakurawasshocked.“You?”
“Yes,Idid.Setupagalleryforyou.Yourpaintingsareallthere,readytosell.Gotasalesassistant

allsetupattheshop,too.”

“Oh,Ned.”Sakurajumpedup.“ButrentinNewYork?It’ssoexpensive.”
“Ha-ha!Madeacontractwithoneofyourpatrons,Idid.Helovesyourwork.Boughtmostofthem

online.He’ssomerealestatetycoonofsomesort.”

Ned didn’t dare explain to her that their landlord was Sebastian Princeton, the man who was

infatuatedwithherpaintings.Ifhetoldher,she’dflipandtellhimtostopeverythingimmediately.

“Whoa!”Sakuracouldn’tbelieveit.Sheplacedherhandonherchest.Suddenly,shewasfeelingjust

abitdizzy.“Mymotherandmypaintings,bothinNewYork.”

“Waitingforyou,”Nedsaid,chuckling.
“Thankyou,Ned,”Sakurasaid,tearsinhereyes.“Thankyousomuch.”
“Didn’tItellyouyoulookdisgustingwhenyouhavetearsinyoureyes?”hescolded.
Sakurachuckled.“Youdidindeed,Neddear.”
Afterthat,theybothreturnedtotheirpaintings.Sakurawassoengrossedthatshe’dforgottenaboutthe

timeuntilMarytextedher.

“Oh,damn!”shemutteredunderherbreath.
Nedglancedup.“Mustbedinnertime,”hesaid.“Motherhenlookingforherchick.”
Sakura laughed. “Mother hen Mary,” she said. “Hold on. It is rather late. I better tell them to start

withoutme.”

“You’renoteatingproperlyagain,”Nedsaid.“Thisiswhenahusbandcomesinhandy.”
“Notinterested,”SakurasaidasshebegantotextMaryback.
“ThatMarkpersonisinterested,”Nedsaid.“SoIheard.”
“ThisSakurapersonisn’tinterested,”Sakurareplied,packinguphergear.
“Well,goodluckwiththat,”Nedsaid.“Nowhomewithyouandstopbotheringme.You’rewasting

myelectricityandpaints,”hemuttered.

Sakuralaughed.“Ishallindeedcomeandwastemoreofyourwonderfulelectricityandpaints.”She

grabbedhersatchelandheadedtothedoor.“Seeyalater.”

“SayhitoBethforme.Tellhershe’sbeenneglectingmeagain.Tellhershe’sstarvingme.TellherI

don’tmissher.”

“Willdo,”shesaid,waved,andleftthecottage.
Sakuracouldn’tbelieveit.She’dspentherwholeSundaywithNed,painting.Althoughsheadmitted

thatshehadthoroughlyenjoyedit,andnotseeingAlainaorTarawasthebestpart.

Thesunwassettingonthefarwestoftheisland,andSakuracouldn’thelpbutfallinlovewiththe

glowoftheorangesky.Shequicklygotouthercameraandtooksomepictures.Onceshewasdone,she
headedtowardthesmallpathwaythroughthewoodsleadingPrincetonEstate.

Itwastwentyminuteslaterwhenshesightedthestatelymansion,andinsteadofwalkinginthrough

thefrontdoor,sheheadedaroundtotheback.Shesneakedintothekitchenandnearlyjumpedoutofher
skinwhenBethsnappedather.“You’relatefordinner.”

Sakurachuckled.“OfcourseIam.It’sallyourfault,Bethdear.Ifyouhadn’tneglectedyourbrother

forsolong,thenIwouldn’thavetobetherelookingafterhim.Ifyoumustknow,he’sstarvingforyour
affection.”

Bethchuckled.“Affectionmyass,”shesaid.“Allthatbrotherofminewantsisyourdeliciouscoffee,

justlikeeveryoneelse.Nowthey’recomplainingaboutmystandardcoffee.Givethemacupandthey’ll
begoodfortheday.”ShegrabbedSakurabythearmandnudgedhertothecoffeemachinethatapparently
only Sakura knew how to make do magic. “Now redeem yourself and make nine cups of coffee before
theyalldieofdisappointment.”

SakurasnappedherheaduptolookatBethinshockedsurprise.“Nine?Ninecups!”
Bethfoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Noweitherthatoryougointhereandhaveaproperdinner

withyourfamily.”

Sakura pulled her face. Beth knew she didn’t want to go in there and have her dinner with certain

people, and she was making a threat. “Okay,” she said. “Once I’m done with the coffee, I’m off to my
room.Nodisruptionplease.”

“Ofcourse.Youhavemyword.”Bethsaid.Sheevencrossedherheart.
Sakuraputhersatcheldownonthebenchtopandmadeherwaytothecoffeemachine.Justwhenshe

wasstartingtogrindthecoffeebeans,herphonebeeped.Sherushedbackandpickedituptofindshehad
anewtextmessage.Shenotedtherewasnoname,andshedidn’trecognizethephonenumbereither.She
didn’t remember giving her phone number to anybody lately. Curious, she went ahead and read the
message.

Whereareyou?
Huh?Sakuracouldn’thelpherselfandtextedback:Whoisthis?
Asecondlatershegotanothertext,anditread:Doesn’tmatter.Whereareyou?
Shegrittedherteeth.Whatabsolutenonsense.Wassomebodyplayingtricksonher?Shetextedback:

Gotohell!

Shethrewherphoneonthebench,frowningatit.Whenshewasjustabouttoturn,herphonebeeped

again.Shesighedandpickeditup,determinedtoringwhoeveritwasandtellhimtoleaveheralone.

Shehadanothertext,thistimefromadifferentnumber.What?
Itread:Sakura,whereareyou?Youmisseddinner.AndIwantyourcoffeewithateddybearonit

likeMichael’s.Pleasecomesoon.

Sakuracockedherheadtooneside,wondering.Conrad?ButhowonEarthdidhegethernumber?
Shetextedback:I’minthekitchen,makingyourcoffee.Yes,youwillgetateddybear.
Sheturned off thephone so shewouldn’t get disrupted again.She went backto making coffee, and

twocupslaterthedoorburstopenandConradrushedin.

“Hello,”hesaid,acheekysmileonhisface.
Sakuranodded.“I’mdoingyoursnow.Ateddybear?Areyousure?”
“Nope,I’mnotsure,”hesaid.“Cometothinkofit,teddybearsareforkids.Howaboutadragon?”
Sakuralaughed.“Ican’tdoadragon.It’stoocomplicated.Howaboutaswan?”
“Okay.Swanisgood.No,wait.Iwanttolearnhowtomakecoffeeart.”Herushedaroundthebench

andcametostandbehindher.

Hewatchedhermakethecoffee,thenshehandedhimthejugofhotmilk.
“What?”heasked.
Shepushedthejugtohim.“Youdidsayyouwanttomakeyourown.Here.”Shemadehimholdthe

jugandthenwithherhandontopofhis,sheguidedhim.“Youhavetodoitquitefast.See?”

Conradwasn’tpayingattentiontowhatshewasdemonstratingtohim.Hewaswatchingher,andhe

hadabig,fatgrinonhisface.

“See?”sheaskedagain,lookingupathim.
He nodded, still grinning like an idiot. Sakura couldn’t help smiling back. She thought he looked

adorable.

“What?”sheasked.“Whyareyousmilinglikethat?”
“Nothing,”hesaid.“Yougotsomethingonyournose.”Hewipedthesmudgeofcoffeedebrisfrom

herskin.Onceitwasclean,insteadofmovinghishandaway,hetouchedhercheek,pretendingtoclean
there,too.

“Isitallovermyface?”sheasked.
Insteadofagreeingwithher,whichwouldbealie,hejustnodded.
Sakurablushed.“Idon’tusuallymakesuchamess.”
He just kept on grinning as his fingers and thumb moved to her forehead, pretending to wipe

nonexistentdirt.Thenhemovedhisthumbtoherlipwherehecouldn’thelphimselfandcaressedit.

“There,too?”sheasked,uncomfortablebecausehisthumbwasinthewayasshespoke.

“Yeah,theretoo,”hesaid,movinghisheadclosertohers.
Sakuragazedupathim,herheartpoundingashecamecloserandthen—
“Ah-hem!”
Conradjumped.HehastilyturnedtothedoorandsawSebastianthere.
“Whydidn’tyoutellmeyouwereinthekitchen?”
Sakura thought Sebastian was talking to Conrad, but then he said, “Why didn’t you text me back?”

Thatwaswhensherealizedhewastalkingtoher.Oh!Sothatfirstunknownnumberwashis?Buthowdid
hegethernumber?Fromwhom?Andwhywouldhetexther?

GoodLord!Helookedmad.Hesoundedmad.
ConradmovedawayfromSakuraandpickeduphiscoffee.“Ilikeswans,”hesaidandtookasip.

“Hmm.Delicious.”

SakurareturnedtomakingmorecoffeeasTristanwalkedin.“Areyoumakingoneforme?”heasked,

comingtostandbehindher.Then,beforesheknewit,LoganandHaydenturnedupaswellandcrowded
thekitchen.

“Smellsgood,”Haydensaid.
“What are you guys doing here?” she asked. She just wanted to get this done quickly and then

disappearintoherroom.

“Pass me that cup,” Logan said, reaching out. No one was paying him attention, however, and he

stretchedouthishandforthecup.HeaccidentallyshovedSakura’sbagtothefloor,herstuffflyingout
everywhere.

Sakuragasped,stoppedwhatshewasdoing,andrushedaroundthecorner.
“Oh,shoot!Sorry.”Logancroucheddownandpickedupherbagforher.
Sebastianhelpedbypickingupthepiecesofpapersthatwereonthefloor.Sakurasawhewasabout

toreadherveryconfidentialreportandsnappeditfromhishand,nonetoogently.Shequicklyfoldedit
carefullyandshoveditinherbag,herhandsshaking.Sebastiannoticedheroddreactionandwasinstantly
suspiciousbutsaidnothing.

Sakuraputherbagfartherawayfromthemandreturnedtohercoffee.
“Sowhathaveyoubeendoingthiswholeday?Youjustdisappearedonussinceearlythismorning,”

Loganasked,leaningacrossthecountertop.

“Things,”shesaidanddidn’tbothertoexplain.
“Whatkindofthings?”Haydenasked.“Haveyouhaddinneryet?”
“Nope.ButI’msureIcanassoonasyouguysleavemealonetofinishthis.”
Tristanchuckled.“Touché.”
Thebrotherswatchedinsilenceassheexpertlymadetheircoffee.Thensometwentyminuteslater,it

wasdone,alleightcups.Andbythattime,Conradhadfinishedhis.

“AmIallowedonemore?”hehadthegalltoask.
Sakurascowledathim.“Toomuchcoffeeisbadforyou.”Sheturnedtotheothers.“Nowoffwith

you.Takethem.I’moff.”Shegrabbedherbagandpracticallyranoutthedoor.

*****

CHAPTER9

ATorme nte dLove

Onceshewasinherroomalone,shebreathedasighofrelief.Livingwithsevenmenwastoomuchfor
her,shedecided.

ShedugherhandinhersatchelandtookoutthepiecesofpapersNedhadgivenher.ThankGodnone

ofthemsawthecontents.Ofcoursesheknewtheydidn’tcareanyway,butshedidn’twantpeopletoknow
whatshewasupto.Itwasherbusinessafterall.

Sheputthepapersonthestudydeskandthenwenttoshower.Fifteenminuteslaterwhenshecame

backout,shewaswearinghercottonpajamashirtandshorts,herlonghairfreshandcleanthoughstill
slightlydampbecauseshecouldn’tbebotheredwithdryingitproperly,andherskinwassoftandsmooth
aftershemoisturizedherselfwithlotion.Sheactuallyfeltrathertiredandinfactwasreadyforbedwhen
shespottedthepairofrecentlycleanedsocksthatDarcyhadputonherfeetyesterdaymorningbackatthe
pool.Suddenly,herheartflutteredwithinherchest.Darcy!Shouldshegoandreturnthosetohimnow?

Shepickedupthepairofsocksandpokedherheadoutthedoor.Coastclear,shethoughtandrushed

across the corridor to Darcy’s room. She lightly knocked, hoping like hell he wasn’t in. That way she
couldjustdropthesocksoffandrunbacktoherownroomASAP,andhewouldbenonethewiser.

A few seconds later when there was no sound, she tried the door. It wasn’t locked. She turned the

knobandslippedin.

She wasn’t surprised at all to see that his room was meticulously clean and tidy. She knew Darcy

allowed no one to enter his room, nor did he ever allow the maid to clean it either. His room was his
sanctuary,hisprivatehaven,andofcourseSakuradidn’twanttogetcaughtred-handed.He’dprobably
getsopissedwithherthathemightjust—

Shepaused.Whatwouldhedonowthathewasagrownmanifheweretocatchherinhisroom?She

didn’tknowanddidn’twanttothinkaboutitandhenceturnedtoinspecthisroominstead.

Thedesignwasverymasculinewithamutedgraycolorscheme.Thelargeking-sizebedsattoone

sidewhilethestudydeskandchair,verymodernandsleek,satnearthewindow.Ifthepersonwhosatin
that very comfy chair there decided to lift his head, he would see the lovely view of the pond outside.
Sakuracockedherheadtooneside,wonderingifhe’dseenhermanytimesonthedragonbridge.

Ontopofthedeskwashislaptopanddigitaldrawinggear.Shewonderedifhediddigitalart.Then

shesworeatherself.Ofcoursehedid.Afterall,hewasoneofthebestgamecreatorsanddesignersfor
hisandHayden’sgamingcompany.

Thensomethingcaughtherattention.Itwasagiganticdigitalartposterononesideofthewall.She

caughtherbreath,trulyamazedattheartwork.Tosayitwasfantasticwasanunderstatement.Ittookher
breathawaythemomentshesethereyesonit.

Itwassetinafantasyworldwithagothiccastleandacherrytreeinfullbloominthebackground.

However,whatreallyfascinatedherwasthecentralpictureofthedarkknightandafairmaiden.Thepair
causedherinsidestoshiverwithsomethingakintopleasureanddelight.

Theknightwasingothicfantasy,medievalwarclothing,hadlong,sinfulblackhair,whichwastied

back, and had one hand holding a dangerous-looking long, kickass sword that gave her the impression
he’duseittoslayanymonstersthatdaredtocomehisway.Theotherofhislong,masculinehandswas
embracingthebeyond-beautifulmaiden.

Sakuracouldonlystare,wonderingifanywomaninexistencecouldcomparetothisexquisitebeauty

in the poster. She had long black hair, her skin petal white, and her lips a ruby-red color. She wore a
fantasy-typemedievalgownthecolorofazurewithgoldtrimmingwhichseemedtoenhanceherbeauty
evenmore.Herlonghairfloweddowntoherwaist,andherslenderarmsembracedtheknight,herface
softwithloveasshegazedupathim.

Sakura’sbreathingsuddenlybecameshortandfast.Shewaslostinadifferentworldasshecontinued

tostareattheposter.

Suddenly, the door opened and Sakura gasped in fright, twisting herself around to witness Darcy

comingin.

ThemomentDarcyclosedthedoorandraisedherhead,hecouldonlystareinshockedsurpriseto

seehisadoptedsisterinhisbedroom.Hisheartbegantothumploudinhischest,likeanAfricandrum
beatingunderthemoonlight.Hegazedather,takinginthewildhair,thesoftskin,thebarelegs,andthe
brighteyes.Holyshit!Sheishot.Therewerebutterflieswithinthepitofhisstomachandhisbodyached
withlonging.

Theycontinuedtostareateachotherinsilence,totallysurprisedandtotallylostastowhattodo.
“Is he in?” Conrad’s voice traveled to them from outside the bedroom door. Then a triple knock

followed.

Sakuragasped.SherealizedConradwasabouttocomein.
“He’snotin,”theyheardHaydenmutter.“AndwhydoyouwanttoseeDarcy’snewproject?He’s

stillworkingonit.”

“Justwantapeek,”Conradsaid.“Youdidsayheprintedoutsomeoftheartwork,didn’tyou?And

youdidapprovehimtocontinue,soIwanttoseesinceI’mgoingtobeyourbetatester.Besides,itwas
yourbloodyfault.Ifyouhadn’ttoldmetherewasacharacterthatlooksexactlylikeme,thenIwouldn’t
havebeensocurious.”

Suddenlythedoorknobwriggled.
Darcytookaction.HegrabbedthesurprisedSakurabythearmandpulledheralongwithhimtoward

thewalk-incloset.Heshovedthedooropenandhastilynudgedherin.

Sakura gasped when she found him in the closet with her. Then she watched him hastily close the

door behind him. She tried to breathe normally, but it was so difficult with him literally squishing her
against the wall. Oh God! She could feel him—the whole length of his person against her—his long,
muscularlegs,hisfirmchest,hischinonthetopofherhead,hiswarmbreathonher,andyes,eventhat
privatepartofhisaswell.Sheblushedinthedarknessandnibbledherlowerlipwithnervousness.

Darcy too felt her—all of her—against him, and it brought forward a wonderful pleasure in his

being.Hegazeddownatherinthedarkness,wantingtodomoretoherthanhewasallowed.Oh, God!
Shewassosoftagainsthim,andhersubtlebreastsweresquishedupagainsthismuscularchest.Shit!

“Darcy?” Conrad’s voice came through to them. A moment later, “He’s not in.” They heard the

brotherscomingintotheroom,theirfeetloudonthefloor.ThentheyheardHayden’svoicesaying,“He’s
probablyatthepool,fantasizingabouthischaractersagain.”

Conradlaughed.“Thatmeanswehaveplentyoftimetosneakaround.”
SakurafeltDarcy’sbodystiffen.ShewantedtolaughatConrad’swords.Itwassolikehimtodojust

that,pokingaroundhisbrother’sroom.ShealsoknewDarcydidn’tlikepeoplesearchinghisprivatestuff
andwonderedifhewaspissedwithConrad.Shetriedtoseewhathisreactionwasbyliftingherheadto
sneakapeekathim.Instead,however,herheadbumpedagainsthischin.Shegaspedandautomatically
touchedhisface.“Sosorry,”shewhispered,herwarmbreathtinglinghisskin.

“Ican’tfindit!”Conradannouncedloudly.

“Itmightbeinthecloset.”Haydensuggested.
“Oh,you’reright,”Conradsaid,chuckling.
“Shit!” Darcy swore under his breath. The closet door suddenly yanked open, and Darcy thrust

himselfinfarther,squeezingSakuraevenmoreagainstthewall.

ThankGodforthemanyclotheshidingtheirbodiessoConradcouldn’tactuallyseethem.Hewastoo

busysearchingforthefoldercontainingDarcy’scharactersheetsforhisnewproject.

Sakura found she couldn’t breathe, and her face was literally snuggling against Darcy’s chest. Oh,

God,shecouldsmellhim.ThesmellofDarcysherememberedsolongago.Sheclosedhereyes,andthe
memorycamerushingbacktoherinfullforce.

Ithadbeenarainynight,andshe’djusthadanightmareabouttheorphanageandthefire.She’dbeen

cryinguntilhereyeswereredandhercheekswereraw,afraidandalone.Ithadbeenthenwhensheheard
thedooropen.Afewmomentslater,shefeltaboy’shandtouchingherface.

“You’recrying,Snow,”hesaidsoftly.
Sakurahadturnedtolookathim.“Ihadanightmare,”shetoldhim.
Hesmiledatherandhastilysettledhimselfbetweenthesheetsbesideher.“I’llprotectyou,”hesaid,

pullingherintohissmallarms.

Sakura had taken the chance and eagerly snuggled her face against his chest. At that moment, his

presence, his warmth, and his smell had eased her fear of her nightmare and eventually she had fallen
asleep,feelingsafeandlovedinhisarms.

Now Sakura felt exactly like that. His presence, his warmth against her, and his smell—they all

broughtbackthatwonderful,warmfeelingshealwayshadwhenhewasnearher.Atthatrealization,her
heartbegantobeatfaster,andherpulserefusedtocalmdown.Suddenly,sherealizedhislipswereonher
forehead,andinresponse,herinsidesquiveredwithpleasure,causingherheadtospinwithdelight.

Darce,shewhisperedinternally.Please,Darce,comebacktome.
This closeness was driving Darcy crazy. God, how much longer could he handle this? How much

longer could he control himself from ravishing this woman before him? Suddenly, he felt her hands
movingdownhistorso.Oh,God!Didsherealizehermovementswereintoxicatinghim?Thatherlight,
featherytoucheswerelikeacaress,teasinghim,lettinghimtastetheforbiddenpleasurehesowanted?

Hishearttrembledwithlongingandhecouldn’tcontrolhimselfanylonger.Hegrabbedabunchof

her long hair in his hand and brought it up to his nose and lips. Oh, God! She smelled beautiful. She
smelled of spring. His insides ached to hold her, to kiss her, to make love to her. But he couldn’t. He
wouldn’tbecauseshehatedhisguts.Shewouldrefusehim.Andwhatifhecouldn’tcontrolhimselfthen?
Hewouldhurther,andhenevereverwantedtohurther.

Hetightenedhisfistsinanguishasheinhaledthesweetscentofherhair,hiswholebodytrembling.
Snow,hethoughtsadly,thisisascloseasIcangettoyou.
Hetriedtocalmthispowerfulpassionhehadforthiswomanbytakingdeep,shakybreaths,herlong

hairstillinhishands,unseenbySakurainthedarkness.

“Ican’tfindit,”Conradsaidloudly.
“Maybe it’s better if we ask him,” Hayden suggested, heading out the door. “Besides, I don’t think

he’llletyouseeituntilhe’ssureit’sready.”

Conradmutteredunderhisbreath.“Whatdidhecallhisnewprojectagain?”
“SnowWhiteandtheSevenKnights,”Haydensaid,managingtohideachuckle.
“SnowWhiteandtheSevenKnights?”Conradlaughed.“Soundssocliché.”
Darcywasn’tpayingattentiontowhatConradsaid.Infact,ifheweretopayattention,hewouldhave

jumped out of the closet and bashed his brother in the face for insulting his beloved project. He was,

however, too busy trying to calm himself down from wanting the woman squeezing right next to him,
temptinghimwithhersoftbodyandspringscent.

Thedoorclosed.Darcydidn’tmoveandstoodthere,gazingdownather.
Thoughshedidn’twanttomovefromthespotbecauseitfeltsorightforthemtojuststandthere,their

bodiessoclosetheycouldbeconnected,Sakuraknewitwasn’trightandthoughtperhapsDarcywasjust
dyingtogetout.Sosheclearedherthroatandsaidsoftly,“Ithinkthey’regone.”

Darcygothiswitsbackandreluctantlymoved,pullingheralongwithhimoutofthecloset.
Outside,Sakuradidn’tdarelookathimforfearthathisangryfacewouldscarethehelloutofher.

Instead she picked up the socks she’d dropped and handed them to him. “Sorry I came in without
permission.”

Darcywantedtotellherthatshecouldcomeinwheneversheliked,preferablyatnight,andthathe

wouldn’tmindhersleepingonhisbedeither,likeshehadwhentheywerechildren.

“Thanksforthesocks,”shesaidandhastilywalkedtothedoor.
Darcy desperately wanted to pull her back into his arms, but it seemed he couldn’t move from his

spot.Hewatchedhergo,hishearthurtingsobadhewantedtocryinanguish.

Alone,heturnedtogazeatthedigitalposterhe’ddrawnoftheknightandthemaiden.Atthebottom,

itreadSnowWhiteandtheSevenKnights.

“Snow,”hesaidsoftlyunderhisbreath.

*****

CHAPTER10

Sakura&the Prince ofHe arts

Sebastian was waiting patiently in the pool for Sakura to turn up for their first swimming lesson.
Unfortunately for him, his brothers decided to tag along to watch the show. First it was Tristan who
arrived,alreadyinhisswimminggearandheadingstraighttothepool.

“Whatareyoudoinghere?”Sebastianasked,hisvoicecoldashewatchedhisbrothertakingoffhis

shirtandthrowingittothemarblefloor.

“ThoughtI’dtakeaswim.Afterall,Ihavenothingbettertodo,”Tristanrepliedlightly,thenjumped

intothepool.SebastianscowledasTristanproceededtoswimaround.

Loganturnedupasecondlater.“Suchanicedayforaswim,isn’tit?”Thenhejumpedintothepool

aswell,divingdeepunderandpoppingupatthesurface,allwetandshakinghisthickhairlikeadog.

Darcycameinandslammedthedoorshut,mutteringtohimself.“WhydoesithavetobeSebastian

whohastoteachher?”Hesoundedpissedandtired.Hewastiredbecausehehadn’tbeenabletogetto
sleeplastnightafterSakurahadlefthisroom.Hewaspissedbecausehisbodywasachingforher.

“Becausehe’sthebestswimmeroutofallofus,”Nicolassaidbehindhim.
DarcyignoredNicolasandclimbeduptheladdertothedivingplatformabove.
“Andyou?Whatareyoudoinghere?”Sebastianasked.
“Practicingmysomersault,”Darcyshouteddown.“Oryoucan’ttell?”
Sebastianreallycouldn’tdomuchatthispointasNicolasproceededtograbtheremotecontroland

opentheskylightabove,lettingbrightmorninglightintotheindoorpoolarea.Thenhepushedthebutton
toopentheglasswallaswelltoletinthewarmspringair.

“Ah,that’sbetter,”hesaid,makinghimselfcomfortableonthesettee.Thenheturnedonhistablet.
A moment later, Hayden and Conrad rushed in and jumped into the pool. Sebastian wouldn’t be

surprisedifhisstudentdecidedtorunintheoppositedirectionaftershe’dtakenonelookatthepoolarea.
Heshookhishead.Thiswasgoingtobeaverylonglessonindeed.

Atthistimeinherroom,Sakuratuggedtherobesecurelyaroundherandtookadeepbreath.Nomore

running now, she told herself. She had to learn how to swim. With a determined look on her face, she
pattedTobyonthehead.Thedogencouragedherwithafriendlybark.

“Thanks,Toby,”shesaidandwalkedoutthedoor.
She knew Sebastian was very punctual with his appointment, so she made sure she was fifteen

minutesearly.Afterall,shedidn’twanthimtogetpissedwithherforwastinghistime.Therewasalso
thefactthatshewantedtobeinthepoolbeforehearrivedsohewouldn’twitnessherinaswimsuithalf-
naked,whichshefeltratheruncomfortablein.

Her plan, however, came crashing down on her the moment she stepped into the pool area. She

wasn’taloneasshe’dexpectedtobebecausethereweresevenmen,sixinthepoolandoneonthesettee.
Theyallseemedtobeenjoyingthemselvestremendously,swimmingaroundandplayingtaglikekids.

Conradwavedather.“Hey,you’rehere,”hecalledout.
Sakurastoodfrozeninherspot,herheartpumpingoutofcontrol.Oh,God!Oh,God!Oh,God!This

wasridiculous.Shewantedtoturnaroundandrun.

Conradclimbedupfromthepoolandcameovertoher.“Comeon,”hesaid,takingherhand.
“Conrad,”shebeganuncertainly.“Whatareyouguysdoinghere?”

“Swimming,”hesaid.Hewasabouttopullherforwardwhenshesnappedherhandback.
“No,Imean—I’mfine.Imean,erm—”
“Doyouwanttolearnornot?”Sebastianaskedfromthedistance.
Sakurablushed.Ofcourseshedid,butshedidn’twanttotakelessonswhenthereweresomanyof

themaround.Afterall,shedidn’twanttomakeanassofherselfinfrontofthem.

“OfcourseIdo,”shesaid,walkingtowardthem.
Conradcamerunningafterher,andoncehewasbytheedgeofthepool,hedidagoodflipbefore

divingin.

“Showoff,”Darcysaidunderhisbreath.
Sakura stood frozen by the pool, wondering if she should get in or not. They all seemed to be

watchingher.EvenNicolas,whohadhistabletinfrontofhim,waseyeingherfromafar.Whywerethey
watchingherasiftheywerewaitingforhertodosomething?

Shetookadeepbreathandsatdownontheedgeofthepool,dippingherfeetintothewater.Itwas

warm,andshesighedinrelief.Atleastshewouldn’tfreezetodeath.

Sheproceedtoslideforwardandthen—
“Err,”Tristanbeganfromtheotherside.“You’renotgoingtotakeoffyourrobe?”
Shestoppedintimebeforetherobegotwet.“Huh?”Shelookeddownatherselfandblushedagain.

Oh,God!Howstupidofher.

Shestood,thenuntiedherrobe.Thatwaswhenshefeltasthoughsomethingwasn’tright.Sheglanced

upandsawallsevenofthemwatchingher.Sheblinked.Sheblushed.Theylookedawayandpretendedto
bebusydoingwhatevertheywerepretendingtobedoing.

Shetooktheopportunityandquicklyslippedtherobeoffherbody.She,however,wasn’tfastenough

at getting into the pool because the brothers were watching her again. There were a lot of gasps the
momenttherobehitthefloor.

Sakura was wearing a one-piece black-and-white swimsuit, fitting her body to perfection, showing

offherslenderlegsandtheshapeofhersmallwaistandgorgeousbreasts.Withherhairformedintoa
securedbunatthetopofherhead,shelookedabsolutelytodiefor.

Oh,thebrothershadseenhotbabesinswimsuitsallright,butnoneofthosehotbabeswereSakura,

andthisonedefinitelyhittherightspot.

Themomentsherealizedtheywerewatchingheragain,shequicklysatonthesideofthepooland

slidin.Onlyshewasinsuchhastetobeinthepoolthatshehadforgottenshedidn’tknowhowtoswim.
Shefoundherselfsinkingrighttothebottomofthedeeppoolandcouldn’tgetbackup.Shewasfighting
withallhermightbutjustcouldn’tseemtogetherselfbacktothesurface.

ThereIgo,shethought.She’ddiedrowningbecauseshewasembarrassedsevenmenwerelookingat

her.Howpatheticisthat?

The brothers all sucked in their breath again, this time from fright because they knew she was

drowning.Sebastiangottoherintwosecondsflat,hispowerfularmspropellingandpushinghimtoher.
Hediveddeeptothebottom,wrappedonestrongarmaboutthesmallofherback,huggedhertohim,and
pulledherup.

Themomentshewasliftedoutofthewater,Sakurasuckedairintoherstarvedlungs,andatthesame

timesheswungherarmsaroundSebastian’sneck,drawingherselfagainsthim.

“Youokay?”heasked.
Shewasbreathingheavilyandmanagedtonod.Shelookedaroundbehindherandsawthebrothers

stillwatchingher.Sheblushed,totallyembarrassed.

“WhydoesithavetobeSebastian?”Conradmutteredtohimself.

“Becausehe’sthefastest,”Nicolassuppliedlogically.
Sakura tightened her arms around Sebastian’s neck, unaware that he was watching her intently and

thathewaspullingherevenclosertohimnow.Shesaidtothebrothers,“Doallofyouhavetobehere?”

“Whatdoyoumean?We’reheretohelpyoulearn,”Conradsaid.
“I can teach her by myself,” Sebastian put in. “And Sakura doesn’t need you watching her every

move.Can’tyoutellshe’sembarrassed?”

Sakura bit her lip. That was exactly what she wanted to tell them. God, drowning right in front of

themwasbadenough.Shereallydidn’twanttomakeafoolofherselfinfrontofsevenmen.

Nicolasswitchedoffthetabletscreenandstoodup.“Allright.I’mgoingtoplaypool.Anyonecare

tojoinme?”Helefthisinvitationhangingintheairandwalkedtothedoor.

Logansighedandpulledhimselfoutfromthewater.“Coming.”HefollowedNicolastothedoor.
TristanshookhisheadandswamtowardSebastianandSakura.HesaidsoftlybehindSakura,“Come

tomeifhe’salousyteacher.I’llteachyouhowtoswimproperly.”Hepattedhercheekandthenclimbed
out.

Darcygotupandsilentlywalkedaway,too.Ashewasheadingtothedoor,heturnedhisheadand

glanced back at her. Sakura caught his eyes and felt her heart fluttering. Her body became stiff in
Sebastian’sarms.Shelickedherlipsandwatchedhimgo.

Haydenchuckledandshookhishead.HehookedonearmoverConrad’sshouldersanddraggedthe

youngestbrotheroutofthepool.

“Havefun,Sakura,”Conradsaid.“Seeyainanhour.”
Oncethedoorwasclosedandthepoolwasagainquiet,Sakurafinallymanagedtocalmdownand

sighed in relief. That was when she became aware of Sebastian’s toned body against her. Her heart
startedtorace,andherbodybegantotingle.Shewantedtoletgoofhimbutwastooafraidshe’djustsink
righttothebottomofthepoolagain.

Sheturnedhereyestohimandsawhewaswatchingherintensely.Sheshiveredinvoluntarily,licking

herlipsagain.

Sebastianeyedthoseglistening,sensuouslipsandfelthisthroatgodryasdust.
“We’llstartwithfloating,”hesaidsoftly.“Canyoufloat?”
Sakurashookherhead,feelingherhandsslippingfromhismuscularneck.Sebastianmovedhishand

downherbackslowly,asifcaressingher.Sakuracaughtherbreathatthebackofherthroat.

“Floatingiseasy,”hesaid.
Sakurabitherlip.“Easyhow?”
He chuckled because she looked so cute frowning at him. “Just imagine you’re light, like a feather

floatingintheairorsomething.”

Sakuracockedherheadtoonesideandtriedimaginingthat.Shegiggled.“Me?Afeather?”
Sebastian smiled. He liked her giggle. It sounded like music to his ear. “And move your legs, like

kickingthewaterbelowyou.”

“Oh,”shesaid,lookingdownatherself.Butallshecouldseewashismuscularchest.Itwassohard

andsosmooth,andoh,God,shecouldfeelhertummyflutteringandherfingerstingling.

“Goon,kick!”hesaid.
Sakura refused to look at his face because she was embarrassed. Obediently, she kicked, back and

forth,backandforth.

“Nowimagineyou’rethatfeather,”hesuggested.
“No,I’mnotafeather.I’masakura,”shesaid,smilingandclosinghereyes.
Sebastiandidn’tunderstandwhatshemeantbutdidn’task,asshewasdoingratherwell.

What Sakura meant was that she was imagining herself as a cherry blossom floating in midair in

spring.Shesmiledatthatthought.

Slowly, Sebastian let her go. He watched her floating before him, her eyes closed and a serene

expressiononherface.Shemadehisheartglow,andhecouldn’tstopwatchingher.

Whensheopenedhereyesagain,shenotedhewasagooddistanceawayfromherandgasped.“I’m

floating!”sheshriekedexcitedly.“I’mfloating!”Shelaughedmerrily.

Sebastianthoughthisheartwouldreallyburstifitswelledmuchbigger,butthatwasexactlyhowhe

felt.Shewasbeautiful.Herlaughterwasbeautiful.Shemadehimfeelwonderful.

Shesmiledathim.“Icanfloat!Yay!”Shegiggledsomemore.
“Howaboutfloatingonyourbacknow?”hesuggested.
Sheblinked.“Huh?”
“Onyourback,”hesaid,comingtowardher.
Oncehewasclosetoher,herheartstartedtobeatfastagain.Sebastianwrappedonearmaboutthe

smallofherwaistandmadeherbendback.“Here,lieback,”hesaid.

Sakura followed his instruction. Oh, God! She could feel his firm hand on her waist, warm and

sensual,andoh,God,whywashertummyflutteringagain?

Sebastiangentlyranhishandfromherlowerbackuptothenapeofherneck,hisfingerscaressingher

skin.“Nowimagineyou’rethatfeatheragain,floating.”

Sakuraclosedhereyes,tryingtoignoreSebastian’shandsonherperson.Itwashardwithhimbeing

socloseandthefactthatherbodywasgoinghaywirewanting—

No! She was not going to think about it. Sebastian was her adopted brother, after all. But oh, God!

Wasshereallyattractedtohim?Shegrowledinfrustration.

Hechuckled.“Comeonnow.Youdiditbefore.”
Shewantedtotellhimitwasn’tthefloating,butbecauseofhim.Hefrustratedher.Heconfusedher.
“Right.Imagineyou’rethatfeatheragain,”hesaid.
Sakuraobeyedandclosedhereyeswhileheheldhertherebetweenairandwater,almostcarrying

her.Sheimaginedherselfasthecherryblossomagain,floating.

Sebastiancouldn’thelphimself.Theserenelookonherfacewasbeginningtoaffecthim,andhefelt

desire burning hotter in his blood. Her skin was so soft against his touch, and her woman’s body was
readyforhim,heknew.Buthowcouldhethinksuchhorriblethoughtsaboutherwhenshetrustedhimto
teachher?

Hegrittedhisteethandlethergo.Shedidn’tsink,andhewasglad.
Silentlyhecursedhimself.Silentlyheprayedshewasn’thisadoptedsister.Silentlyheachedtokiss

andtouchher,toexploreherbeautifulbody,tofeelheragainsthim,beneathhim.Heachedtofeelhimself
insideher.Oh,God!Heachedsomuch.

Sakuraopenedhereyes,andwhensherealizedSebastianwasnolongerholdingher,sheknewshe

was floating all by herself. Her heart burst with happiness at that moment and she laughed. “Yay!” she
shouted.

ThensheturnedtohersidetolookatSebastiantoseeifhewasproudofher.Whenshemethisgaze

though,shesawsomethingthatcausedherstomachtoflipandherhearttoskip.Therewassomethingin
theexpressiononhisfacethatmadeherheartdoasomersault.Thenherstomachflippedagainandher
bodyached,andthen—

Sheforgottofloat.
She gasped and felt her body being pulled deep into the pool. She tried to scream, but the water

muffled her voice. She reached out for help, and just before she hit the bottom, she saw Sebastian

reachinghishandouttoher,justlikethattimelongagobackinthesea.

He caught her wrist and pulled her to him, his other hand tight around the small of her waist. She

hastilywrappedbotharmsaroundhisneck,bringingherbodyandfacetohis.Stillfloatingthereunderthe
water,heembracedher,gazingdownatherintensely.God,sheisbeautiful,hethought.

Thenhecouldn’thelphimself.Hemovedhishandtoholdthebackofherheadandbroughthisface

downtohers.Slowly,hislipsfoundhers.

Hekissedherdeeplyandpassionately,hislipsfirmlyagainsthers.
Sakuracouldn’tbreathe,herheartseemedtohavestoppedworkingaltogether,andherwholebody

wasfloatingjustlikethosecherryblossomsinthewind—flyinghigher.

Sebastianmadeherpartherlips,andsheobeyed.Heblewairintohermouth,straightintoherlungs.

Shefeltherbodyworkingagain.Thenshefelthistongueplungeintoher,exploringher.Sakurafeltlike
shewasinheavenasmillionsofthrillingsensationsexplodedthroughherbeing.Shetightenedherarms
aroundhisneck,neverwantingtoletgo.

The two bodies floated there in the depths of the pool, swirling around, kissing deeply and

passionately.

Then,asiflightningstruckhim,Sebastianflashedhiseyesopenanddrewback,terminatingthekiss.

Hestartedtoswimtothesurface,takingheralongwithhim.

Sakurasuckedinaironcetheygotoutofthewater.Withoutlookingather,heguidedhertothesideof

thepoolandeasilyliftedher.

“Ithinkthatshoulddoitfortoday,”hesaid,pullinghimselfup.Hegrabbedherrobeandwrappedit

aroundher.“Youokaytogoback?”heasked,avoidinghereyes.

Sakura,stilllightheadedandtotallyconfusedfromtheexperience,nodded.
Sebastiandivedbackintothepoolandstartedtovigorouslyswimhisheartout.Sakurawatchedhim

moving his powerful arms as he propelled himself forward, the droplets of water kissing his smooth,
tannedskin.Helookedbeautiful,andhertummyflippedagain,imaginingthosepowerfularmsholdingher
andthosehandscaressingher.Shefeltlightheadedevenmore,andherbodytingled.

As if he knew she was watching him, he stopped, breathing heavily, his toned muscles twitching.

“Whyareyoustillhere?”hegrowledfromacrossthepool.“Go!Getoutofhere!”

Sakurarealizedhewaspissed.Withme?Herbodytrembledinresponse.
Fine!Hedidn’twanthertostay.
“I’m going!” she shouted, pulling her robe tighter about her and marching out the door, her heart

pumpinghardwithinherchest,herbodystilltingling.

Sebastian listened until he heard the door shut, then pulled himself out of the water and dove

backwardintothepool,splashingwatereverywhere.Heswamhard,workinghismusclesuntiltheywere
exhausted,untilhewasexhausted.Hewantedtoswimuntilhegotsotiredthathecouldn’tthinkofthe
kiss anymore. But that was not to be. By the time he’d done fifty laps, he was totally exhausted and
collapsed by the side of the pool. Even then he was still thinking about that kiss—that wonderful,
beautiful,amazingunderwaterkiss.Itwaslikewhenhe’dkissedherthatveryfirsttimebackatthecave
yearsago.He’dfeltitthen,andhefeltitjustmomentsago—thepassion,thelove,thedesire.Oh,God!It
wassopowerful.Andhefoundhewantedmore,neededmore.

Herlipshadbeensoftagainsthis,andhersmalltonguewasutterlysensational.
Shit!Hehadtostopthinkingabouther.Hehadtostopthinkingaboutthekiss.Hegrowledlongand

loudashelaythere,pantingfromexhaustion.

*****

CHAPTER11

He artsAching

StillSebastianlaythere,staringupattheceiling,hisheartthumpingloudandfastandhisbodyexhausted
from swimming. It wasn’t long before he noticed a pair of long, tanned legs walking toward him. He
turnedandsawTaracomingtoastoponlyafewinchesawayfromhim,gazingdownathim.

Howthehelldidshegetinherewithouthimnoticing?
Sebastiansworeunderhisbreathandturnedaway,ignoringher.Rightnowallhewantedwastobe

alone,andTarawasthelastpersonhewantedtosee.

“You’re training awfully hard,” she said, “considering the fact that you’re not entering any

competition. But then again, you’re too old for that now. So what’s this for? To keep fit? Or was there
somethingelsebotheringyou?

“I’mnottraining,”hesaid,closinghiseyessohedidn’thavetoseeTara’sannoyingface.
Ohshit!HecouldseeSakurainhismind’seye.Herglossyblackhair,hersoftskin,hersensuallips

—thoselipshehadjustkissed.

Heflashedhiseyesopen.HefoundTarabesidehim,herfaceveryclosetohim.Hescowled.
“You’vechanged,”shesaidsoftly.“Allofyou’vechangedsincewegothere.Whathappened?”
Hisscowldarkened.“What?”
“It’sbecauseofher,isn’tit?”
Sebastiangrittedhisteeth.
“Noneofyoueverwantedheraspartofthefamilybefore.Sowhynow?”
“Idon’tknowwhatyou’retalkingabout,Tara,”hesaidcoldly.
Taracouldn’tcarelesswhatwashappeningnow.AllshewantedatthismomentwasSebastian.She

wasreadyforhim.Shehadbeenreadyforhimforages.Todayhewashereallbyhimself,anditwasher
chance.Shemovedtositontopofhim,herlegsoneithersideofhiswaist,saddlinghim.Oh,God! She
couldfeelhissix-packbeneathher,anditwassuchaturn-on.

Sebastian reacted by pushing her off him. Tara, however, was quick and threw herself at him,

wrappingherarmstightlyaroundhismuscularneck.

“Iwantyou,Sebastian,”shesaidsoftlynearhislips.“Havealwayswantedyouforsolong.”
“Tara,”hebegan.“Whatdoyouthinkyou’redoing?You’remysister.”
Shegiggled.“Adoptedsister.Notbloodrelated.”
“Tara,”hesaidthroughgrittedteeth.“Thisiswrong.Verywrong.Idon’tknowhowyoufeelabout

me,butIdefinitelydon’tfeelthesamewayaboutyou.”

Taragrittedherteethandyelled,“Youkissedher!Sowhythefuckinghellcouldn’tyoukissme?”
Sebastianwasshockedintostillness.
“You like her, don’t you? It’s not fair, Sebastian. Not fair. You kissed her!” She tightened her arms

aroundhisneck,herlongfingernailsdiggingintohisskin.Shebroughtherlipsdownandkissedhimhard.

Sebastiandidn’trespond.Hedidn’tfeelanythingforher,didn’tfeelanythingwhenshetouchedhim.
No, he was wrong. He felt something all right. He felt revolted. He felt disgusted. He couldn’t

believeTarahadstoopedthislow.

Hepulledback,removedherarmsfromhisneck,andshovedheroffhim.Hestoodupandstaredat

herwithdisgust.Hewantedtoshoutathertogetholdofherself.

Tarasattherestaringupathimasshecaressedherlips,aweirdgrinonherface.
Sebastianshookhisheadandturnedonhisheel,readytoleaveher,readytoleavethisweirdincident

behind. He didn’t get far, though, and stood rooted in his spot when he noticed Sakura at the door,
watchinghim.

Hisstomachflipped.Shit!
“Soyouhavethehabitofdoingthattoyouradoptedsisters?”sheasked.
Sebastianunderstoodthemeaningofherwordsimmediately.Bloodyhell!No!Ofcoursenot!
“It’snotwhatyouthinkitis,”hesaid.
“SebastianPrinceton,”Sakurasaid,hervoicequivering,herhearttrembling,herwholebodyshaking

with anger, frustration, and confusion. “Allow me to get one thing clear for you.” She glanced at Tara,
whowasnowposingelegantlybeforethem.SheevenmanagedtogiveSakuraaleeringgrin.

SakuraturnedhereyestoSebastian,whoseemedtohavebecomeasstiffasarock.“I’mnotatoyto

beplayedwith.I’mnotabouttocommitincest.”Shenudgedherheadalittlehigherasshestaredathim,
tearsbrewinginhereyes.“Andbytheway,Inolongerwantyouasmyswimminginstructor.I’mgoingto
askDarcyinstead.Sorryforinterruptingyourweeparty.”Shetriedsohardtocontrolheremotions,but
shejustcouldn’t.Sheturnedonherheelandheadedbackoutthedoor.

“Sakura!Wait!”Sebastianshouted.
Sakurawasn’tlisteningtohim,however,andblindlyranupthestairstoherroom.Theresherushed

intothebathroomandturnedontheshower.Shecriedherheartoutasdropletsofwaterpoundeddownon
her.Oncehertearswereallusedupandherfacerawandhereyesred,shemanagedtocalmdownand
gotholdofherself.

God!Shewaspathetic.Whywasshesoupsetjustbecauseshe’dwitnessedSebastiankissingTara?

Obviously,ifthosetwohadarelationship,thenwhatdidthathavetodowithher?

Shegotoutoftheshower,driedherself,andputonapairofskinnyjeansandalightblouse.After

blow-drying her hair and putting on some light makeup, she stared at herself in the mirror, hoping she
didn’tlooklikeshe’djusthadagoodcry.Yes,shethought.Shelookedjustfine.Maybejustabitredin
theeyes,butthatwasall.

Suddenly, she was thinking about Sebastian again. This is ridiculous, she thought as she stared at

herselfinthemirror.Whycouldn’therstomachsettledown?Whycouldn’therheartslowdown?Shefelt
sick.Thatscenewasstillfreshinhermind.Shecouldn’tbelieveit.SebastianandTara?

Sheturnedawayfromthemirrorindisgust.God,sheneededtocalmdown.Sheneededtobedoing

something.SheneededtogethermindoutofthisstupidnotionofSebastianandTaratogether.

Sheleftthebathroom,grabbedhercameraandherbag,andheadedoutthedoor.
Halfanhourlater,shewasdeepinthewoods,alonewithnature.Shehadalreadymissedlunch,but

thatwasokaybecauseshe’dhadabigbreakfastbefore—

Shepausedrightthere.Don’tthinkaboutit,Sakura.Justdon’t!
Herphonebeeped.Shetookitoutandsawshegotatextmessage.ItwasConrad,scoldingherfor

goingoffwithouttellinghim.ShealsogottextmessagesfromNicolas,Tristan,andLogan,informingher
thatshe’dbetterturnupfordinnerorelse.

Elsewhat?Andhowdidtheseguysgethernumberanyway?Mary?ItmusthavebeenMary.
Sheputherphonebackintohersatchelandtookouthercamera.Shetestedthelight,foundthatitwas

excellent, and then proceeded to take pictures. Soon she was lost in admiring the woods and the many
creaturesthatwerelivingthere.Shetookphotosofagrasshopperhangingontothetallgrasses,ofbees
suckingnectarfromflowers,ofbirdschirpinginthetrees,andofwildflowersthatweresurroundingher.
At a certain point, she felt as though someone were following her, watching her in the distance. She

scannedhersurroundingsbutsawnosignofanyoneandrelaxedagain.Sheknewshehadnothingtoworry
aboutbecausethiswasthePrincetonEstateandnooneelsehadeversetfootinthesewoods.Foryears,
she’droamedthisplacebyherself.Itwasinessenceherplayground,andsheloveditthatway.Hence,
despitethatoddfeelingthatsomeonewasfollowingher,watchinghereverymove,shefeltthatshewas,
inactualfact,verysafe.

Infact,SakuradidnotknowthatSebastianwasfollowingher.Hehadspottedherheadingoutintothe

woodswhensheleftthehouseandhaddesperatelywantedtogotoherandexplainwhathappenedback
atthepool.Now,however,hefoundhedidn’thavethegutstotalktoher,knowingverywellshedidn’t
wantanythingtodowithhim.Thus,hestayedback,followinghersilentlylikehealwayshadwhenthey
werechildren.

StilloblivioustoSebastiantailingher,Sakuracametothebiggestcherrytreeontheisland.Itwasher

tree,theoneshe’dplantedwithNedwhenshewaslittle.Ithadnowgrowntoamassiveheight,andthe
flowers bloomed beautifully. She couldn’t help herself and took picture after picture. Once she thought
shehadenough,shesatunderneathit,herbackrestingagainstthebigtrunk.

She sighed, inhaling the scent of spring air. Then she brought the camera up and started flicking

throughthephotos,smilingwithsatisfactionassheinspectedeachoneinturn.

Alone,shesetdownthecameraandgazedacrossthedistance.Itwaspeacefulandbeautifulhere,and

ithelpedherforgetabouteverything.

Yes,she’dmissthisplacedearlyonceshewasgone,andshefeltrathersadaboutthat.Slowlyshe

closedhereyes,anditwasn’tlongbeforesheactuallyfellasleep,smiling,thinkingabouthermother,the
womanwhosenamewasHarukaTanaka.

*****

CHAPTER12

Snow&the Prince ofDarkne ss

“Snow,”thewordformedsoftlybetweenDarcy’slipsashegazeddownatSakurafromwherehewason
thetoptreebranch.ShelookedjustlikeSnowWhitelyingthereunderthecherrytree.

He’dcomeheretogetawayfromeveryone,tobealone,tothink,toeasehisdesireandpassionfor

hisadoptedsister.Thenoncehefoundthetree,hethoughtitwasaperfectspotforhim.He’dbeensitting
onthethirdbranch,hidingamongstthecloudofpinkflowers,thinkingaboutSakura.He’dalmostfallen
asleep when she had announced her presence with her soft footsteps and the clicks of her camera. He
hopedshewouldn’tcapturehimamongstthecherryblossomsinherphotos.Thenwhenshesatdownand
fellasleep,headmiredher.Herehehadheralltohimself.Herehecouldwatchherforever—atleastuntil
shewokeup.

He climbed down the tree and moved gently and quietly toward her so he wouldn’t wake her. He

came to sit beside her. Dear Lord, he thought, she looks so innocent and beautiful. He couldn’t help
himselfandbrushedthebackofhisknucklesagainsthercheek.

Shegroaned.
Hisstomachflipped.
“Snowneedstobewokenupwithakiss,”hewhispered.Thenbeforehecouldstophimself,hegently

touchedhislipstohers.Shewassoftandwarmagainsthim.Shegroanedagain,andDarcycouldn’tstop
himselffromkissinghermorepassionatelyashebrushedhistongueagainstherslightlypartedlips.He
dughisfingersdeepintoherthickhair,marvelingathersweetness.

Ohshit!Hewantedher.Thethoughtoflastnightcametohiminfullforce.
DarcystoppedhimselffromgoinganyfurtherandmovedbackjustintimewhenSakuraflutteredher

eyesopen.Shegazedathim,theirfacessoclosetoeachotherthatshecouldfeelhiswarmbreathonher
skin.Sheblinked.

“Darce?”shewhisperedsoftly.
Darcy had forgotten that his fingers were still at the nape of her neck, holding her there when he’d

kissedher.Hehastilymovedhishandbacktohissideandrestedhisbackagainstthetreetrunk,hisheart
bangingfuriouslywithinhischest.

Sakura sat up properly, blushing. She couldn’t believe he’d witnessed her sleeping in the woods

alone.Howembarrassing.Thenagain,hewasn’tsupposedtobehere.Thiswasherturf.

“Ilovethistree,”hesaidquietly.
Shenodded.“Metoo.IplanteditwhenIwaslittlewithNed’shelp.”
Heturnedtoher.“Youdid?”
She didn’t reply, and he knew it was uncomfortable for her to talk to him about her childhood. He

clearedhisthroatandsaidawkwardly,“Sakura,Ineverhatedyou.”

Shecaughtherbreath,herheartthumpinghardandfast.
“I’msorryforwhatIdidtoyou,”hesaid,referringtothatincidentatthetreehouseandlaterwhen

he’dpretendedsheneverexisted.God!Heneededtogetthisoffhischest.Heneededtotellherhowhe
felt.

“I was young and stupid. I shouldn’t have been so horrible to you. I didn’t know you hadn’t done

anythingwrong.I’msorry.Ineverhatedyou.YouweremySnowandwillalwaysbemySnow.”

He couldn’t stop himself and pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. Sakura felt her whole

bodytremblingandherheartsomersaultingwithinherchest.

Darcysnuggledhisfaceagainstthenapeofherneck,breathinginherwildflowerscent.Shesmelled

beautiful,anditstirredhisinsidespleasantly.

“I’llmakeituptoyou.Ipromise.Iwon’teverhurtyouagain.Iwon’tletanybodyoranythinghurt

youagain.”

“Darce,”Sakurawhispered.
Darcymovedback,hishandcuppingherface.“Ihurtyou.I’msosorry.”
Sakuragavehimaweaksmile.“Itdidhurt,butthatwasalongtimeago.Wewerebutkids.We’re

bothgrownupnowso—”

“So?”heasked,brushinghisthumbgentlyacrosshischeek.
“Soyou’reforgiven,”shesaid,givinghimasmile.
Darcy’sheartdidatriplesomersault.“You’regoingtoforgivemejustlikethat?”heaskedtomake

sureshehadreallyforgivenhim.

Shenodded,chucklingsoftly.
Darcy’sfacebecameseriousanddarkashegazedather,hismindmadeup.“I’mgoingtokissyou,

Sakura.”

Sakuragasped,andbeforeshehadtimetothink,heleanedhisfaceforwardandtookherlips.This

timehehadbothhishandsatthenapeofherneck,hisfingersdiggingdeepintoherhairashepassionately
kissedher.

Sakura was shocked into stillness. Her heart thumped loudly within her chest, her stomach flipped,

andherwholebodymeltedinhisembrace.HerheadwasspinningoutofcontrolasshefeltDarcy’slips
againsthers,histonguecaressinghersoftflesherotically.

Shecaughtherbreathatthebackofherthroatashedeepenedthekiss.Shegasped.Darcytookthe

opportunityandplungedhistongueintohersweetmouth.Heexploredherwithawildpassion,causing
herworldtospinwithdelight.

Sakura responded by clinging to him, weak and lightheaded, her body trembling with a beautiful

sensation.

WhenDarcymovedback,hiseyesweredarkwithpassion.God!Hewantedher.Heneededher.He

lovedher.Buthemuststop.Hedidn’twanttohurther.

Oh, God! He couldn’t help himself. He had loved her for too long. He’d hidden his passion and

desireforher,andnowthefeelingwastoooverwhelmingforhimtocontrol.Henceinsteadofstopping
Darcymovedhimselfclosetohersoshewasbetweenhimandthetree.Hisfacewassoclosetohersthat
theywereforeheadtoforehead,nosetonose,andlipstolips.Hekissedheragain,pouringoutallofhis
passionforher,showingherjusthowmuchhelovedher.

Sakurawasbreathless.Darce.HerDarcewaskissingher.Herheartwastremblingwithlove,yetshe

wassoconfused.HowcouldsheloveDarcewhenhewassupposedtobeherbrother?Albeitnotblood
relation.Albeitanadoptedone.Couldthisbewrong?Thiskissing?Thispassionateembrace?

Darcymovedhislipsandgaveherlittlekissesalongthenapeofherneck.Sakuragroanedsoftlyand

sighedbreathlessly.Wasthisit?Thebeginningoflovemaking?Darce.MyDarce.He’dcomebacktoher.
He’dsaidhehadneverhatedher.Never!

Shewasgladandfeltsowonderful.
Darcy knew he made her feel good, and he was pleased. Yes, he’d make her feel even more

wonderfulthanthis—whenthetimewasright.

Finally,hegotcontrolofhimselfagain.God,hethought.Hehadneverlostcontrolofhimselfbefore.

Ever!Butwithher,withSakura,hecouldverywellloseeverything,andhecouldn’thavecaredless.He
wantedherthatmuch.Helovedherthatmuch.

Hemovedhislipstoherearandwhisperedsoftly,“I’mnotsorryIkissedyou,Sakura.”
The warmth of his breath against her skin caused a rush of beautiful sensation through her, and her

bodywentweakinresponse.

Hecontinued.“Justsoyouknow,thatwasn’tabrotherlykisseitherbecauseInever,everthinkofyou

asmysister.”Heslowlymovedback,hismauve-grayeyes—darkandfullofpassion—onher.Thenhe
stoodup.“Come,”hesaid,pullingherintohisarms.“Weshouldstartheadingback.”

Sakura found herself clinging to him because she wasn’t sure if she’d be able to stand up properly

afterthekiss.Shetookadeepbreathandsaid,hervoicetrembling,“It’sokay.Yougoonahead.Ihaveto
dosomemorephotoshoots.”

Darcysmiledather.ItwasaveryhandsomesmilethatcausedSakura’shearttoflutter.
“ThenI’mstayingwithyou,”hesaid,grabbingforhersatchel.
Ontheothersideofthewoods,Sebastianfeltthedreadfulpainsuffocatinghim.Hefeltasthoughthe

worldhadjustcollapsedaroundhim,leavinghimaloneandtormented.Hefistedhishandsashisheart
continued to bang against his chest, ready to burst out of his being, killing him on the spot. His head
spinningandhisworlddark,heturnedonhisheelandstartedheadingback.

Sakura was trying her best to persuade Darcy to leave, but he wouldn’t budge. Hence they spent

anotherhourtogetherinthewoods,hertakingphotosandhimfollowingheraround.ThenDarcydecided
he’dbethephotographerinsteadandtookthecamerafromher.

“Darce?”Sakurawasshocked.
Hechuckled,holdingthecamerauptohiseyes.“You’remymodel.Nowpose.”
Sakurascowledathim.“I’mnotprettyenoughtobeamodel.”
Hecockedhisheadtooneside.Hewasn’tsurprisedthatsheneverthoughtofherselfbeautiful.No,

shewasabeautyallright—bothontheinsideandout.Andshewasthewomanhewasinlovewith.

Withoutfurtherado,heclickedtheshutterbutton.
“Darce!”sheshrieked.
Helaughedandcontinuedclicking.Click!Click!Click!Click!
Sakura reached out to get her camera, but Darcy only laughed. Then when she wasn’t prepared, he

pulledherintohisarmsandkissedhersodamnpassionatelyandwildlythatSakurahadtoclingontohim
fordearlife.WhatSakuradidn’tknowwasthatDarcywastakingphotosofthemkissing,withthecamera
inhishandextendedoutatagooddistance.

Whenhemovedhisheadback,hestrokedhercheekwithhisthumb,hiseyesglowingwithloveashe

gazedather.Shedidn’tknowit,butSakuraherselfwasgazingathim,hereyeslarge.

Click!Click!Click!Thecameracontinuedtorecord.
Thenshelaughed.SakuraneverthoughtshecouldbethishappywithDarce—herdearDarce.Then

suddenlyherhappinesswassnatchedawayfromherassherealizedthiscouldn’tbe.Thiscouldn’tlast.
Thereason?BecauseDarcywasheradoptedbrother.BecauseAlainawashistwin,andshewouldnever
everacceptthis.

Oh,God!Shedidn’twanttohurtherselfanymorethanshe’dalreadybeenhurt.Evenmoreso,she

didn’twanttohurtDarcy.Shenevereverwantedtohurthim.

Sheclearedherthroatandsaid,“Ithinkweshouldbegettingbacknow.”
Hesmiledsadly.“Yes,”hesaid.
Sakura turned and headed toward the road. Darcy watched her go, a sad expression on his face.

Quicklyheopenedthecamera,tookoutthememorystick,andshoveditintothepocketofhisjeans.

“Areyoucoming?”Sheturnedbacktolookathim.
Darcy looked up. “Yeah,” he said and rushed up to her. He took her hand in his and led her back

home.

*****

CHAPTER13

Brothe rs’Conflict

“Shit!Sebastian,youdon’thavetokillmefortheball,”Tristanshoutedinthedistance.

Sebastianwasn’tpayinghisbrotheranyattention,though,asheracedtotheothersideofthecourt,

collidingwithLoganandthenthrustingConradtooneside,causingtheyoungerbrothertofall.Finallyhe
jumpedhighandslammedthebasketballthroughthehoop.

Sakura and Darcy came out into the clearing just then and found almost everyone at the basketball

courtnearthehouse.

“Overhere!”ConradshoutedtoRichard.“I’mopen!”
Sakura was fascinated as Richard threw the ball toward Conrad, but before Conrad could get his

handsonit,Sebastianinterceptedhisbrotherandcaughttheballfirst.Hethendribbleditasheracedto
theothersideofthecourtagainandthrewforcefully.Theballwentintothehoopstraighton.

“Nofair!”Conradshouted.
“Bloodyhell!”Tristanshouted.
“Heplayslikesomeonestolehisgirlfriend,”LogansaidtoTristan.
“Asifhehasone,”Tristanchuckled.
“I heard that!” Sebastian shouted, his face a hard mask. “Quit moaning like an old woman just

becauseyou’relosing.”

Logan ignored Sebastian and shouted, “Darcy! You’re back. Join our team and beat the crap out of

Sebastian!”

SebastianturnedtoSakuraandDarcyatthatmoment.Hiseyeswereblazingwithbluefire,thoughno

onesawit.Hefistedhishands,hisheartthumpingloudandfast.

RichardrantoSakuraandhuggedhertight.Darcyscowleddarkly.Sodidhisbrothersontheother

sideofthecourt.SebastianwantedtopunchRichardintheface.Thenhedecidedhe’ddothatonthecourt
insteadsincetheyhadagametofinish.

“Richard,you’resuffocatingme,”Sakurasaid.“Andyou’reverysweaty.”
Richardpulledbackandlaughed.“We’relosing.Comeon,let’splay.”
Sakurachuckled.“Me?WhatmakesyouthinkIwanttoplay?”
“BecauseIknowyouwanttoplay,”hesaidteasingly.
Hewasright.Shedidwanttoplay.Shehadn’tplayedbasketballwithhim,Mary,andKatherinefor

ages.ThenshesawMarytalkingtoPeterontheothersideofthecourt,whohadobviouslyplayedhardin
thegamebecausehewassweatingquiteabit.

“Comeon,then,”Richardsaid,pullingheralongtotheotherside.
As she came to Mary, Peter, and the brothers, she noted that both Alaina and Tara were on the

sidelines,sittingelegantlyandwatchingthegame.

Tarasneeredather.Alainafrowned.
Sakuradidn’tgiveacareabouttheirhatefulstares.ShekeptmovingtowardMary.
“Allright.We’vegotanewteammember,”Richardsaidtohisteammates,whowereTristan,Logan,

andConrad.

“Waitaminute,”Sakurasaid.“Ididn’tsayI’djoinin.”
Conradsaid,“We’renevergoingtobeatthem.TheyhaveDarcyaswellasSebastian.That’snofair!”

Tristancockedhisheadtoonesideandsaid,“HowaboutRichard,youswapwithDarcy?”
“Huh?”Richardshookhishead.“No.”
Tristan,however,ignoredhimandshoutedtoDarcy,“Oi,Darcy,wannajoinourteam?”
“Goodwithme!”Sebastianshoutedback,hiseyesdarkonDarcy.
Darcy was very aware that Sebastian had something against him and was only glad they weren’t

goingtobeinthesameteam.Heranovertowheretheotherteamwas.Themomenthegotthere,hesaid,
“Hey,”toSakuraandgaveherahandsomesmile.

“Hi,”shereplied,givinghimalovelysmileinreturnasifshewereverygladindeedtoseehim.
Thebrothersnoticedandwereinstantlysuspicious.
“Didyouseethat?”LoganaskedTristanquietly.
Tristannodded.“They’refriendly,”hesaidinawe.
ConradfrownedatDarcyandinstinctivelymovedclosertoSakura,asiftoshieldherfromDarcy.
“Ihavetoworkharder,”Tristansaidtohimself.
Logan chuckled at Tristan’s statement. “Seems so,” he said, then turned to Richard. “That means

you’re now on Sebastian’s team, Richy boy.” He slapped Richard’s shoulder and nudged him to start
headingthatway.

“Igotit,”Richardreluctantlysaidandranovertotheotherside.
LoganturnedhisattentiontoSakura.“Ready?”
“I’mnotplaying,”Sakurasaid,movingbackastep.“Gofindsomeoneelse.WhataboutMary?”
Marylaughedfrombehind.“I’dloveto,butmyweddingisinfivedays,mydearfriend,andPeter

won’ttolerateanyaccidents.”

“You’reexpectinganaccidentonthecourt?”Sakuraasked.
“Fromthelooksofthings,”Marysaid.
“Sebastianisreadytokilleveryone,”Tristansaid.“Evenhisteammembers.”
“He’dbetternottouchPeter,”Marysaid,“orhe’llhavemetoanswerto.”
“Oi!”Sebastiancalledout,frowningdarklyfromtheotherside.“Areweplayingornot?”
“Yeah!”Tristanshoutedback.
Sakuranotedthatallofthemenontheotherteam—Nicolas,Sebastian,Hayden,Richard,andPeter—

weretakingofftheirshirts.Holyshit!Sheblinkedandtriedtobreatheasnormallyasshecould.

She noted that Tara and Alaina were giggling on the other side of the court. They were obviously

enjoyingtheview.

“Allright,let’sgo,”Tristansaid,takingoffhisshirttoo.
SakurawonderedwhatwasgoingonwhenDarcyandLogantookofftheirshirtsaswell.
Conradsaid,“Showoff!”Andhe,too,disrobed.
Tristanturnedtoher.“Andyou.”
Sakuraglaredathim.“Notme,andI’mnotplaying.”
“Oh,comeon.”Marychuckled.“Rememberhowweusedtoplaybackatthefarm?Youalwaysbeat

usdespiteyoursmallframe.”

Tristan laughed. “Is that so? Now don’t disappoint me, Sakura. Come help me beat the crap out of

them.”

Sakuramumbledunderherbreath.“Fine.Ifwewin,youoweme.Bothofyou.”
Marylaughed.“Notme,justTristan.I’mvotingforSebastianandhisteamsincePeter’sthere.”
Sakurasighed.
“Oi!”Sebastianshoutedimpatiently.
“Coming,”TristanyelledbackandpulledSakuraalongwithhimontothecourt.

Sebastian,Nicolas,andHaydenstaredinshockedsurprisetoseeSakurawiththem.
“Whatthehell?”Sebastiangrowled.
“Sakuraisourteammember,”Tristanannounced.
“Shecan’tplay,”Sebastiansaidcoldly.“Sakura,gobacktothesideline.Tristan,findsomeoneelse

oryouforfeit.”

Tristanlaughed.“Forfeit!Nowayinhell.”
Darcy, who now stood beside Sakura, asked, “Why can’t she play?” His eyes were intense on his

brother.Theirstancesindicatedtheywerereadyforafight.

“Sakuraknowshowtoplay,”Richardputin.“She’sverygoodatit.”
SebastianglaredatDarcy,andhehadtheurgetopunchhisbrotherintheface.Thatsneakybastard,

hethought.Justbecausehe’dkissedherdidn’tmeantheywereacoupleandthathehadtodefendher.

Sakurawasn’thappywiththewaySebastianwastalkingtoher.Toshowhimthatshewasn’tgoingto

backout,shestoodhergroundandsaid,“I’mplaying.”

Sebastian gritted his teeth and stared at her long and hard. Darcy, feeling protective over Sakura,

claspedhishandoverhers.Sebastiannoticedandnearlyexploded.

“Let’sstart!”hesnapped.
Forthefirsthalfofthegame,SebastianandDarcywereateachother’sthroats.Theywereneckto

neck, intercepting and stealing the ball from one another and throwing it into the hoop. It was like they
were at war playing basketball. It was like they were the only two people on court, and everyone else
werejustbystanders.

Nicolas shook his head and knew those two had a score to settle, though he had no idea what the

reasonwas.ThenwhenhenoticedbothbrothersconstantlykeptcheckinguponSakuratoseewhethershe
wasallright,heknew.

Whenhalftimewasover,theteamswereeven.Sebastianrefusedtoloseandtoldhisteammembers

tostepup.NicolaschuckledandwonderedifitwasreallythegameSebastianwantedtowinorSakura.

ItwasthesecondhalfofthegamethatTristan’steamstartedlosingbecauseSebastianwasevenmore

aggressive,anditseemedtherestofhisteammatesdecidedtojoinintheaggression.

SakurawonderedhowtheyweregoingtowinwithSebastian,Hayden,Nicolas,Richard,andPeter

beingsuchgoodplayers.Nottomentiontheywereverytall.Theykeptstealingtheballfromher.

“Look at him go,” Tristan said behind Sakura as they watched Sebastian expertly throwing the ball

intothehooponceagain.

“That’sit!”shesaid,walkingbacktoMary.
Ontheotherside,TaraandAlainalaughed.
“Howstupid.Agirlplayingbasketballwithmen,”Alainasaid.
“Servesherright,”Tarasaid.
Sebastianwatchedherheadingbacktothesideline,glad.Hewasgladshewasn’tplayinganymore.

Glad that she wasn’t there to torment his mind and his heart. Yes, now his heart could slow down its
beating,evenjustforabit.

Ontheotherside,SakuraaskedMary,“CanIborrowyourhairtie?”
Marylaughed.“Sure.”ShepulledherhairtieandgaveittoSakura.
SakurapulledhershirtoffasMarylaughed.“You’regettingserious.”
“We’relosing,”Sakurasaid.“AndI’mnotlosingtothelikesofthatman.”
“Whichman?”Maryasked.
Sakura didn’t answer. She was now only wearing her white tank top and super skinny jeans. She

breathedasighofreliefbecauseherbodywascoveredwithsweat.Shepulledherhairbackandformed

it into a loose bun at the top of her head. She didn’t know she looked rather fetching with her skin
glisteningwithsweat,hercheeksblushedaperfectpinkcolor,herlipsdarkred,andhereyesbrightwith
determination.

Mary hid a smile. Gosh, Richard was going to have a hard time concentrating again, like always

whenthey’dplayedbasketball.

Marywasn’twrong.RichardswallowedhardthemomentSakurareturnedtocourt.Conradblinked

andthencouldn’tstopstaring.TristanandLoganchuckledandeyedeachother.Theysuddenlyrealized
therewasapossibilitytheycouldwinthegame.

Sebastianwasn’tpleased,andhisscowldarkened.Haydenwhistled.Petergrinned.Nicolastookhis

glassesoffthebridgeofhisnose,gavethelensesagoodrub,andputthembackonagain.

Darcyfelthisstomachflip.Suddenly,hewantedtopullherintohisarmsandkissheragainuntilthey

werebothbreathless.

Sakurastoodinthemiddleofthecourt,herhandsonherhips.“Areweplaying?”sheaskednoonein

particular.

Sebastianwantedtoliftheroverhisshoulderandtakeheraway—where,hedidn’tknow.Justaway

fromhere,andhewantedtokissthehelloutofherbecauseatthemomentshewastauntinghimwithher
exquisitebeauty.ThentheimageofherkissingDarcybackinwoodsflashedinhismind,andhesawred.
Hegrittedhisteethandgrowled,“Let’sgo!”

Thegamecontinued,andSakurasomehowfoundthatthemenweren’tastoughasshethoughtthey’d

been.EvenNicolaswastoningdownhisaggression.ButnotSebastian.Hewasstillashostileasever.

Conradthrewtheballather.Sakuracaughtit.Sebastianmaterializedbeforeherasifoutofnowhere.

Sheknewhewasgoingtotaketheballfromher.Notthistime,though.Shetwistedandjumped.Sebastian
wrapped his arms around her waist and got his legs twisted against her. The ball fell from her hands.
Sebastiantightenedhisarmsaroundher,andtheybothfelldown,rollingtogetheracrossthecourt.

Theycametostopontheotherside,Sebastianontopofher.
Sakura could feel his manly strength above her. She could feel his naked skin, warm and sweaty,

againstherpalms.Sheflutteredhereyesopentoseehisfaceclosetohers,hiseyeswatchingherintently.

“Areyouallright?”Nicolasaskedfromabove,hisvoiceloudwithconcern.
“Getoffher,Sebastian,”Conradsaid,pullingSebastianback.
Sebastian sat back and watched her. Sakura tried to sit up, but pain shot through her ankle. She

gasped.

“Yousprainedyourankle?”Tristanasked.
Darcyrushedoverandcametosupportherfrombehind.“Youokay?”heaskedwithconcern.
“I’mallright,”sherepliedbrokenly,givinghimareassuringsmile.
“Bloodyhell!”Sebastiangrunted,andwithoutfurtherado,hescoopedherinhisarms.Beforeanyone

couldsayanything,hecarriedherbacktothehouse.

“Gameover,then?”Logansaidtonoone.
“Gameover,”Tristansaid.“Welost.”
“Shit!”Loganswore.
DarcywatchedSebastiango,hiseyesdark.
Ontheothersideofthecourt,Taragrittedherteethandwantedtoscream.“Bitch!”shehissedunder

herbreath.

Sebastiancameintothedrawingroomandputherdownontheseatneartheemptyhearth.
Sakurasighed.“I’mfine.Noneedtofuss.”
Sebastianignoredher.

“I’llfindanicepack.”Haydenvolunteered.
Conradcametositbesideherandputhisarmsaroundhershoulders.
Sakurachuckled.Shethoughthelookedrathercutesoworriedabouther.“I’mfine,”shesaid.“It’s

notserious.”

Amomentlater,Haydenreturnedwiththeicepack.Hehandedittoher,butSebastiantookitinstead.

He gently placed it about her ankle, his hand brushing against her skin. Sakura bit her lower lip after
gaspingout,notfrompain,butfromtheuncontrollablesensationthatrushedthroughhereverynerve.

Conradnoticedherhidinghergasp.“Isitpainful?”heasked.
“Begentlewithher,Sebastian,”Tristansaid.“Look,howaboutIdoit.”
Sebastianshovedhimoffbysaying,“I’mnothurtingher.”
“I’llbeallright,seriously,”Sakurasaid,lookingup.Suddenlyshehadtheurgetolaugh.Ohmygosh!

Eightshirtlessmenweresurroundingher.Thiswasofcourseridiculous.Sheshookherheadandleaned
backagainstthesofa.

Tobychosethatmomenttojogintotheroom.Hebarkedagreeting.Conradpickedhimupandlaid

himonSakura’slap.

“Hey,”shesaid.“Didyoumissme?”
Toby barked again and rubbed his head against her chest, his tongue licking her collarbone. She

giggled.“Stopthat.Ittickles,”shesaid.

Sebastianincreasedthepressureonherankle.Shegrittedherteethatthepain.
“Itshouldgoawaybytomorrow,”hesaid.
JamesandBrendacameinatthatmoment.
“GoodLord,what’sgoingonhere?”Brendaasked,takinginhersons—allshirtless.Thenshespotted

Sakuraonthesofa,withanicepackatherankle.

Conradexplained.“Sebastianknockedherover.”
Jameshidasmile.
“Whyareyoubeingsoaggressive,Sebastian?”Brendaasked.“It’sunlikeyou.”
“Hisgirlfrienddumpedhim.”Tristanvolunteered.
Sebastiangrittedhisteeth.“Idon’thaveagirlfriend.”
“Well,yousuredidactlikeyoujustgotdumped.”Loganteased.
BrendacametotheothersideofSakuraanddidagoodfuss.“Idohopeit’llhealbySaturday.We

can’thaveyoulimpingonMary’sweddingday.”

“I’llbefine,Mom,”Sakurasaid.
Thebrothersalllookedather,silent,asifthepresidenthadjustannouncedtothemthatWorldWarIII

hadjustbegun.NoneofthemlikedthesoundofSakuracallingtheirmotherMom.

Brendanoticedthedeadsilenceandclearedherthroatuncomfortably.
Jamessaidtotheroomatlarge,“Shouldn’tyouboysgoandshower?Dinnerisinhalfanhour.
Nicolas nodded and headed out the door. He was followed by a string of his brothers, Hayden,

Tristan,andLogan.

Darcyhesitated.Sakuracaughthiseyesandgavehimanotherreassuringsmile.Hesmiledbackand

thenlefttheroomaswell.

Richardsaid,“Itwasmyfault.IpersuadedSakuratoplay.Nowlookatwhathappened.”
“It’sallright,Richard,”Sakurasaid.“Go.”
Richardobeyedandlefttheroom.
“Youbecarefulwithyourleg,okay?”Conradsaid.Whenshenodded,hegotupandlefttheroomas

well.

Sebastianmovedhersoherlegsrestedalongthelengthofthesofa.Thenhearrangedtheicepackon

herproperly.

“Thanks,”shesaid,avoidinglookingathimdirectly.
Sebastiandidn’treply.Hestoodupandlefttheroom.

*****

CHAPTER14

NicolasPrince ton,Prince ofGuardian

Sakurastayedinherroomformostofthenextday,workingonheroldphotoswhileeveryonewasbusy
preparingforMary’swedding.ThatnightMr.Mayor,hiswife,andLaurencametojointhemfordinner,
andSakuraexcusedherselfthatheranklestillpainedherandhadhermealinherroom.Shewassurethey
werehavingagoodtimeandwouldn’tmissher.

Itwaslaterthatsherememberedaboutthephotosshe’dtakenyesterdayafternooninthewoods.She

reachedforhercameraandclickeditopentogetthememorystick.

“Huh?” She brought the camera up to her eyes and looked closely. “Fudge?” she swore under her

breath,realizingthememorystickhaddisappeared.“That’stwicethismonth,”shemuttered.Andshestill
hadn’t found the one Toby had taken from her yet. When and where could she have dropped this latest
one?Shesighedanddecidedshe’dsearchforittomorrow.Shewassureitwasprobablystillsomewhere
onthepathwayleadingtothehousefromthewoods.

Once she’d finished with the old photos and put them up for sale on her website, she left Toby

sleeping in his basket and went to shower. Fifteen minutes later, in her pajamas, she headed out to the
librarytofindagoodbooktoread.Shewasprettysurenoonewouldbeaboutthislateatnight.

She took her time finding the right book, browsing along the shelves. She supposed she was pretty

luckyPrincetonMansionhadsuchagoodselectionofbooks.Itwasalmostlikethepubliclibraryintown.

ShefoundabookaboutthehistoryofSt.JosephIslandandthoughtthatwasgoodenough.Shelimped

tothesofanearthehearthandsatdown.Shereachedfortheremoteandturnedontheelectricfireplace.
Shethoughtsheneededthatextrabittomakeherselffeelcozy.Thensheturnedtothebookandopenedthe
pages.

Halfanhourlater,shewasfeelingdrowsyanddecidedtolieback.Twosecondslater,shewasfast

asleep. When she woke up again, she felt someone was watching her. She blinked and then smiled.
“DaddyJames?”

Thepersoncamecloser.“No.Unfortunately,I’mnot.”
“Nicolas?”Shesatupandtouchedherhead,feelingdrowsy.“Whattimeisit?”
“Threeinthemorning,”hereplied.“Icouldn’tsleep.”
“Oh,itlookslikeI’mtheopposite,sleepinganywhere.”
Hegrinned.“Wantsomehelpgettingback?”
Sakurashookherhead.“Youcanreadthisifyouwant.It’sreallygood.”Sheexaggeratedthereally

goodpart.

“Really?”Heraisedhisbrows.
Sakura couldn’t help but smile up at him because he looked so much like James. “Yeah,” she said.

“Really,reallygood.Notexaggerating.”

Helaughed.“No.You’relying.Otherwiseyouwouldn’thavefallenasleepthateasily.”
Shestoodupandthrewthebookontothesofa.“Oh,yes.It’sreallygood.”Shegrinned,staringupat

his great height. “At putting me to sleep. I’ll place it number three on the list of books that put me to
sleep.”

Hecockedhisheadtooneside.“What’snumberoneandtwo?”
“Shakespeareisnumberone.Icouldn’tunderstandadamnthinginhighschool.Everytimeweread

Hamletforhomework,Ikeptfallingasleep.Butcometothinkofit,Ihadthebestsleepeverthatweek.
NooffenseifyoulikeShakespeare.ThankGodMaryandKatherineweretheretohelp.”

“Whoa,Ihadnoidea.”
“Ofcourseyoudidn’t,”shesaid.“Youknowit’sodd,butIcanstillrememberHamlet’sspeech.”
“Yeah?” Nicolas asked, couldn’t help that he couldn’t stop himself from looking at her. Her eyes

werebrightandhersmilewascontagious.Hefelthisheartwarmed.“Reciteitforme.”

Sheblinked.“Areyousure?Itmightputyoutosleeplikeitdidme.”
Hechuckled.“Thenallthebetter.”
“Okay,”shesaid.“Heregoes.”
Nicolasnodded.
Sakuraclearedherthroatandbegantorecitethepassage.
“Tobe,ornottobe…”
Nicolaswatchedherclosely.Hereyeswerebrightandhercheekswereflushed.Shehadafaraway

lookonherfacethatdidsomethingoddinhisheart.Shelookedasthoughshewerethinkingofsomething.
Shelookedhurt,andbyinstinct,Nicolaswantedtoprotecther.

Sakurastopped.Nicolasnotedthathereyeswerebrewingwithtears.Hedidn’tdaresayathing.She

wasinherownworld.

“Ilied,”shesaidsuddenly.Shelookedupathim.Hisheartmissedabeat.AndNicolas’sheartnever

missedabeat.“IloveShakespeare.He’swonderful.Ilovehiswork.There’ssomuchmeaning,likethe
oneI’vejustrecited.Whatisthemeaningofliving?Whylivewhenthereissomuchsuffering?Somuch
pain?Sometimesit’sunbearable.Perhapsifyoudie,thenit’sprobablybetter.Youwouldn’tfeelthepain
anymore, at least. But then the uncertainty of death itself is very scary and probably worse than living,
don’tyouthink?”

Nicolascouldn’thelphimself.Hepulledherintohisarmsandhuggedhertight.
“Stopit,”hesaidsoftlyintoherhair.“Lifeisfulloffunandwonderfulthings.Whathappenedtoyou

whenyouwereyoungerisbeyondrepair,butyouchooseyourownpath.Yes,youdidn’tknowwhoyour
real mother was. Yes, there were problems with us, but you make yourself happy, Sakura. You choose,
andIpromiseI’lldomybesttomakeyouhappy,too.”

Sakura chuckled. “You, Nicolas? You are ever so much like Daddy James.” She glanced down,

embarrassed.“Sorry.I’msousedtocallinghimthat.Iknowyouandyourbrothersdon’tlikeit.”

Nicolasdidn’tdenythat.“Yes,wehateit.”
Sakurafrowned.“Heislikearealfathertomethough.”
“Iknow,”hesaid.
“Youknow,insidemeI’mstillhopingyouandyourbrotherswillstillacceptmeasyoursister,”she

saidsoftly.Instantly,shethoughtaboutSebastianandDarcyandtheirkisses.They’dneverthoughtofher
astheirsister—ever.Andtheyhadkissedher—sopassionatelythatherinsidescriedwithpleasure.Yet
sheknewandfeltthatthosekisseswereforbidden,anditpainedherthatsheshouldsoenjoythem.

Nicolassighed.“No.Idon’tthinkthatwillevercometobe,Sakura.”
Shelookeddisappointed.“Evenyou?”sheasked,gazingupathim.
Nicolasgrittedhisteeth.Howcouldhetellherthatheandhisbrotherswantedherallright,butnotas

theirsister—asawoman?

“Isee,”shemurmuredunderherbreath.“Well,ifyoudowanttoreadthatbook,itisgoodatputting

youtosleep.”Shelookedupandgavehimasmile.“Goodnight,Nicolas.”

Shemovedtohisleftandthenlimpedtothedoor.Nicolasstaredunseeinglyatthebook.Amoment

later,heturnedandmarchedoutthedoorafterher.

SakuragaspedasNicolasscoopedherupinhisarms.Shedidn’tknowwhattosayandstaredathim

inshock.

“You’reinjured,”hesaidandheadedupthestairs.
“Youknowyoudon’thavetobenicetomejustbecauseyou’vehurtmyfeelings.”Shepausedand

frowned. “What I mean to say is you didn’t hurt my feelings at all. I’m used to being rejected by you
brothers.Soyoucanputmedown,andI’llwalktomyroommyself.”

“Whydon’tyoujustbequiet?”Hesuggested.“Oryou’llwakeeveryoneup.”
“You’re being like Daddy James,” she said and noticed that he frowned. Oops! She shouldn’t have

saidthat.

TheycameuptothesecondfloorandmetSebastian,whowascomingoutofhisroom.Hestiffened

andhiswholebodywentrigid.

Nicolas said, “She was in the library. Stupid girl.” He headed straight to Sebastian and

unceremoniouslydumpedSakuraonhisbrother.“Takeher.Ineedthatbook.”Thenheheadedbackdown.

Sakurabitherlipandwiggledherbody.Sebastiantightenedhisgriponher.
“Youcanputmedownnow.Icanwalk,”shesaidcoldly.
Heansweredherbyignoringherandheadedtoherroom.Onceinside,hekickedthedoorshutand

thenputherintoherbed.Shequicklysnuggledherselfinbetweenthesheetsbeforehediditforher.He
stood there, looking down at her from his great height, not saying a word. Suddenly, he moved himself
towardher,andSakuragaspedinfright.

Shestilldidn’trelaxashetuckedherinandpuffedupthepillowsforher.Ashewasdoingthat,he

lookedatherwhileshewasstaringupathim.Thensherememberedsomething.Theimagesflashedinher
mind. That night after she’d drowned in the pool, Sebastian was in her room, wasn’t he? He was
comfortingher,wasn’the?AndDarcyaswell?Yes,sheremembereditnow.

Sakura shut her eyes tight, trying to make the images go away, but they wouldn’t, and in fact, they

cameevenstronger.

Shefeltwarmbreathonherskinandflashedhereyesopen.Sebastian’sfacewasmereinchesfrom

hers,hisnosenearlytouchinghers.

“Whatareyouafraidof?”heasked.
“Nothing,”shesaid,breathlessallofasudden.“Goodnight.”Sheturnedaway,herheartpoundingin

herchest.

Sebastianmovedbackandwatchedherrolloversoherbackwastohim.Reluctantly,heturnedon

hisheelandheadedoutthedoor,switchingoffthelightashedidso.

Whenhecameout,hesawDarcyinthecorridorwatchinghim,hisfaceadarkmask.“Whatwereyou

doinginherroom?”

“Shewasstupidenoughtogotothelibraryandcouldn’tgetbacktoherroomherself,”washisreply,

andthenhewentintohisownroom.

Darcyfrownedandwentbackintohisroomtoo,hishearthammeringinhischest.

*****

CHAPTER15

APassionate Kiss

SakuraspentthenextdaywithNedathiscottage,painting.She’dbeenluckysinceeveryonehadleftthe
house early to meet up with Mary and Peter’s parents, who were arriving early that morning. Then of
coursethey’dgotothePrincetonHotelandResortontheothersideoftheisland,finalizingeverydetails
fortheweddingreceptionthatwouldsoontakeplaceinthecomingweek.

“Youcouldneverstayput,couldyou?”Nedasked,watchingherfromhissideoftheroom.
“No,Ican’t,”shereplied,cockingherheadtoonesideassheeyedhercanvascritically.“Andstop

lecturingme.BenicesinceI’vebroughtyoucarrotcake.”

“Didyoumakeit?”
“Ofcoursenot.”Shechuckled.“Yourdearsisterdid.Shetoldmetotellyoutostoptellingeveryone

thatshe’sneglectingyou.”

“She’s a good girl,” Ned said, referring to Beth. Then he changed the subject. “I’m going to make

lunch.Whatdoyouwantinyoursandwich?”

“Ham,”shesaid,doingalittledotofpinktomakethecherryfloweronthecanvas.
“Okay,bebackinaminute,”Nedsaidandthendisappearedoutthedoor.
They had lunch in quietness and afterward continued with their paintings. It was late by the time

Sakuradecidedshehadenoughandheadedbacktothehouse.

“I’mdrivingyouthere,”Nedsaidinanononsensetoneandmadehergetinthecar.
Sakurashookherhead.Justbecauseshehadsprainedherankledidn’tmeanshecouldn’twalk.Ned

wasbeingaworrywart,asalways.Butbecauseshedidn’twanttoarguewithhimsincesheknewit’dbe
tonoavail,sheobligedanddidwhathetoldhertodo.

Oncetheygottothemansionsometenminuteslater,Sakuracursedloudly.
Nedchuckled.“IthoughtItaughtyoubetterthanthat,”hesaid.“Nexttimeuseabetterswearword.”
“Aye, aye, captain,” Sakura said, eyeing Sebastian getting out of his Mercedes-Benz. He was of

coursefollowedbyConrad,Hayden,andNicolas.Tristan,Logan,andDarcycameoutoftheothercar.
Shewonderedwhyshehadtoarrivehomeatthesametimetheydid.

ThebrothersstoodwatchingherassheandNedgotoutofthecar.
SakuraturnedtoNedandsaid,“Whydon’tyoucomeandsaythankyoutoyoursisterforthecake?”
Nedchuckled.“Scaredycat.”
Sakurabitherlipandmuttered,“I’mnotascaredycat.”
Ofcourse,hegladlycametohersideandescortedhertowardthehouse.
“NedFabre?”Nicolasasked.
Nedchuckled.“MasterNicolas,howareyou?AndMasterTristan,Logan,Sebastian,Hayden,Darcy,

Conrad?”

Thebrothersnoddedathim,surprisedhestillrememberedthemeventhoughtheyhadonlymetonce

ortwiceinthelastcoupleofyears.

“WhyisSakurawithyou?”Conradasked.
“She’smystudent.Suchaslowlearner,sheis.”
Sakurafoldedherarmsacrossherchest.“Excuseme,butIamnotaslowlearner.”
“Whatareyouteachingher?”Haydenasked.

“Painting.Shelovestopaintthesakuratree,”Nedsaid.
“Sakuratree?”Loganasked.“That’shername.”
“Cherrytree,”Sebastiansaid,andthebrothersnoddedinunderstanding.
Sakurasaid,“Neddear?”
“Yes,Sakuradear?”Nedturnedtoher.
“Beth?Cake?Thankyou?”Shegavehimafakesmile.
“Ah,ofcourse.”Heturnedtothebrothersandsaid,“Mustthankmydearsisterforthecakeshegave

me.”Withthat,henoddedatthebrothersandheadedintothehouse.Sakuraquicklyfollowedhim,still
limpingalittle.Thebrothersheadedintothehouseaswell.

Aftersayinggood-byetoNed,SakuraliedtoBeththatshewashungryandthushadherdinnerinthe

kitchenbeforeeveryoneelse.

“Tell Mom Brenda and Daddy James I’ve already had mine,” she said, heading out the door. “I’m

goingstraighttobednow.”

“Butit’sonlysixo’clock,”Bethargued.
“Yes,Iknow,butI’mtired,”shesaid,hidingasmile.“Goodnight,Beth.”
“Isweartoyou,Sakura,you’reveryoddthesedays.Eatingandsleepingattheoddesthours,”Beth

mumbledtoherself.

Sakurarushedtoherroom,tryingveryhardtohideheramusement.AfterbrowsingtheInternetand

doingabitofresearchonapartmentsinNewYork,shedidfeelrathertiredandwenttoliedownonher
bed.ShepattedTobyassheclosedhereyes,slowlyfallingasleep.

When she woke up next, it was past midnight. The house was so quiet she could hear her own

heartbeatinherears.Nolongertired,shefeltratherrestlessandwonderedwhatsheshoulddo.Thenshe
thought of something. She’d go down and practice her floating. Then the thought of Sebastian and Tara
flashedintohermind.Shecursedunderherbreath.

Stopthinkingabouthim,Sakura.You’vegottostop.He’sastupidmananyway.
She couldn’t find her swimsuit anywhere and cursed fluently this time as Ned had taught her to.

Fifteen minutes later, she gave up and headed out the door anyway. She came down to the indoor pool
area and found it was very quiet. The whole place, however, wasn’t at all dark, and she decided she
wouldn’tswitchonthelight.

Decisionmade,sheheadedstraighttothepool,tookoffherclothesandleftonlyherbraandpanties

on.Slowly,sheloweredherselfintothewater.Itwaswarm.Shesighedinrelief.Whensherealizedshe
didn’tdrown,shegiggled.Yes!Shewasfloating.

Happily,shefloatedherwayaroundthepool.Nowandagain,she’dopenhereyesandstareupatthe

highceiling.Shemarveledatthebeautifulprismofwhiteandbluethewatermadeonthewall.Onthe
other side, the moon was bright and high above, shinning in through the skylight. It was beautiful. She
couldn’tbelieveshe’dneverdonethisbefore.

She was back at the edge of the pool now, her eyes closed as she was floating there, not thinking

aboutanythingatall.Thatwaswhensheheardfootstepscomingin.Sheflashedhereyesopenandheld
herbreath.

Thefootstepswerequiteheavy.Coulditbeoneofthebrothers?What?Atthistimeofnight?
The footsteps were getting closer. Then she heard the person climbing up the ladder. Darcy? She

lookedupatthefigureatthetopofthehighdivingplatformbutonlysawadarkshadow.Thensheheard
theboardsqueakingandthenshesawthefigureofamanjumpingoffandthen—

Splash!
Sakura searched around as the person disappeared underwater. Perhaps she should take the chance

andrunoff.Afterall,itwasn’tlikewhoeveritwasknewshewashereanyway.

Noddingatthatdecision,shewasabouttoturnbutfeltsomebodyinthewaterinfrontofher.Thenan

enormousbodypoppedup,hismassivechestpressingagainsthersoshewasimprisonedagainstthewall
ofthepool.

Sakuragasped,andherheartthumpedhardinherchestasshestaredatthehugesilhouettebeforeher.

Thestrongfacewasaboveher,waterdripping,caressingit.

“Darcy?”shewhisperedsoftly.
Thebodystiffened.Sakurawatchedinaweatthemusculararmsthatcameupandtrappedheronboth

sides.Shelickedherlipsinnervousness.

“No,notDarcy,”camethedeep,timbrevoice.
Sakurafeltherstomachflip.ItwasSebastian.
“Youwerehopingitwashim?”
Sheblinked.“Ithought—”
“Well,that’stoobadforyou.Iknowhowyouwantedittobehim.”Sebastiancockedhisheadtoone

side.“Andherethegirlwhosaidshe’dnevercommitincestisdoingtheverything.”

Sakurabitherlip,confused.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”Sheshovedathisrightarminanattempt

tomakehimmoveawayfromher.Hewouldn’tbudge,however,andevenchuckledasifinamusement.

“Sebastian,”shebeganagain,lickingherlips,herheartpoundingasshestaredupatthedarkformof

hisface.“I’mgoingnow.”

“ButIthoughtyouwereherepracticingyourswimming.”
“I’mdonepracticing.”
“HowmuchhasDarcytaughtyou,Sakura,apartfromkissingyou,thatis?”heaskedsarcastically.
Sakuragaspedinoutrage.“What?”
“Twice,Ithink,”hecontinued.
“Sebastian,canyoujuststopit?”shesnapped,hervoicequivering,herwholebodysquirmingunder

histouches.

“Stopwhat?”heaskedeasily,thoughhisvoicewascoldandhard.
Shestaredathischest.“Idon’tknow.”
Hepulledherclosertohim,hisstrongarmstightatthesmallofherback.Sakurawassqueezedup

againsthismassiveform,andshecouldn’tstrugglefree.

“Whatareyoudoing?”sheasked,panicinhervoice.
“Teachingyouhowtoswim,whichDarcyhasneglectedtodo,”hesaid,pullingheralongwithhim.

Heswamonhisback,drawingherontopofhim.“PretendI’mafloatingboard.Nowkickyourfeet.”

Hisarmstightenedaboutherwaistsoshewouldn’tslipawayfromhim.Sakuracouldfeelthelength

ofhimagainsther,andtruthbetold,shewasgettingalittlebothered.

“I’mnotinthemoodtolearn,”shesnappedandthenhithischestwithhersmallfist.
Hesimplylaughedatherfutileattempttohurthim.“Goon,”heurged.“Hitharder.”
“You’recrazy,”shesaid.
“IsupposeIam,”herepliedeasily.“AboutyouandDarcyandthosekisses.”
Sakurastruggledinhisarmsagainashekepttakingherforaridearoundthepool,hisholdtightabout

her.

“Doyoulikehimkissingyou?”
Sakura was very upset now. He had no right to ask her such a question. In fact, he had no right to

interferewithherlifeatall.

“SowhatifIdo?”sheaskedsarcastically,intendingtohurthimwithherwords.“Nowstoppestering

me.”Sheshovedhimfromherandhastilyturned.Shedidherbestpaddlingbacktowardtheedgeofthe
pool.

Sebastianwatchedhergoforonlyaninstant,andtheninasplitsecond,hecaughtherbythewaistand

pulledherbacktohimagain.Hetwistedheraround,smashedheragainsthim,broughthishandtoholdthe
backofherhead,andslammedhislipsdownonhers.

Sakurawasn’tpreparedforhisbrutalkissasheassaultedherlips.Hewassowildthathescaredher.

Suddenlyhepulledback,frowningdownather,noticingshewasrigidandshakinglikealeafwithinhis
embrace.

Hesighedandclosedhiseyes.No,hethought,heshouldn’thavebeendoingthistoher.Helovedher,

sowhywashehurtingher?

Whenheopenedhiseyesagain,heknewhehadtowinherover.Sohekissedheragain.Thistime,

though, it was gentle and passionate. He found her lips were soft and warm against his, both his hands
cupping her face. Slowly, his tongue played with her lip, teasing, caressing, stroking, and licking her
alongthelengthofthosemarvelous,sensuouslips.Thenhemadeheropenhermouthforhim,andwhen
she did, he plunged his tongue in, exploring her, tasting her, teasing her, and caressing her with all the
experiencehehad.

Sakurastruggledtogainhermindback.Shewaslostinthiswonderful,delightful,heavenlykissthat

Sebastianwasgivingher.Howcouldshefeelthisway?Withonlyakiss?Butoh,itwassuchakiss.She
wasbreathless;shewasmindless.Herbodymeltedwithinhisembrace.Herheartraced,andsomething
deepandhotburnedwithinherbeing.Shesoftlygroaned.

Shewastotallylostashedeepenedthekiss.Hisfingersdugdeepintoherwethairwhilehehadone

handdownthesmallofherback,pressingheragainsthim.Oh,God! She could feel him growing hard.
Andinsteadofangerorrevolt,shefeltherselfgrowingwarmandexcited.Oh,God!Shedesiredherown
adoptedbrother.Oh,God,no!Shecouldn’t.Thiswaswrong.

Whenshefelthispressureonherlipslessen,sheknewthishadtostopbecauseotherwiseshe’dbe

totally lost. She took the chance and moved back, pretending to be angry. It was better he thought she
didn’tlikehim.Thatwayhewouldn’tpursuethisweirdrelationshipsheknewwaslikelytohappenifshe
didn’tputastoptoit.Thatwayshewouldn’thurthiminthelongrun.Thatwayshewouldn’thurtherself.

“Ifyoueverkissmeagain,SebastianPrinceton,I’mgoingtobiteyou,”shesaid.
Hestaredather,hisfaceamask.Hiseyes,however,spokevolumesbecausetheywereflashingblue

fire.

Sakuramovedback,butbeforeshegotanyfarther,hepulledherbacktohimandkissedheragain,

this time deeper and wilder as he plunged his tongue into her mouth, stroking and lashing his tongue
againsthers.Hishandwasstrongandfirmbehindherhead,holdingherstillashecontinuedtokissher.
Hisotherhandwasonherlowerback,pressingheragainsthim.

Sakuracouldn’tdomuchmorethanrespondtohisdemandingkiss.
“Ngh…Ngh…”shegroaned.Herwholebodyshudderedinpleasureasheexpertlyplayedwithher.

Hismouthandlipswerewarmagainsthersandshefeltweakanddizzy.Whenhelethergo,shegazedat
him,dazedandbreathless.

“Youdidn’tbiteme,”hesaid,adevilishlyhandsomegrinonhisface.
Thoughherheadstillfeltsomewhatlight,themeaningofhiswordsdidn’tmissher.Inretaliation,she

movedherheadtohisshoulder,openedhermouthwide,andbithimhard.

Sebastiangaspedbutdidn’tmoveasshecontinuedtobitehim.Instead,helookedpleased.Therewas

paininhiseyes,buttherewaspleasurealso,asthrillingsensationsrushedthroughhisbeing.Oh, God!
Shewasbeautifulputtingamarkonhimwithherteeth.

Sakura bit his flesh as best she could and then moved back. Once she’d seen her teeth mark on his

skin,shehastilyturnedandpaddledtotheothersidebeforehecaughtheragain.

Sebastianwatchedhergo,climbupoutofthepool,grabherclothing,andliterallyrunfromtheroom

inherunderwear.Hefelthisbloodrunhotwithdesire.Shehadbeenswimminginherunderwear.Holy
shit!Itwassuchaturn-on.

Slowly, he turned his eyes to the bite mark on his chest and smiled. He couldn’t believe it, and

wantedtolaughoutloudwithjoy.Shehadbrandedhimwithherteeth,claiminghimashers.Gently,he
caressedthemarkwithhisfingers,marvelingattheimprintonhisskin.

A few moments later when he was sure she was gone, he got out of the pool and headed back out.

Beforehereachedthedoor,however,theroomfloodedwithbrightlights.HeturnedtoseeDarcyatthe
door.Hewalkedtohisbrother,wonderingifhewasherepracticinghisdivingatthisbloodyhour.But
thenagain,itwasDarcy.Hecouldverywellpracticehisdivingatthreeinthemorningifhewantedto.

Darcydidn’tmissthebitemarksonSebastian’schestandsaid,“Lookslikeyouhadanaccident.”
Sebastianstiffened.“Yeah.Dogbite.”
“Mustbeaveryangrydog,”Darcycommented.
Sebastiandidn’tsayanythingandheadedout.Alone,Darcysighed,hishearthammeringinhischest

uncomfortably.Heknew,ohyes,heknewSebastianhadfalleninlovewithSakuratoo.Heknewthatshe
toofeltsomethingtowardhim.Buttherealizationonlypainedhimevenmore.HowcouldheletSakurago
whenhehadlovedherallhislife?

Shit!Hisheadhurt.Hisheartached.Hiswholebodytrembledwithconfusion.
“SnowwhatamIgoingtodo?He’smybrother,”hewhisperedsoftly.

*****

CHAPTER16

Torme nte dHe art

Sakura woke up late the next morning, feeling extremely tired and pissed. She was tired because she
couldn’t get to sleep until four in the morning and pissed because Sebastian and his stupid kiss kept
playinginhermind.

Oh, God! Darcy. He had seen her running from the pool area, half-naked and dripping wet. He’d

looked so shocked that he didn’t know what to say to her. She’d also noted there was something in the
expressiononhisface,asifhewereindeep,darkpain.She’dwantedtogotohimandexplainbuthad
foundhestiffenedasifhedidn’twanttoknowwhathappened.

Herstomachfluttered.“Darce,”shewhisperedhisnameunderherbreath.Whydidshefeellikehe

wasupsetwithher?Oh,Darce.

Shegroanedloudlyandgotoutofbed,eventhoughallshewantedtodowastoliethere,closeher

eyes, and make everything disappear from her mind by sleeping. But of course she couldn’t do that
becauseshe’dpromisedtogotothePrincetonHotelwithMaryandKatherinetosortoutthedecorations
fortheweddingreception.

Sheshoweredquicklyandgotdressed,wearingapairofsuperskinnyjeansandwhiteblouse.She

Frenchplaitedherhairandletitfalldownherleftshoulder,leavingsometendrilsdancingaboutthesides
ofherface.

Tobybarkedather,wantingtocomealongaswell.
“No,youmaynot,”shesaid.“Youstayputandbeagoodboy,okay?”
Tobysatobedientlyandlickedherhand.“Goodboy.”Shegotup,grabbedherbag,andheadedout,

leavingthedooropensoTobycouldgooutashepleased.

Shecamedowntothekitchenandwasgladnoonewasaround.Itwasprettylateinthemorning,after

all. Lunch was only a few hours away. She made quick work having her breakfast of cereal with some
fruitandmilk.Justasshewasabouttofinish,Marywalkedin.

“Youlookhorrible,”Maryteased.“Ihopedyou’renotgoingtolooklikethatonmyweddingday.”
Sakurachuckled.“Noneedtoworry.Afterall,amakeupartistdoesdomagic.”
“Whathappened?”Maryasked.“Youlooklikeyouhaven’tslept.”
Sakurasighed,gotup,andwashedherdishesinthesink.“Iwasworkingabitlatelastnight.”
“Onyouronlinebusinessagain?”Maryasked.
“Yeah,”Sakuralied.Damn!Shecouldn’tbelieveshewaslyingtoherbestfriend.
“Well,aslongasit’sgoinggreat,”Marysaid.“Areyoureadytoleave?”
“Yeah,I’mdone,”Sakurasaid,grabbingherbag.
Oncetheywereinthecar,Sakurasaid,“Sojustcuriousandall…Where’severyoneelse?”
“Out,”Marysaid.“Atthehotel.”
“Right,”Sakurarepliedandthendroveout.
Some twenty minutes later, they arrived at the Princeton Hotel and Resort. It was a very grand

buildingofninestoriesandhadthebeautifulprivatebeachconservedspecificallyforguestsandagreat
viewoftheoceanbeyond.Theyparkedthecarinthereservedlotandheadedintothemainlobbyviathe
grand entrance. A few minutes later, she came into the main hall on the first floor where the wedding
receptionwastobeheld.SakurawassurprisedtofindthatbothRichardandPeterwerealreadythere,

talkingtotheweddingplannerandthehotelmanager.

“Hi,”Marysaid,kissingherfuturehusbandonthecheek.
“Sweetheart,”Petersaid.“Whatdoyouthink?”
BothSakuraandMarylookedaroundthegreathall.Itwasbeautifullydecoratedwithredandwhite

roses.Thetablecloths,abeigecolor,wereofthefinestquality,andthelightingwasjustperfect.

Foracoupleofhours,theweddingplannerexplainedtothemwhathadbeendone,andthenPeterand

MarytoldthemwhatneededtobechangedasSakurastuckaround,tryingtohelpoutwithideasasbestas
shecould.Whenbylunchtimetheyfinished,SakuraexcusedherselftogoandfindDaddyJames.

Shecameuptohisofficeonthetopfloorofthehotelandgavethedoorherusualthreeknocksbefore

going in. Once inside, to her surprise, she found Sebastian and Nicolas there, and Daddy James was
nowhereinsight.

SakurabitherlipandherheartthunderedwithinherchestthemomenthereyesmetSebastian’s.The

handsome man raised one nice brow at her and gave her that sly grin of his that told her he was very
pleasedtoseeherindeed.Shescowledathimtotellhimthatshewasn’tintheleastbitpleasedtosee
him,however.Nicolas,ontheotherhand,wasoblivioustotheirsilentbickeringandgaveherasmile.

“Sakura,whatareyoudoinghere?”heasked.
“Er,DaddyJames?”
“MeetingwithMr.Marlow,”Nicolassupplied.
“Oh,right.”Sakuraturnedtogo.
“No,wait,comeinhere.”
“What?”
“Dadsaidyou’vebeenhelpingoutabitatthehotel.”
Sakurashruggedhershoulders.“Justhereandthere.Nothingspecial.”
“Dad’saskingmetotakeover.”
Sakuraraisedherbrows.Butthenagain,shewasn’tsurprised.“Isee.”
“Whatdoyouthink?”
“It’sgreat.He’sreadytoretire.Ithinkyoushould,”shesaid.
Nicolaspulledherbythearmandledhertothearmchairnearthewindow.Sebastianwatchedher

intently.Theirkisslastnightwasstillfreshinhismind,andrightnowhefeltthethrillrushingthroughhis
blood.

Sakuracaughthimlookingather.Hegrinnedather,hisblueeyesintenseonherperson,tellingherhe

wouldliketodoitagainrightnowifhecould.Sakuragrittedherteethandglaredathim.

“YouthinkIshould?”Nicolasvoicedloudly,interruptingherangersimmeringnicely.
Shequicklyturnedtosmileathim.“Idefinitelythinkyoushould.Imean,ifyoudon’ttakeover,then

whowill?”

Nicolasrelaxedbackinhisseat.“Thingis,I’mnotsureifI’ddoagoodjob.”
“It’sallfromexperience,isn’tit?Youcan’tquitbeforeyoubegin.Youwon’tknowifyoudon’ttry.”
Nicolaschuckled.“Sincewhendidyoubecomesophilosophical?”
“Oh,I’vealwaysbeenphilosophical.DaddyJamesalwaysasksmeforadvice,notthatI’mverygood

atit.ButIthinkithelpshimseethingsfromadifferentperspective.”Sheturnedtosmileathimthen,her
headcockedtooneside.“Tobe,ornottobe,thatisthequestion,”shesaidsoftly.“Totakeover,ornotto
takeover,thatisthequestion.”

Nicolas felt a thrill of warmth coursing through his being. His silvery-gray eyes lit up, and he

chuckledsoftly.HeturnedtoSebastianthen.“Well,whatdoyouthink,Sebastian?”

“Ialreadytoldyou,”Sebastiansaid.Damn,hethought,thebitemarkonhisshoulderhurt.Heglanced

atSakura,whomethisgazeforasplitsecondbeforeglancingawayagain.Shewasstillpissedwithhim;
hecouldtellbyherstiffposture.Buttruthbetold,hewaspleased.Thatmeanttheirkisseslastnightwere
alsostillonhermindasitwasstillonhis.

“Thereyouare,Sakura,”Jamessaidashewalkedthroughthedoor.“Iwaslookingforyou.”
“Hey,”shegreetedhim.
Jamestookonegoodlookatherandsaid,“Youlookdreadful.Didn’tyousleeplastnight?”
Sakurachuckled,hercheeksburninghotatthereminder.
“Workingonyourphotosagain,areyou?Howmanydidyousellthisweek?”heasked.
“Afew.Myregulardoesn’tseemtobeinterestedforafewweeksnow.Maybehedidn’tlikethelast

one.”

“Maybe you need help with Internet marketing,” James said. “Nicolas has online businesses.” He

turnedtohisson.“MaybeyoucouldhelpSakura.”

“I’dbegladto,”Nicolassaid.“Whatdoyousell?”
“Photos and some of my paintings,” Sakura said. “But that’s okay. I’m going to shut it down soon

anyway.”

“Oh?”Jamesturnedtoher.“Why?It’smakingyougoodmoney,isn’tit?”
Sakuranodded.“Ihaveotherplans.”
“Mindtellingmewhattheyare?”Jamesaskedcuriously.
Sakuracasthereyesdownwardtoavoidhisgaze.Herheartsuddenlyachedinherchest.Shecouldn’t

possibly tell him now, could she? He’d be very upset, and she didn’t want him to be upset, especially
whentheweddingwassocloseandall.

Jamesunderstoodimmediately.Hesighed.“Isee.”Therewasanuncomfortablesilenceintheroom

asthebrotherswonderedwhatwasgoingon.Finally,Jamessaid,“Whydon’twegotolunch?”

Thebrothersagreed.Sakurafollowedthem,hermindfaraway.
Theymetupwiththerestofthebrothers—Tristan,Logan,Hayden,Darcy,andConrad—downatthe

ground-floor restaurant. Conrad rushed over to Sakura the moment he saw her and grabbed her wrist,
leadinghertothebuffetarea.Asshetookaplate,SakurafeltDarcy’sintensegazeonher.Herstomach
flipped,andherheartraced.

He’d not spoken one word to her yet, and he looked as though he were pissed with something, his

faceadark,stonymask.Conradkeptputtingfoodontoherplate,chattingawayanimatedlyasSakurakept
taking peeks at Darcy, who now and again also happened to catch her eyes. Instantly, she’d flicked her
gaze away, embarrassed. She wondered why he was keeping his distance. Her heart jolted within her
chest.Whataboutthatkissinthewoods?Hadthatreallymeantnothingtohim?Shewastotallyconfused
byhisactions.

Afewmomentslater,Mary,Peter,andRichardjoinedthem.Sakurasatdownandhadlunchbeside

Mary,whokeptchattinganimatedlytoPeter.Conradchosetositonherotherside,whoalsokeptona
constantconversation, which Sakuracouldn’t seem totake in as shewas too deepin her own thoughts.
Then she felt someone watching her. She lifted her head and saw Darcy gazing at her from across the
table,hisfaceahardmask,hismauve-grayeyesintenseonherface.Helookedasthoughhewereina
dilemma,inpain.

Darcywasinfactinaverydeep,darkdilemma.Whattodo?Oh,God,justlookingathercausedhis

insidestoache.Howcouldhebackoutofwantingthiswomantobehiswhenhelovedhersomuch?But
then again, his brother Sebastian was also in love with this woman. How could he steal Sakura from
Sebastian?Theywerefamily.Buthelovedthiswoman.Shit!Hishearthurt.

Sebastian, sitting beside Nicolas and Conrad, noticed Darcy and Sakura staring at each other and

frowneddarkly.Theatmospherewasindeedtense.

Atthatmoment,avoicesangouttothem.“My,my.Thewholefamilyhereatthehotel?”
Sakura looked up to see Alaina walking toward them. Behind her were Tara and another woman

Sakurathoughtlookedoddlyfamiliartoher.Astheycamecloser,Sakurafeltasthoughsomeonehadjust
punchedherintheface.ItwasKateAnderson,herex-classmate,thepopularcheerleaderwhohadbullied
herinhighschool.

Mary nearly choked on her orange juice the moment she saw Kate. “Shit!” she swore under her

breath.“Whatthehell!”

“What’swrong?”Peteraskedhisfiancée.
Thebrotherslookedupthenandallswallowedhard,staringatthebrunettebeautythatwasheading

theirway.TheyknewDarcywasindeepshitnow.

“Holycow!”Haydenshoutedout.“It’sKate!”
Darcywentrigidinstantlyandhisimpassivefaceturnedevencolder.Sincehisbackwastothedoor,

hewasgladhedidn’thavetolookathisex-girlfriend.

“Hi,everyone,”Katesaidpleasantlyasshescannedaroundthelongtable.ThenshespottedDarcy

and smiled with delight. The smile, however, didn’t last long as she spotted Sakura opposite her
boyfriend.

Oh,TaraandAlainahadtoldheraboutherex-classmateallright,thatthebitchSakurawastryingto

steal Darcy from her, and that was why Darcy wouldn’t return her calls. Kate wanted to snort with
disgust. There was no way she’d let someone like Sakura Princeton—the fake Princeton—steal her
Darcyawayfromher.Shehadallherplansworkedout.Yes,allsheneededtodowastokickthebitch
outandtakeDarcyback,andshe’ddoanythingtogetherDarcyback,evenifitkilledher.

She cleared her throat and said loudly so that everyone could hear her, “Darcy, darling!” Then she

rushedoverandhuggedhimfrombehind,kissinghischeekinfrontofeveryone.

Sakurafeltasthoughshe’djustdied.Kate?Darcy?Herheadspun,andshefeltsicktoherstomach.

Suddenly,herbodystartedtrembling.

Marynoticedandtookholdofherhandtosupporther.Mary,however,didn’tknowitwasbecauseof

whatKatehadimpliedaboutherrelationshipwithDarcy.Sakurawasn’tafraidofKate,asMarythought.

SakuraglancedupandhereyesmetDarcy’s,intenseandblazing.
“Didyoumissme?”Kateasked,snugglingherfaceagainsthisneck.
TaraandAlainalookedateachother,smiling,pleasedwithhowthingshadgonesofar.
Jamesclearedhisthroat.“I’mafraidwehaven’tmet,”hesaid.
KatechuckledandsaidtoJames,“I’mKate,Darcy’sgirlfriend.”
Sakurasuckedinherbreathandwantedtodierightthereandthen.Whyshehadsuchareactionshe

didn’t know, but God, how that very statement really affected her. So that was why he was keeping his
distance.Shecouldn’tbelieveit!Couldn’tbelievehehadkissedher,yethewasdatingKate.

Darcyscowleddarkly.HewasstillstaringatSakura,hiseyesintense.Please,Sakura,don’tgetthe

wrongidea,hewantedtoshoutout.Buthedidn’t,andKategiggledasshekissedhimonthecheekagain.

Everyonewaswatchingthem,eventhebrothers,waitingforDarcytodosomething.
Suddenly,Darcywaspissed.Whythehelldidshehavetoturnuphereandnowofallplaces?After

all,hehadtoldhertheirrelationshipwasover.

Heshovedhischairback,whichcausedKatetojumpbackinsurprise.Heturnedtolookatherthen,

hisfaceamaskofangerandhiseyesdark.ThelookonhisfacescaredKateshitless,butshemanagedto
composeherselfbecauseshewashereforareason.Shewasn’tgoingtobackoutnow.

Withoutsayinganything,hestalkedoutoftheroom.Katefeltembarrassedforonlyasplitsecondand

then followed him. Tara and Alaina grinned at each other, knowing very well that their plan had gone
ratherwellthusfar.

SebastianturnedhiseyestoSakuraandnotedherhandswereshaking.Hisstomachknottedindread.

Shit!

Sakurachosethatmomenttogetupandexcuseherself,hervoiceshaking.Thensherushedoutand

headedstraighttohercar.Aloneandwithherheartstillthumpinghardwithinherchest,shedroveout.

Oh,God!Shecouldfeelherselfshaking,andherheartwouldn’tslowdownitsfuriousbeatings.She

felttearsrollingdownhercheeks.Whywasshecrying?Why?

SoonshecamenearthePrincetonEstate,andinsteadofdrivinguptothehouse,sheparkedthecaron

thesideoftheroadandranintothewoodsuntilshereachedhercherrytree,theverysametreewhere
Darcyhadkissedher.

Shecollapsedagainstthetreeandcriedherheartout,herbodyshakingandherhearttrembling.She

stayedthere,forhowlongshedidn’tknow,staringupatthebeautifulpinkcloudofcherryblossomsas
tearsrolleddownhercheeks.

Oh,God,shecouldn’tbelieveit.Shewasstillcryingevenatthisage.Shewasturningtwenty-four

soonandhereshewasstillcrying.Cryingforwhat?Thestupidcryingwouldn’tchangeanything,would
it?

Onceshe’dusedupallhertears,shesighed,feelingalotbetter.Shesatup,wonderingwhyshewas

cryingsohard.Darcy.Shethoughtthathe—

She chuckled. How stupid of her. Yes, Sebastian with Tara and Darcy with Kate. They were two

perfectcouples.

She’dknownherwholelifeshewasneverthatlucky,thatshejusthadtomakethebestofwhatshe

had. She chuckled again. Yes, she was stupid after all. There was no hope at all, was there? After the
wedding, everyone would return to their own lives. Had she forgotten that her life and theirs were
completelydifferent?Thatwhateverhappened,noneofthebrotherswouldeverchooseher?Hadn’tshe
seenitalreadywhenAlainaandTarahadtriedtokillherbydrowningherinthepoolwhenthey’dknown
verywellthatshedidn’tknowhowtoswim?Andthebrothers?Theyhadn’tdoneathing.

Sincetheywerelittle,thebrothershadalwayschosenAlainaandTaraoverher.Howstupidofherto

eventhinkthatwouldchange.NowitseemedKatewasapartofthatprivilegedgroupaswell.

Shesatupandsquaredhershoulders.Thatwasit.Shedidn’tcareanymore.Fromnowon,shewas

resolvedtokeepherdistancefromthebrothers.Shenolongerwantedtogethurt.Besides,hadNicolas
nottoldheralreadythatnoneofthemeverwantedherastheirsister?

Beforethisday,she’dlongedtobetheirsister,longedforthemtoloveherandcareabouther.Now,

however,she’dhadenough.Shedidn’tcarethattheydidn’twantherastheirsisteranymore.Afterthis
wedding,shewasgoingherownway,tofindherbiologicalmother,tobeginanew.Yes,andthey’dget
whattheyallwantedforsolong,evenAlainaandTara.Shewouldnolongerbeamemberoftheirfamily.
ShewouldnolongerbeaPrinceton.

Her face now dry of tears, she spread her arms as she stared up at the petals of cherry blossoms

rainingdownonher,landingonherfaceandbody.Shechuckledandwhispered,“Springisnearlyover.”

*****

CHAPTER17

Che rryBlossom&AWe ddingCe re mony

“You’rebeautiful,”Bethsaid,chuckling.“Ican’tbelievethebrothers’ideasworked.”

Sakuracockedherheadtoonesideasshestudiedherselfinthefull-lengthmirror.Yes,itworkedall

right;shehadtoadmitthat.Herbridesmaid’sdresswaselegant.Thelightbluesuitedherskinperfectly.It
was short and draped to one side of her waist, and from there, the lacy material extended over her left
shoulder, falling down her back. Her hair was high on her head, enhancing her swanlike neck and oval
face.Hermakeupwasnatural,withahintofrosyblushonhercheekbonesandbrightpinklipstickonher
lips.

Yes,shedidlookbeautiful.
“Ah,”Bethsaid.“Iseeyoulikethelooksofyourself.”
“Idon’tusuallygothisfar.”Sakuraadmitted.
“Nowthen,Imustgoandseehowthebrideisdoing.Makesureshedoesn’tgetcoldfeetandallthat

jazz,”Bethsaid,headingoutthedoor.

Sakura grinned. Alone, she turned to look at herself in the mirror one more time. She was Sakura

Princeton.ButwasshereallySakuraPrincetonorwassheSakurasomethingelse?

Tanaka!Thelastnameranginherhead.Hermother’snamewasHarukaTanaka.Atthatmoment,she

knew without a doubt who she was. Yes, she’d been thinking about this since the day Kate made an
appearance.Shehadbeenthinkingaboutitlongandhard,andnowshewasready.

Mindmadeup,shelefttheroomandwentinsearchofJamesandBrenda.Shefoundtheminthestudy

room,andthankGod,noneofthebrothersweretheretomakehernervousaboutwhatshehadtodo.

ShelightlyknockedonthedoorandwentinafterJamescalledout.
“Hi,”shegreetedthemthemomentshesteppedintothelargeroom.
Jamessmiledatherasshecamein.“Areyounervous?”heasked,notinghowbeautifulshelooked.

Hissonsweregoingtohavetheshockoftheirlives.

Sakurashookherhead,tellinghimshewasn’tatallnervous.Shetookadeep,steadybreathandsaid

quietly,“Iwaswonderingifbothofyouhaveamoment.”

Jamesraisedhisbrowsather,notingtheoddtoneinhersoftvoiceandtheslightexpressionofdread

onherflawlessface.

“Whatisit,sweetheart?”Brendaasked,watchingherclosely.
Sakura licked her lips, her heart pounding hard within her chest. “Mom?” She looked straight at

Brenda,herbodystiff.

“Yes,sweetheart?”Brendaqueried.
“Dad.”SakuraturnedtoJames.“Ihaveaquestiontoask.”
“Whatisit?”Jamescockedhisheadtooneside.
Sakuratookadeepbreathandsaid,“I’maskingyourpermission…Imean,I…Iwanttochangemy

name. What I mean to say is that if I were to change my name, I mean my last name, from Princeton to
somethingelse,wouldthatbotheryou?Imean,Idon’twanttohurtyouoranything,but—”

Shepausedandlickedherlipswithnervousness.
“You’re a grown woman now, Sakura. Whether your last name is Princeton or something else, you

willalwaysbeourSakura.”AsJamessaidthat,hehadasadlookinhiseyes.Heknewwhatthismeant.

Heknewshewasleavingthem.Ofcourse,hehadknownallalongthisdaywouldcomesoonerorlater.
Afterall,hecouldn’tverywellstophersinceshehadherownlifeandherownfuturetothinkabout.

“Soyou’renotupset?”Sakuraasked.
Jameschuckled.“Youhaveyourownfuturetothinkabout,Sakura.Nomatterwhereyouare,you’ll

alwaysbeourSakura.”

Sakuracockedherheadtooneside,wonderingifheradoptedfathersuspectedshewasplanningto

leave.SheturnedtoBrenda.“Andyou?”

Brendasaid,“Ofcourse,sweetheart,youhavemyblessing.”
Sakurawasn’tfinishedyet,andbeforeshegottoonervoustotellthem,shewentstraightahead.“I’ve

plannedtoleaveSt.JosephIslandafterthewedding.I’vealreadyhandedinmyresignationletteratthe
lab.Mybosssaidit’sokayandthatheunderstandsit’ssuchshortnotice.”Shelookedupatthemandsaw
Brenda’sfacehadpaled.“Iloveyoubothverymuch.”

Brenda, with tears in her eyes, pulled her adopted daughter into her arms. “I love you, too,” she

whisperedintoSakura’shair.“Ijustneverthoughtyou’dbegoingsosoon.Thishouseisgoingtobeso
emptywithoutyou.”

Sakurachuckled.
“AndI’llhavetoputupwithJamescomplainingaboutBeth’sstandardcoffee,”shecontinued.
Jamessaid,“Now,now.”Oncehiswifehadfinallyletgooftheiradopteddaughter,hepulledSakura

intohisarmsandhuggedhertight.“Justmakesureyoukeepincontact.

Sakurabitherlipathiswords,feelingmorethanalittleguiltyatthethoughtthatperhapsshecouldn’t

keephimthatpromiseatall.

Halfanhourlater,shewasstandinginthegarden,listeningtothe“WeddingMarch”playedbytheSt.

Joseph Island Orchestra. She gazed at the scene before her in awe. She had been right. A wedding in
spring was absolutely beautiful, especially when the ceremony was done under the cherry trees in full
bloom.Totheleftwasthepond,theclearwatersparklingunderthebrightsunlight.Nowandagain,there
weresoft,gentlebreezeswhichcausedthecherryblossomflowerstodetachfromthebranchesandrain
downonthem.Itwassonostalgic.

Thenitwastime,andSakurafoundherselfnotquitebeingthecenterofattention,butstillthecenter

of attention nonetheless, as she slowly made her way down toward the platform where Peter stood
waitingpatientlyforhisbride.RichardandJack,bothinformalattireofblackandwhite,stoodtoone
sideofPeter,theirhandsclaspedback.

Sakuracouldn’thelpbutsmileasshetookapeekatyoungMichael,whowasholdingontoacute

satincushionwithtwogoldbandsontopofit.Hewalkedreallyslowly,worriedthathemightdropthe
preciousthing.

In front of Sakura was Katherine, dressed in her pale pink maid of honor gown, slowly striding

towardtheplatform.Halfwaythrough,Sakuracouldn’thelpherselfturningherheadtotheleft.Instantly,
her eyes spotted the brothers, all dressed in Armani suits, very sleek and refined. They caught many
women’seyes,causingthemtogaspinawe.Theystoodinarow,watchingtheprocession.Buttobesure,
itwasn’ttheprocessiontheyhadtheireyeson.Theyhadtheireyesintenselyonher,especiallySebastian
andDarcy,whoweren’tsmilingliketheirotherbrothers.Infact,theirexpressionswerestonecold.

The brothers couldn’t take their eyes away from their adopted sister. She was so beautiful that she

took their breath away, as James had predicted. That dress they helped design fit her slender body
perfectly,showingoffherfine,delicatefigure.Herlonghairwasformedintoaclassicbunontopofher
headwithabunchofflowersontheleftsidenearherear.Itwasthefirsttimethebrothershadseenher
withherhairlikethat,andtheycouldn’thelpbutmarvelatjusthowsophisticatedandrefinedshelooked.

Darcy loved her exposed, swanlike neck and wanted to brush his finger along the length of it. Oh,

God,heachedtotouchher,tosmellher,tofeelherinhisarms.Butheknewhemustkeephisdistance
because—

Becausewhat?Itwashard.Soveryhard.
Sebastian couldn’t take his eyes off the woman he was in love with either. She really did take his

breathaway.Shit!Heachedtobenearher,totouchher,tokissher.Butforthemoment,hecouldn’t.He
wouldn’tbecause—

Becausewhat?Shit!Itwassohard.Soveryhard.
Sakura quickly glanced away from them, her heart pounding within her chest. Stop thinking about

them,Sakura,shetoldherself.Juststop!Yes,onlyacouplemoredaystogo.Thenthey’dbegonebackto
theirlivesandshetohers.

They reached the platform, and Michael rushed up to Richard, sighing with relief that his job was

nearly over. Katherine and Sakura came to stand on the other side of the men, waiting for the bride to
reachthem.Everyone’seyeswereonMarynow,whowasmakingherwayveryslowlytothefrontwith
herfather,Mr.Collins,givingheraway.Finally,MarycameupandPetertookherhandinhis.Mr.Collins
returnedtohisseatinthefrontrownexttohiswife.

Theministersmiledpleasantlyattheaudiencebeforehim.Thenhebegan.“Dearfamilyandfriends,

onbehalfofMaryCollinsandPeterJohnston,Iwelcomeyoualltothismarriageceremony.Wearehere
todaytoencourage,celebrate,andsupportthecovenantthesetwopeople,MaryandPeter,aregoingto
makeandtoshareinthejoythatMaryandPeterexperienceastheypledgetheirloveandcommitmentto
eachother.WerejoiceinthemannerGodhasledthemtoeachotherandgotthemtotheplacewherethey
nowstand.”

Sakura tried to concentrate on what the minister was saying but found she couldn’t as she felt two

pairs of eyes watching her. Then, of course, she couldn’t help herself and glanced in that direction and
sawbothDarcyandSebastianwatchingher,theireyesintenseandtheirfacesexpressionless.Shebither
lowerlip.Stopthinkingaboutthem,Sakura,shetoldherselfyetagain.Itwasnearlyover.

TheministerturnedtoPeterandcontinued.“Thewomanwhostandsbyyoursideisgoingtobeyour

wife.Shewilllooktoyouforcomfort,forsupport,forlove,forunderstanding,forencouragement,and
forprotection.Youmustnevertakeherforgrantedandalwaysstandbyher,forgoodorill.”

Peterclearedhisthroatandsaidloudly,“TodayinthepresenceofGod,family,andfriends,Ipledge

tojoinmylifewithyours…”

Sakura turned her attention to the cherry tree above them and thought that after tomorrow all the

flowerswouldalmostbegoneagainforanotheryear.Yes,springwasnearlyover,andinstantlyshefelt
sad.

Theministersaid,“Peter,sinceitisyourintentiontomarry,joinyourrighthandsanddeclareyour

consent.DoyoutakeMarytobeyourlawfulweddedwife,tohaveandtoholdfromthisdayon,forbetter
orforworse,forricherorforpoorer,insicknessandinhealth,aslongasyoubothshalllive?”

“Ido,”Petersaid,smilingbrilliantly.
TheministerturnedtoMary.“Mary,doyoutakePetertobeyourlawfulweddedhusband,tohaveand

toholdfromthisdayon,forbetterorforworse,forricherorforpoorer,insicknessandinhealth,aslong
asyoubothshalllive?”

Maryclearlysaid,“Ido.”
Theministercontinued.“Theweddingringsymbolizesunity,acircleunbroken,withoutbeginningor

end.AndtodayMaryandPeterexchangetheseringsasconfirmationoftheirvowstojointheirlives,to
workatalltimestocreatealifethatiscompleteandunbroken,toloveeachotherunconditionally.May

theLordblesstheseringswhichyougiveeachotherasthesymbolofyourloveandfidelity.”Heturnedto
Peter.“Peter,takethisringandplaceitonyourbride’sfingerandstateyourpledgetoher,repeatingafter
me.”

Instantly, Michael stepped forward and gladly offered them the rings. Peter took one and slipped it

ontoMary’sfinger.WhileheheldMary’shandinhis,herepeatedaftertheminister.ThenitwasMary’s
turn.

“Mary and Peter,” the minister said, “you have pledged your promises to each other and have

declaredyoureverlastinglovebyexchangingtherings.Yourvowsmayhavebeenspokeninminutes,but
your promises to each other will last until your last breath. As they have pledged themselves to meet
sorrow and happiness as one family before God and this community of friends, I now pronounce them
husbandandwife.Youmaykissyourbride.”

PeterpulledbackMary’sveiland,grinningcheekily,kissedheronthelips.Everyonecheeredthen,

andSakuralaughed,tearsinhereyes.

“Ladiesandgentlemen,IpresenttoyouMr.andMrs.Johnston,”theministersaid.
“Hurray!” Michael shouted and ran to hug Sakura around the waist. “Now it’s our turn,” he said

cheekily.

Conradstoodupandyelled,“Hey,whosaidit’syourturn,youlittlebrat?”
Everyonelaughedatthem.SakuraruffledMichael’sthickhair.
“Comeon,”Michaelsaid.“Phototime.”
Itwasn’tlongbeforeSakurafoundherselfinthephotoswiththenewlywedMr.andMrs.Johnston,

beingsqueezedinbetweenthebrothers,mostlybetweenTristanandConrad.SebastianandDarcyseemed
tostandasfarawayfromheraspossible.Sheunderstoodtheirbodylanguagecompletelyandtoldherself
togetoverit.

Sakurahadhercamerawithheraswellandproceededtotakephotoafterphoto.Suddenly,Tristan

andLogancameuptoher,corneringheronbothsidesasiftheyhadcaughttheirprey.

“Timeforourphotos,littlesis,”Logansaidcheekily.
“No,it’stimeforourphotos,mydearSakura,”Tristansaidcheekily,grabbingSakurabythearmand

leadingheraway.

“Oi!”Logansnapped.“SakuraandIaretakingourphotos.”Hegrabbedherotherarmandproceeded

toleadherintheoppositedirection.

“You guys.” Sakura couldn’t help raising her voice just a little. “How about we all take photos

togetherinstead?”

Tristandidn’tlookveryhappywiththatidea.
Logan sighed. “Very well,” he said and took her camera from her. He called to Patrick, one of the

threephotographerstheyhadhiredfortheoccasion,tocomeovertothem.

TristantookthechanceandpulledSakuratohim,causingSakuratocollideagainsthismassivechest.

“Saycheese,”hesaid.

“Howlame,”Logansaid,pullingSakurabacktohim.ThethreestoodwithSakurainthemiddleand

thebrothersoneithersideofher.Patrickraisedthecameratohiseyesandthenclick,click,click,click.

“Thatwasgreat,guys,”Patricksaid.“More?”
“Yeah, more,” Tristan said. Then when the photographer started clicking again, he sneakily kissed

Sakuraonthecheek.

Sakura gasped. Logan saw. The brother growled and said, “You’re not the only one who’s kissing

her.”Thatsaid,hekissedheraswellonherothercheek.

Oh,God,Sakurathought.Shehadtogetoutofherebeforethisgotanyworse.Butworseitdidgetas

Patricklaughedandencouragedthembothtokissheratthesametime.Thebrotherstookonthechallenge
withenthusiasm.Asthecamerakeptclicking,bothTristanandLogankissedhercheekswithdelight.They
wouldhavecontinuedifitwasn’tfortheloudcommandthatgotbombedtheirwaybySebastian.Darcy
wasn’tfarbehindhim.

“That’senough!”
TristanandLoganpulledbackandfrownedattheiryoungerbrothers.
“What? Jealous ’cause you couldn’t kiss our sweet sister?” Tristan chuckled. He came over and

slappedSebastianontheshoulder.“Getoverit,Sebboy.She’snotintoyou.”

Loganchuckledthen.“She’snotintoyoueither,myboy,”hesaidtoDarcy,whoonlyfrownedathim.

TristanandLoganwalkedaway,chucklingmerrily.

Sakurafeltherheartthunderingwithinherchestasthetwobrotherswatchedherintently.Shetooka

deepbreathandthenwalkedpastthemtowardPatrick.“MayIhavemycameraback,please?”

“Ofcourse,”thephotographersaid.
“Thanks,”shesaidandstartedwalkingaway.
“Oh wait, photos,” Patrick shouted. “You guys are siblings, aren’t you? Now then, let’s have some

verygoodphotos.”

“No,that’sfine,”Sakurasaid,shakingherheadfuriously.
Sebastian grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to him, causing her to tumble in her high heels.

“Take the photos,” he said to the photographer. He placed his arms about her waist, pulling her even
closertohimasthecameracontinuedtoclick.

Sakurafeltherheartbeatingfasterwithinherchest,andherbodybegantogoabitcrazywithhim

being so close to her. When she thought this wasn’t going to get any worse, Darcy suddenly walked to
them,caughtherwrist,andpulledhertohim,leavingSebastianstandingtherealone.

Heplacedhersoshewasslightlyinfrontofhim.Thenhewrappedonehandaroundherwaist.He

wassoclosethatshecouldsmellhim.

“Takeourphotos,”Darcysaid.
Thephotographerchuckled.“Youtwolookgoodtogether.”
Sakurablushed.Darcysmiled.Sebastianscowled.
The photographer continued to take picture after picture. Then Sebastian couldn’t stand it anymore.

HepulledSakurafromDarcy.Thetwobrothersstoodstaringateachother,theireyesintenseasifthey
wereabouttohaveashowdown.

Whatweretheydoing?Weretheyturningagainsteachotherbecauseofher?Atthatrealization,her

stomachflippeduncomfortably.

Thephotographerlaughed.“Allthreetogether,then,”hesaid.“Youthreelookgreat.”Thenhewent

click,click,click.

“Standinthemiddle,miss,”hesaidtoSakura.
When Sakura didn’t move, he came over and guided her. When he returned to his position, Sakura

was standing in the middle with the two brothers on either side of her. Then he continued to take more
photos.

“My, my.” Mary, the newly wedded bride, appeared behind the photographer. “You three do look

goodtogether.”Thenshelaughed.“Nowthen,sorrytointerrupt,butImuststealmypreciousSakuraaway
foraweemoment.”Thatsaid,shegrabbedSakurabythearmandtookheraway.

Thebrotherswatchedhergo,theirfacesstonecold.
Sakurawasonlytoogladtobetakenawaybecause,myGod,howshecouldfeelthetensionbetween

thetwobrothers.

“Whatwasallthatabout?”Maryaskedafewmomentslateroncetheywereinherbedroom.
“What?”Sakuraasked,confused,watchingMarysearchingforsomethinginherhugecloset.
“You and the two brothers,” Mary said. “Man, I could’ve sworn I felt a lot of tension there for a

moment.”

“Oh,”Sakuravoiced,totallyunderstandingwhatherfriendmeant.Wasthisconflictreallybecauseof

her?

“Nowwhereisit?”Marysaid.“Ah!”
A moment later, she came back and gave Sakura a pretty little box, neatly wrapped up with happy

birthdaywrappingpaper.

“Shit!”Sakurasworeunderherbreath.
MarypulledSakuraintoherarmsandsaidsoftly,“I’msorry.Iwon’tbeherewhenyouturntwenty-

four,sohappyearlybirthday.”

Sakurafelttearsbrewinginhereyes.“Youdidn’thavetodothat,Mary.”
Marychuckled.“Twenty-fourisabignumber.Almostaquarterofacentury,ifyouthinkaboutit.”
Thatwastrue,butSakuraneverthoughtaboutthat.
Marytookastepback.“Iknowyourrealbirthdaywasprobablysometimeearlierthanthis,butsince

youwerefoundattheorphanagetwodaysfromnow,twenty-fouryearsago,thentechnicallyspeaking,it’s
yourbirthday.”

Sakurachuckled.“Thanks,Mary.Youremember.”Thenshethoughtnoneofthebrotherswouldhave

remembered.Whywouldthey?Shewasn’timportanttothem.

“You’renotallowedtoopenituntiltheday,allright?”Marywarned.
“Ofcourse,”Sakurachuckled.
“Nowthen,letusreturntoourphotos,”Marysaid,headingoutthedoor.
Sakuraclutchedthesmallboxinherhands,asmileonherfaceasshe,too,walkedtothedoor.

*****

CHAPTER18

FallingforSakura

Themusicstruckloudly,causingthecontinuoussquealingnoisetoechoacrossthegreathall.Everyone
coveredtheirearsinannoyance,andthenamomentlater,Loganchuckledintothemicrophoneandsaid,
“Sorry,ladiesandgentlemen.Thatwasmybad.”Everyonelaughed,includingthebrideandgroom,who
werestandinginthecenterofthehall,waitingtostarttheirfirstdance.

Aftersometweaking,themusicstarted.Itwas“UnchainedMelody”bytheRighteousBrothers.
ThemomentSakuraheardthewordsfeltherheartquickeningandherpulseracing.Suddenly,Richard

had her wrist and led her to the centre of the dance floor. She stiffened, suddenly embarrassed. She
glancedtoMaryandPeter,whoweredancinglovinglyineachother’sarms,smilesontheirfaces.Then
she glanced at Katherine, who was laughing and having the time of her life as she winked at Michael
standingonthesidelinesnearhisfatherJim.Theboywasswayinghisbodybackandforthashewatched
hismotherdanceinJack’sarms.

Richardpulledherintohisarmsandstartedmovingheraround.Sakurawasn’tanygoodatdancing,

butshemovedaboutanyway,tryingtobeintunewiththeslowmusic.Thentheywereontheothersideof
the dance floor, and Sakura felt as though someone was watching her. She lifted her head and saw
Sebastian,hisblueeyesintenseonherface.

SakurafeltherheartthunderingwithinherchestasshecontinuedmovingaroundinRichard’sarms.

Shetriedtomovehereyesawayfromthehandsomeblondwhowasstaringatherasifsheweretheonly
personintheroom.Themusicwasmakingherheaddizzy.

SebastiangazedatSakuradancinginRichard’sarmsasthemanswayedheraround.Howhewished

itwashiminsteadwhowasholdingherinhisarms.Andwhynot?Thatwaswhenheimaginedhimand
hertogether,dancingtothisveryclassicsong,justthetwoofthemtogetherinthisveryroomaseveryone
fadedintodarkness.Yes,hewastwistingheraroundnow,andshewaslaughingandsmilingupathim,
her eyes bright with love just for him. Then very slowly he moved his head down and took her lips,
kissing her passionately and wildly as they moved about the dance floor. Sakura. His Sakura. Yes, he
hungeredforhertouch,forherlove;hehungeredforher.

Howheachedinhisheartashewatchedherdance.Shetoowasstaringbackathim.Yes,henoted

therewereconfusionandpainwithinherdarkeyes,anditcausedaknotinthepitofhisstomach.

Finally Sakura was able to break away from Sebastian’s gaze when Richard moved her around to

anotherpartofthedancefloor.Sakura’sheartwasstillthunderingwithinherchestwhenshemetDarcy,
whowasalsowatchingherintently.

Oh,God,hiseyes…Shecouldseethepainwithinhiseyesashegazedather,andherheartached

withhim,forhim.Whywasitsopainful?ShegrippedherhandsonRichard’sshouldersasshecontinued
todance.

Darcy squeezed the stem of his wine glass, nearly causing it to break. His Snow, she was dancing

withRichard,andhewantedtobeRichard.HewantedtobeinRichard’splace,takingherintohisarms,
twistingheraroundthedancefloor,watchingherbeautifulfacelaughinghappilyupathim,hereyesbright
withlovejustforhim.Howheachedtobewithher,smellher,touchher,andkissher.Heneededherlove
sobadlyithurt.MySnow,hethought,andheimaginedthemaloneonthisverydancefloor—notdancing,
butjuststandingtherekissingpassionatelyandwildlyliketheyhaddonebackinthewoods.

Howheneededherlove,cravedherlove,wantedherlovesomuchthathewasdeeplyinpain.My

Snow.WillIevergettobewithyou?

SakurawantedtotakeDarcyintoherarmsandhughim,giveheralltohim.Shewouldn’tbecausehe

wasalreadywithsomeoneelse.Hedidn’twanther.He’dneverwantedtobewithher.Herheartcried
outinanguish.

Finally,shemanagedtomovehergazeawayfromhisbycastinghereyesdownward,tearsbrewing

withinthem.

Richard moved her around again. Then when she managed to control her emotions, she was again

lookingatSebastian.Shegazedathim,againfeelingthatdreadfulpainwithinherheart.Theycontinuedto
gazeateachotherasthesongcontinued,herheartracingwithinherchest,herheaddizzyassheleaned
moreofherweightagainstRichard,feelingweakallofasudden.

SuddenlythemusiccametoanendandRichardlaughed.“There,thatwasn’tsobad,wasit?”
Sakuraslowlylookedup,herfacepale.“No,Isupposenot,”shesaidquietly.Sheneededtodecide

onwhattodo,whatshouldhappennext.Yes,shehadcometotherealizationthatshehadfeelingsforboth
DarcyandSebastian.Buthowcouldawomanhavefeelingsfortwoguysatthesametime?Howwasthat
possible?Especiallywhenthetwoguyswereheradoptedbrothers?

Sheneededtothink.Sheneededtoclearherhead.Sheneededtodecide.
Suddenly,thesong“Sway”byMichaelBubléeruptedintheroomandeveryonerushedontothedance

floor,swayingtheirbodiesbackandforthwithenthusiasm.

BehindherDarcystoodstill,watchingherstandingaloneinthemiddleofthedanceflooraspeople

happily moved around them. He longed for her but knew he couldn’t have her. In front of her stood
Sebastian, also standing still as people moved around him, laughing and singing along to the song. He
watchedher,wantingher,longingforher.

Sakuraclosedhereyes,torn.Whatshouldshedo?
Conradsurprisedherbypullingherintohisarmsandstartedlaughing.“Comeon,Sakura.Dancewith

me.”

Beforesheknewanything,Tristangotherbytheotherarmandchuckled.“You’redancingwithme,

sweetheart.”

“Oi!”Conradsnapped.“Igotthefirstdance.Isn’tthatright,Sakura?”
She managed to give him a small smile, though her head was spinning. “How about we all dance

together?”shesuggestedweakly.

“Yeah,whynot?”Logansaid,appearingoutoftheblueandpullingherintohisarms.Hewhiskedher

awaytotheothersideofthedancefloor.Thenhetwistedherarounduntilshewasevendizzier.

“Dance,Sakura,dance.”Hechuckled.
Suddenly,Conradappearedbeforethemagainandtookherintohisarms.“Nowyou’redancingwith

me.”

Sheneededtogetoutofhere,Sakurathought.Bythattime,however,themusicendedandshequickly

escaped.Sheranacrossthecorridor,downthestairs,andintothebackcourtyardofthehotel.Alone,she
breathedinthefreshairandclosedhereyes.Oh,God,thatwasintense.

Thenhermindtraveledbacktothebrothers.Whatmustshedo?
She walked farther toward the swimming pool, deep in thought. It wasn’t long when she noticed a

couple on the other side. They were obviously making out, and she decided she didn’t want to disturb
them.

Sheturnedandtooktwostepswhensheheard,“Darcy,darling.”
Aknotformedinthepitofherstomach.Shestoppedinherspotandslowlyturned.Acrossfromher,

she witnessed Darcy lifting his head from the woman’s face. Then she realized the woman was Kate
Anderson.

Katewassmiling,andbeforeDarcyhadthechancetowalkaway,shewrappedherarmaroundhis

neckandkissedhimagain.

Sakura’s whole body shuddered. Her head still spinning and her heart still thundering within her

chest,shewalkedaway.

Shehadmadeherdecision.Yes,nomatterwhathappenedfromnowon,shehadmadeherdecision

andshewasn’tgoingtochangeit.

*****

CHAPTER19

ASe cre tKiss

DarcyremovedKate’sarmsfromaroundhisneckandpushedherback,hisfaceamaskofanger.“What
areyoudoing?”heaskedcoldly.“IthoughtItoldyouit’sover.”

KatewatchedSakurawalkingawayandsmiledwithsatisfaction.Ohyes,Sakurahadseenthemall

right,andthatpleasedKateverymuch.Atleastthatpartoftheirplanhadworked.NotsowhereDarcy
wasconcerned,however.Hewasastubbornoldgoatallright.Hereshewas,offeringherselftohimona
silverplatter—allofher—andhehadn’tbattedaneyelid.Infact,hewassopissedoffwithherthathe
nearlyslappedherfacejustmeremomentsago.

Katefoldedherarmsacrossherchestandsmiledathim.“I’mcomingbacktoyou.Isthatwrong?”

Shemovedclosertohimandtouchedhisarm.“Iloveyou,Darcy.Pleasecomebacktome.”

Darcygrittedhisteeth.“Howmanytimes,Kate?HowmanytimesdoIhavetotellyou?It’sover.”
Katecockedherheadtooneside.“Tellmeonething,Darcy.AreTaraandAlainaright?Areyouin

lovewiththatbitch?”

“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“Sakura!”Shebarkedoutthenameindisgust.“ThatbitchSakura.”
Darcyhadhadenough.“Listenhere,Kate,”hebeganinalow,heatedvoice.“Yes,Iloveher.Ihave

alwayslovedher,evenbeforeImetyou.She’sthewomanwhomakesmefeelpainandpleasureatthe
sametime.She’sthewomanwhomakesmyheartbeatfastandslowatthesametime.She’sthewoman
whoIthinkabouteverysecond.Iloveher,Kate,andI’veneverlovedyou.Isthatclearenoughforyouto
understand?”

Kate gritted her teeth and then bashed her fist on his chest. “You bastard! What about our

relationship?”

“We’veneverhadarelationship,Kate.Ever!”Darcyclosedhiseyesandhisheartached.Hehadto

tellSakurahowhefelt.Howcouldhebackoutandletthewomanhehadlovedallhislifegotosomeone
else,eventhoughthatsomeoneelsewashisveryownbrother?Butthenagain,howcouldhedothattohis
ownbrother?SebastiantoolovedSakura,andDarcycouldneverdosuchahorriblethingtoSebastian.
DarcycouldneverstealthewomanSebastianloved.

“Good-bye,Kate,”hesaidcoldlyandthenwalkedaway.Hedidn’treturntothehoteltorejointhe

wedding that was still in progress. Instead, he walked home along the highway—alone—his mind in a
muddleofconfusionandhisheartinpain.Somewhereinthemiddleofthenight,whenthemoonwashigh,
hecouldn’thelphimselfandranuntilhewasexhausted,breathless,andpuffing,sweatsoakinghisbody.

Whenhefinallycouldn’tgoanyfarther,hecollapsedtohiskneesinthemiddleoftheemptyroad.As

heliftedhisheadtogazeatthemoon,tearswereinhiseyesandhisheartached,tormentinghimtosuch
anextentthathecouldn’thelphimselfandscreamed.Hehowledlongandloud.Hisvoice,hollowwith
agony,echoedacrosstheairlikealonewolfinthewoods,grievingforthelossofhismate.

Whenhefinallycouldn’tscreamanymore,hecried,hisheadinhishandsagainstthepavement.Oh,

howhehurt.Whatwashegoingtodo?

Snow,mydearSnow.WhatshouldIdo?
Somewhilelater,whenhemanagedtogetholdofhimselfagain,hegotupandslowlymadehisway

homeward,hispaceslow.

ItwasaftermidnightbythetimehereachedPrincetonMansion,andashemadehiswayuptoward

thehouse,hesawthepersonwhowasresponsibleforhistormentedheart.

She was wearing her very lovely nightdress, like the one she’d worn that night he and his brothers

hadmetherinthegardennearthepond.Shelookedlikeawoodnymphthen,andshelookedlikeawood
nymphnow.Snow,mySnow.

Hewantedtogotoher.Hewantedtotakeherintohisarms.God,heached.

*****

Thehouseisoddlyquiettonight,Sakurathoughtasshegotoutoftheshower.Ofcourse,therewasonly
her, James, and Brenda, who had returned from the wedding reception. Everyone else—the brothers,
Richard,Tara,andAlaina—hadgoneoffintotowntodosomedrinkingandclubbing.Shehadnodoubt
thatDarcyandKatewerewiththem,enjoyingthemselvestremendously.

It was odd also that tonight she had decided to wear her pretty Victoria Secret silk and lace

nightdress.Whyshewantedtowearthisshewasn’tsure.Shejustdid.Thensheputonsomenightcream
andblow-driedherhair.Oncedone,shewentstraighttobed,onlyshecouldn’tsleep.Shefeltsorestless,
andshewasn’tsurewhy.

She flicked on the light, grabbed her camera, and went through the photos she had taken during the

wedding. As she gazed down at the people’s faces in the photos, her heart ached within her chest. Her
family.Theywereherfamily,weren’tthey?ThenthephotoofherwithTristanandLogancameup,the
onewiththembothkissingheronthecheeks.TristanandLogan.Theywerethebestofbrothersandthe
bestofbestfriends.Theywereneverfarawayfromoneanother,andtheyhadalwayshelpedoneanother.

Sheflickedthroughsomemorephotosandfoundsomepicturesofherandthewholefamilytogether.

Shewasapartofthem.ShewasaPrinceton.Yes,thereshewas,standinginbetweenTristanandConrad.
ThentherewereDaddyJamesandMomBrenda,Nicolas,Logan,Hayden,andofcoursethetwomenwho
affectedhermost—bothmentallyandemotionally—SebastianandDarcy.

Sheputdownthecamera,herheartachingevenmoreasshethoughtofthemboth.Weretheyreally

fightingbecauseofher?Whatwasshegoingtodo?Theywerebrothers.Shewastheiradoptedsister.Yet
—

Absentmindedly, she reached for her treasure box and opened it. Inside, she saw the single earring

shehadboughtalongtimeagoforHayden.Thishadbeentheonehe’dthrownbackather,tellingherhe
onlyneededone.She’dkeptitsafeuntilnow.Shehadn’tbeensurewhy.

Shepickeditupandgazedatit,marvelingatthebluestone.Slowly,shereturnedittotheboxand

thentookouthercraftgear.Shepulledoutherwatercolorpaintsandthesmallcards.Thenshebeganto
paintsomecherrytrees.Yes,springwasalmostoverandsummerwasjustaroundthecorner.Shesmiled
sadlyatthatthought.Shehadalwayslovedspring.Itremindedherofherbirthandherbiologicalmother.

Sometwohourslater,she’dfinallyhadenoughandputeverythingaway.Stillnottired,shewentto

kneel down beside Toby, who was sound asleep. She stroked his white fur and the dog purred with
pleasure.

“Youhavenoworries,doyou?”shesaidsoftly.“IwishIweremorelikeyou.”Thenshegotupand

lefttheroom.

TheairwaswarmandbreezyasSakuraheadeddowntowardthegardennearthepondwhereMary

andPeterhadtheirweddingceremonyonlythatafternoon.

“Itwasabeautifulwedding,”shewhisperedtoherself.
She closed her eyes and breathed in the spring air, her face tilted up toward heaven, serene. She

stayedthereforhowlongshedidnotknowashermindwanderedoffintothefardistance.Thenwhenshe
realizeditwasgettingratherlate,sheturnedonherheelandstartedwalkingbacktowardthehouse.

She was deep in thought and was just passing the section of the garden with thick bushes when

someonegrabbedherarmandpulledherintothedarkness.

Sakuragasped,herheartpoundinghardandfastassheinstinctivelytriedtofreeherselffromthetight

imprisonment.

“Letgo!”shesaid,hervoiceweak.
The person turned her around so her back was resting against the thickness of a tree trunk and her

frontwastohim.Hismasculine,leanbodycompletelyenvelopedher,embracinghersoshehadnoway
of escape. Sakura could feel his warm heat radiating out to her, and her heart started to thunder loudly
withinherchestandherheadbegantogoabitdizzy.

“Whoareyou?”shewhisperedsoftly,notatallseeinghisfaceinthedarkness.
He was tall, she realized, for her head barely reached up to his shoulders, and his body was firm

againsthersashepressedherbackagainstthetree,squishingherbeneathhim.

“Whatdoyouwant?”shewhisperedagain,hervoiceshaking.
Asiftocalmherdown,asiftotellherthathemeanthernoharm,hegentlytouchedhishandtoher

face and moved his lips to her ear. “Hush,” he whispered, sending electrifying sensations through her
being.

Sakura closed her eyes and her body unconsciously relaxed in his arms. Her breathing became

labored as he continued to stroke her neck down toward her collarbone and then lower toward her
breasts.

Sakurabitherlip,herheadspinning,andherlegssuddenlyturnedintojelly.Thenshecouldfeelhis

warm lips against her throat. She could feel the heat of his mouth burning against her skin, sending her
head reeling with wonder. Then before she knew it she could feel his tongue on her sensitive skin,
strokingher,kissingher,suckingher.

Shegaspedastheheatwithinherdecidedtorisedeliciously.Hesuddenlystopped.Sakurawidened

hereyes,wonderingwhyhe’dstopped.Itfeltsogood.

Shegazedupathim.Allshecouldseewastheshadowofhisstrong,handsomefaceaboveher.
Slowly,hemovedhisfingersandstrokedherbottomlip,ashewasmarvelingatthesoftflesh.She

heardhimbreathingharder,asifhehaddifficultycontrollinghimself.

“Whatareyoudoingtome?”sheaskedstupidly.
He didn’t respond to her query, and before she could understand what was going on, his firm lips

wereonhers.

Sakura was taken by surprise. She could feel the heat from him as he passionately kissed her, his

fingersdiggingdeepintoherhair.Shefeltweakandlight,likeafeatherfloatingintheair,flyinghigher.

“Ngh…Ngh…”shegroanedandheldontohimfordearlife.Inresponse,hedeepenedthekissby

plunginghistongueintohermouthandwildlyinvadingher.

Sakura’swholebodyshudderedinecstasyashistonguestrokedandplayedwithher,exploringher,

sending wild passion coursing through her being, exciting her to such powerful levels that she thought
she’ddie.Yes,shewaslostinthewonderfulheaven.

Suddenly,hepulledback,asifhesuddenlyrealizedhe’dmadeamistake.Sakuragazedupathisdark

form,herheartpounding.Shedidn’twanthimtostop.Shewashooked.

Thenjustasquickly,hepulledherintohisarmsandhuggedhertight,asthoughheneverwantedtolet

hergo.

Hekissedheragain,histonguewildagainsthers,asifheweredesperatetohaveher,asifhewere

afraidoflosingher.Whenhepulledbackagain,hewasbreathlessandshewasshakingfromheadtotoe.

Hewhisperedsoftlynearherear.“Iloveyou.”Thenhewasgone.Justlikethat.
Sakurastayedtherestaringintothedarkness,herfingertouchingherlips,herheartpounding,andher

headspinning.Whenshemanagedtogetbacktoherroomandthenintobed,itwasverylate,orrather
earlyinthemorning.Shecouldn’tsleep.Shewasrestless.Herheartwasstillpounding.Hermindwas
stillonthemanwhohadkissedher.

*****

CHAPTER20

Trage dy

Sakurawokeuplatethenextdaysinceshedidn’tgettosleepuntilaboutfiveinthemorning.Shecame
down for brunch feeling a bit out of sorts and also noticed that the house was still as quiet as ever.
Perhapseveryonewasalsostillinbedbecausetheyhadn’treturnedhomeuntilveryearlythismorning
fromtheirnightout.

“My,my,”Bethcommented.“Youdolookhorrible.”
Sakurachuckled.“Icouldn’tsleeplastnight.”
“Yeah,Icanunderstandthat.You’veseenyourbestfriendgettingmarriedandsettlingdown,andnow

youwantthatforyourself,too.”

Sakurawantedtotellherthatwasn’tit.Thereasonshecouldn’tsleepwasbecauseofthatsecretkiss

lastnightinthegardenby—

No,don’tthinkaboutit,Sakura.
She stood up and said, “I’m going out for a walk along St. Helena Beach. Won’t be back till much

later.”

“Iseeyou’replanningtoskiplunchyetagain?”Bethasked,herbrowsnearlyuptohergrayhairline.
Sakurajustlaughedandwalkedtothedoor,ignoringBeth’sdisapprovingstare.“Don’tworry,Beth

dear.I’llbebackfordinner.”

Bethgrumbledunderherbreathandsaid,“There’ssupposedtobeastormsometimethisafternoon.

Makesureyou’rehomebeforethat,won’tyou?”

“Iwill,”Sakurareplied,wavingherhandintheairtotellthehousekeepernottoworry.
“Oh,” Beth said before Sakura could disappear around the corner. “The brothers are at St. Helena

Beachtoo,surfing.”

Sakura,however,didn’thearherasshewasalreadyoutofearshot.
Sometenminuteslater,SakurafoundherselfwalkingalongSt.HelenaBeach,herbarefeetsinking

deepintotheporouswhitesandthatstretchedendlesslyacrossthehorizon.Withhersandalsinherhands,
she strolled along, staring off at the pristine blue sea. In the distance, she noted dark clouds gathering,
indicatingtherewasastormcoming.

Alltoosoonshewouldn’tbeabletoenjoythisanylonger.Soshemightaswelltakeitallinnow,

enjoyingeverymomentofit.

Shewasmindingherownbusinessandadmiringthebreathtakingviewwhenshenoticedmensurfing

on the other side of the beach. She couldn’t help herself and watched with interest, marveling at how
expertly they stayed on the boards as they surfed the waves. From where she stood, which was a very
longdistanceaway,shecouldjustmakeoutthemen’sathleticbodies.Theylookedliketheywerehaving
alotoffun.Thatwaswhenshedecidedtohaveacloserlookandheadedtowardthem.

She regretted it some fifteen minutes later when she realized those men were actually her adopted

brothers. There were Nicolas, Tristan, Logan, Hayden, and Conrad surfing the smaller waves closer to
whereshewasatthebeach.Theywerelaughingandshoutingencouragementateachotherastheysurfed.
On the other side, much closer to the rocks where bigger and more dangerous waves resided, were
SebastianandDarcy.Itlookedasthoughtheywerecompetingtoseewhothebettersurferwas.

Sakurafoundshecouldn’ttakehereyesawayfromthemastheyexpertlyrodethewaves.Suddenly,

herheartachedwithinherchest.

No,shemustn’tthinkaboutthemnow—especiallynotaboutthemandnotnowwhenshehadalready

made up her mind that she’d leave St. Joseph Island. She’d decided she no longer wanted to be their
sister.

Withthatfirmideainhermind,sheturnedonherheelandheadedtheotherway.
Asshewaswalkingupfromthebeachtothehighcliffabove,Sakuradidn’tnoticethatConradhad

seenherandwasshoutingathertocometothem.Whenshedidn’trespond,hegotoutofthewaterand
racedafterher.Thebrothersdidn’tnoticehimgoastheycontinuedtosurf.

Asshewaswalking,neitherdidSakuranoticethatsomeonewastrailingher.Thenalltoosoonshe

cametoacliffthatoverlookedtheoceanbelowwherethebrotherswere.Fromhere,shecouldobserve
themuninterrupted,andshemadeherselfcomfortable,relaxingbackagainsttherock.Inthedistance,both
DarcyandSebastianweresurfingbigwaves,andwhentheydisappearedunderthewater,herheartraced,
prayingthey’dbeallrightandthatnothingbadwouldhappentothem.Afewsecondslater,shesawthem
emergeunharmed.Shesighedinrelief.

It wasn’t long when dark clouds started gathering in the distance and heading their way. Lightning

flashed,andSakurajumpedatthesoundandautomaticallyhuggedherself.Thenitstartedpouring—hard.
Shewastotallysoakedinstantly.

“Already?”She’dthoughtthatthestormwasn’tdueuntilmuchlater.
Shenarrowedhereyesatthebrothers.Shecouldn’tbelieveit.Theywerestillsurfing.Inthisrain?
Obviously, she couldn’t stay there watching them any longer. She hastily got up and rushed back

towardthesideofthecliff,hopingtofindshelter.Shewasinluck.Shespottedasmallcavenottoofar
away and rushed into it. Once inside, she hugged herself, shivering severely from the cold. She surely
hopedthestormwouldpassquicklybecauseshedidn’twanttoreturnhomelate.Bethwouldbepissed
thatshedidn’tlistentoher,andofcourse,DaddyJamesandMomBrendawouldbesoworried.

Sheturnedherattentiontohersurroundingsandthatwaswhensherealizedshe’dbeenherebefore.

LightningflashedandSakurablinked.Thenitallcamebacktoher.Thatdayaftershe’ddrownedinthe
sea years ago when Alaina had pushed her over the cliff, she’d decided to run away, and then she had
faintedbecauseofthefever.Thatnightshehadfoundherselfinthisverycave.Therehadbeenasmall
fire,andshe’dfeltthewarmbodyofaboyhuggingher,keepingherwarm.

Sakuragaspedandhereyeswidened.Sebastian!Hehadbeenherewithherthatnight,hadn’the?He

hadlookedafterherduringthosehorriblehourswhenthefeverhadbroken.

Shebroughtherfingerstotouchherlips.Thekiss!SherememberedthekissthatSebastianhadgiven

her.

“Iloveyou,”hehadsaidtoherthatnight.
Suddenly,tearsbrewedinhereyes.Oh,Sebastian!Tearsrolleddownhercheeks,andherhearttore

evenmoreasshefelltoherknees.

“Aw,doesthelightningscareyouso?”avoicesaidbehindher.
Sakuraliftedherheadandblinked.ShehastilygotupandturnedaroundtoseeKateattheentranceof

thecave.

Kateslowlywalkedin,lookingaroundherasifshewereinterested.“I’veneverbeenherebefore,

butit’saprettygoodplace,don’tyouthink?”

Sakuradidn’treply.“Whatareyoudoinghere?”
Katecockedherheadtooneside.“Exploring.Iliketheisland.Afterall,ifIweretomarryDarcy,

then—”

Sakura gritted her teeth at the mention of Darcy. Then she noted that something wasn’t right. How

come Kate was here? How did she get here? No one ever used this part of the island except for the
Princetonsbecauseitwasprivate.Anyoneseenwalkingthroughwastrespassing.

Sakurawassuspiciousandknewsomethingdidn’tsitrightwithher.Atthatmoment,shedidn’tcare

tofindoutwhatitwasandthoughtshebettergetoutofherefast.Buttherain!Howwouldshegetback
home safely in this weather? Furthermore, she didn’t bring any warm clothing to wear because she’d
expectedtoreturnhomebeforethestormevenstarted.

Mindmadeup,shestartedwalkingbacktowardtheexit.Kateinterceptedherandroughlycaughther

arm, which surprised Sakura. Kate smiled darkly, and then with all her might, she shoved her back,
slammingheragainstthewallofthecave.

“Wheredoyouthinkyou’regoing?”shegrittedout,hervoiceicecold.
Sakurawriggledherarmfreefromthetightgrip,herhearthammeringinherchest.Oh,shit!Katewas

heretohurther—again!Suddenly,theimagesofKatebullyingherinhighschoolcamebacktoherinfull
force.Kateslappingherface.Kateslammingherheadagainstthelocker.Katekickingher.Kateslamming
thebasketballagainstherfaceinPE.

Sakurafelttearsburninginhereyes.“Home,”shegrittedoutcoldly.“Nowleavemealone.”
Katesmiledpleasantlyasshecockedherheadtooneside.“Home?Sakura,doyouevenhaveahome

togoto?”Thenshelaughedmaniacally.“IfyoumeanPrincetonMansion,Idon’tthinkthat’syourhome.”
ShepulledSakurabythecollar,whichtookSakurabysurprise.ThensheshovedSakuraforward.“You
don’t have a home, you slut. You don’t belong at Princeton Mansion. In fact, you don’t belong with the
Princetonsatall.You’rejustafreeloader,suckingtheirlifeandmoney.”

Sakuragrittedherteethandpulledback.“Whatareyoutalkingabout?”
“WhatamItalkingabout?WhatamItalkingabout?”Kateaskedsarcastically.“Whydon’tyoujust

getitstraightinthatdumbheadofyours?Thatyoudon’tbelongwiththePrincetonfamily.Thatallyou’ve
ever done is cause the family to break apart. Let’s just face it, why don’t we? You’ve destroyed both
Tara’sandAlaina’slife.”

Sakura shook her head as Kate started moving toward her in a threatening way, like she’d always

doneinhighschool.

“First,youburneddowntheorphanageandkilledTara’smombecauseyoubloodywellhatedTara’s

andhermom’sgutssomuch.Thenyouplayedthehelplesslittlegirlsoyoucouldgetadoptedbyoneof
thewealthiestfamiliesinAmerica.Then,ofcourse,youuseyourbloodytrickstotakepoorDarcyaway
from Alaina, spinning his head with lies and making them turn against one another. Now you even take
dearSebastianawayfrompoorTara.Now,didIforgetsomethingelse?Ah,howaboutJames?He’sso
bloodysmittenwithyouthatheforgotabouthisownchildren.Oh,Alainatoldmeallabouthowyouused
yourbloodytricksonJames.HowhetookAlaina’sinheritanceawayandgaveittoyou.”

“What? That’s not true,” Sakura said, shaking her head. “Kate, I don’t have to listen to your stupid

accusations.Nowgetoutofmyway.I’mgoinghome.”

“Shutup!Justshutup,bitch,”Katesaid.“Youknow,thesepeoplearegoodpeople,andI,forone,

willnotallowawickedbitchlikeyoutohurtthem.”ShegrabbedSakurabythehairandroughlyslammed
herheadandbodyagainsttherockywallofthecave.

The impact was so great that it nearly broke Sakura’s bones, and she fell to the ground, her head

spinningandherbodyaching.Herbreathingwasshortasshetriedtogetuptogetawayfromthewoman
whoobviouslywantedtokillher.Sheneededtogaincontrolofherself.Sheneededtodefendherself.She
hadto.Shecouldn’tallowthiswomantobullyheranymore,tohurtheranymore.

WhenSakuramanagedtogaincontrolofherbodyagain,shelookeduptoseeKatetakingaSwiss

Armyknifeoutofherbelt.

Sakuragrittedherteethandpushedherselfup,ignoringthepainthatwascoursingthroughherbody.

Shetriedtogetupbutfoundthatherbodywastooweakandthepainwastoounbearable.SuddenlyKate
wasontopofher,kneeinghertotheground.

SakurawatchedinhorrorasKatebroughttheSwissArmyknifedowntowardher.Shescreamed,and

instantly,beforetheknifecouldcutherflesh,Sakura’shandshotoutandheldKate’swrist,stoppingherin
time.

“Whyareyoudoingthis?”shepantedoutlowly,herfacepale.
“Togetridofyou.You’vedestroyedtoomanylives.You’vedestroyedTara’slife.You’vedestroyed

Alaina’slife.They’remybestfriends.Nowyou’vealsodestroyedmylife.YoutookmyDarcyawayfrom
me.You’veruinedmylife,youbitch.”

Kateappliedmoreforce,herfaceredasshebroughttheknifeclosertoSakura’sthroat,readytoslice

herlifeaway.

Sakurawantedtocryout.Oh,God!Thefearwithinherwasoverwhelming.WhatifKatedidmanage

tosliceherthroathereandnowandkillherinaninstant?

Sakuracouldn’tthinkfurtherandmanagedtojostletheknifeoutofKate’shand.Katescrambledfor

herpreciousweapon.SakuratooktheopportunitytoshoveKateback,causingtheotherwomantofallon
herbackside.Sakurachosethechancetorunoutofthecaveandintothestormoutside.

Therainwashardandheavyandbeatingdownonherwithaferociousanger.Shecouldn’tseeathing

assheraceddownthenarrowpathwayshehopedwouldleadhertosomewheresafe.

“Comebackhere,bitch,”Kateshoutedafterher.“I’mgoingtokillyouforwhatyoudid.”
Sakura wasn’t listening. She raced around the sharp corner, nearly slipping on the muddy pathway.

Sheblinkedawayrainwaterfromhereyesasshesearchedinpanicwhichwaytogo.

“Sakura!Wherethefuckareyou?”Katescreamedintherain.“Comebackhereandletmekillyou

properly!”Thenshelaughed.

Sakuracametoasuddenstopandnearlyfelloffthecliff.Itwasadeadend.Sheshotbackandclung

flatagainstthewall.Sheclosedhereyesandtookadeepbreath,prayingveryhardthatshewouldn’tfall.

“Youknow,”Katesaid,nottoofaraway,rainbeatingdownonher.“Thisisaprettygoodplacefor

youtodie.Insteadofmeslicingyourthroattomakeitlooklikesuicide,maybeI’llthrowyouoffthecliff
andmakeitlooklikeanaccident.Whatdoyouthink,Sakura?”

Sakura felt her heart thumping loud and furious within her chest, her head spinning and her whole

body shaking. How did it come to this? Why was Kate trying to kill her? She hadn’t done anything to
deservethis.

Shebitherlipandpeekeddown.Sheshouldn’thavedonethat,forstraightdownbelowherwasthe

sea—veryangry,withthosebigwavescrashingagainstthecliff’sedge.Itwasreadytodevourher.

Sheswallowedandtriedtostayascalmasshecould,tellingherselftotakeadeepbreathandnot

move.Ifshekeptquietandstill,thenKatewouldrealizeshewasn’thereandwouldleave.

Shebreathedinheavilyandclungtothesideofthecliffastherainbeatdownonher,herwholebody

coldandwetandherheadthrobbingwithpain.Shefeltbloodslidingdownherfaceandquicklywipedit
away.Thatwaswhensherealizedherheadwasinjured,probablyfromtheimpactagainsttherockywall
inthecave.

“Whereareyou?”Katesangmerrily.
SuddenlyKateappeared,andSakurajumpedinfear.
“There you are.” Kate chuckled. “Just like old times, eh? Now then. Time to die.” She grabbed

Sakurabyherarmandshovedhertowardtheedgeofthecliff.

SakuraheldontoKatefordearlife.“Don’t!”shebegged.“Youdon’twanttodothis.Youshouldn’t

bedoingthis!Kate,pleaselistentome.”

“Why?Whyshouldn’tIbedoingthis?”Kateasked.“You’veruinedmylife.Ihavetogetridofyouso

we all can live happily ever after.” She shoved Sakura harder, but Sakura held on to the groove of the
rockwithonehandandKatewiththeother.

ThenwhenSakurathoughtshecouldn’tholdonanylonger,Conradsuddenlyappearedontheother

side,shockedtoseeherhangingontothecliffwithinathreadofherlife.

“Shit!Sakura!”hescreamed.“Kate,whatthehellareyoudoing?GetawayfromSakura!”
Kate, after hearing Conrad’s voice, went into shocked stillness. Then she panicked, and as if she

couldn’thelpherselfbecauseshe’dcometoofar,sheshovedSakuraharder,whichcausedSakuratolose
hergripontherock.

“Conrad!”Sakurascreamedasherbodyfellback,herhandsreachingouttohim.Oh,God!Shewas

goingtodie.

ConradracedtoSakura,screaminghername.“Sakura!”Hishandreachedoutforher,buthewastoo

late.Shewasalreadyfallingfromthecliffandintotheoceanbelow.

“Sakura!”hescreamedagain,hisvoiceechoingacrossthesea.
The voice, though mostly muffled out by the rain and the storm, reached the brothers down below.

TheyallturnedjustintimetoseeSakura’sbodyflyingdownlikealittledollandhittingthewater.

Sebastianwentcoldthemomenthesawherbody.Darcyscreamedhisheadoff.“Sakura!”hehowled,

hisvoiceloud,hisfacered,hisstomachflippingwithdread.

The brothers discarded their surfboards, diving deep into the ocean, and swam toward her. They

propelled themselves against the current, their strong arms and legs working hard against the waves. In
thatinstant,anenormouswavecamecrashingtowardthem,steeringthemoffcourse.Sebastiandovedeep
underandthenemergedagain.Darcywasbehindhim,andthensuddenlyanotherwavecameandsmashed
againstDarcy,swirlinghisbodyaboutandthrowingitoffagainstarock,scratchinghisskinandbreaking
hisarmintheprocess.Hefellunconsciousimmediately.

Assoonasitwashere,thewavewasgoneagain,andSebastianswambacktoDarcy.Hecaughthis

brother and brought him up to the surface. Nicolas, Tristan, Logan, and Hayden finally got to them.
HaydentookDarcyandslidhimontopofhissurfboard.

Sebastian, leaving Darcy in Logan and Hayden’s care, dove back down and went in search for

Sakura.NicolasandTristanweren’tfarbehindhim.

Please,God,letherbeallright,Sebastianprayed.Pleaseletherbeallright.
He finally found her and vigorously swam toward her. He caught her by the small of her waist,

huggedheragainsthim,andbroughtherbackuptothesurface.NicolasandTristancametohelp.Theyput
her on Nicolas’s surfboard and started heading back. Once they got back to the beach, Sebastian took
Sakurainhisarms,testingtoseeifshewasbreathing.Shewasn’t.Oh,shit!

Helaidherbackdown,hisheartthunderinginhischestandhisstomachknottedindread.Don’tdie

onme,sweetheart.Don’tyoudaredieonme!hecriedinternallyinanguish.

Heopenedhermouthandblewairintoherlungs.Thenhepressedonherchest.
“Comeon,”hesaid,anguishinhisvoiceandtearsinhiseyes.Hemovedtoblowairintoherlungs

againandthenpressedherchest.“Sweetheart,Sakura,wakeup!”hegrowled.

HaydenandLoganwerefixingDarcyupasbestastheycouldsohewouldn’tbleedtodeath.
“Somuchblood,”Haydensaid.“Shit!”
“Sakura! Sakura!” Conrad shouted from the distance as he raced down toward them. “Sakura!” He

cametokneelbesideher,hisfacepale.“Shit!Sakura!”hecried.

Sebastian continued to do CPR, and then finally, she coughed, spurting out loads of saltwater, and

openedhereyes.Sebastiansighedwithreliefandhuggedhertightwithinhisarms,tearsrollingdownhis
face.“Sakura,”hewhisperedagainstherwethair.

Sakuragazedatthemanwhohadsavedherlifeonceagain.“Sebastian,”shewhisperedweakly.Then

shehazilylookedaround.HerheartwaspoundingviolentlywithinherchestwhenshesawDarcylyingon
thegroundnottoofarawayfromher,bleeding.

Blood.Therewassomuchblood.“Darcy,”shewhispereddryly,herheadspinning.Then,asifasshe

couldn’ttakeitanylonger,sheclosedhereyesagainandfellunconscious.

*****

CHAPTER21

Confe ssion

Sakuraslowlyopenedhereyes.Whywasshesosore?Shegroanedinpainasshebroughtherhandupto
touch her forehead. Oh, God, her head was aching something sorely. Suddenly, she realized there were
longlinesofIVtubesconnectedtoherarm.

WhereamI?
Shetriedtositupbutfoundshecouldn’t.
“Don’tmove,”sheheardsomeonesaytohersoftly.
SakuraturnedtoseeSebastianmovingtowardherfromwherehesat.Hetouchedhiswarmhandto

hercheek,cuppingherface.“Lieback,”hesaid.

Sheobeyedhim.Sebastianpulledtheblanketuptoherchinashewatchedher.
“WhereamI?”sheaskedweakly.
“Inthehospital,”hesaid.
“Oh,”shevoiced,staringupattheceiling.Thensheclosedhereyesagain,tryingtothinkwhathad

happened. Her head hurt. Why was it so painful? Then slowly everything came back to her. The storm.
Kate.Conrad.Herfallingfromthecliff.

The last thing she remembered was her flying down, hitting the water, and then drowning. She had

thoughtthatshewasgoingtodieforsure.Thewater,itwastakingher,wantingtokillher.Shewhimpered
inpainatthereminder.

Darcy!She’dseenhimbleedingonthegroundnexttoher.
Sheflashedopenhereyes.“Darcy!”
“Hush,”Sebastiansaid.“He’sfine.He’sfine.”
“Tellmewhathappenedtohim,please,”shebegged,tearsinhereyes.
Sebastian slid in next to her then and pulled the blanket on the both of them. He made her rest her

head in his arms, and then slowly, he moved and kissed her forehead. “He’s fine. He’s just across the
hall.”Hedidn’tdaretellherthatDarcyhadlostalotofbloodandhisleftarmwasbrokenwhenhewas
tryingtosaveher.

Sebastian rested his chin on top of her head and said, “I was so worried. When I saw you fall, I

thoughtI’ddie.”

Sakuraclutchedontohim,herbodytrembling.“I’msorry.”
“Why are you sorry? I couldn’t believe Kate would do that to you.” He nudged her face up so she

couldlookathim.“Sakura,”hebeganslowly.

Sebastianknewhecouldn’tholdbackanymore.Hehadtotellher.Aftertheaccident,herlifeseemed

sofragile,andherealizedshecouldbesnatchedawayfromhimjustlikethat,likeyesterdayafternoon.
Heknewforcertainheneverwantedthattohappenagain,ever.Yes,heneededtotellhernow.

“I love you,” he said, staring into her dark eyes that had always mesmerized him. “I have always

lovedyou,Sakura.I’mnotgoingtoeverletyouleaveme,everagain.”

As she stared up at him, tears were rolling down her pale cheeks. She held on to him tightly, her

wholebodyshakinglikealeaf.“Sebastian,”shewhisperedsoftly.Shedesperatelywantedtotellhimthat
she,too,lovedhim.Butsheknewshecouldnotbecausesheknewverywellthatitwouldneverworkout.
All too soon, she’d be leaving him. All too soon, she’d be leaving them all, and it pained her to think

aboutit.

Thenbeforeshecouldsayanything,hislipswereonhers,kissinghergentlyandpassionately.With

tearsinhereyes,Sakurasubmittedtohim,lettinghimkissher,lettinghimexplorehermouth,lettinghim
have all of her because she knew it would be the last time she’d share a kiss with him. Then when he
finally lifted his head and wiped her tears away, she couldn’t help herself and said softly, “I love you,
too.”

Sebastian’sheartburstwithhappiness.Hishandswereshakingashecuppedherface.Thenslowly

he kissed her again. He tenderly kissed her forehead, her nose, her pale cheek, her chin, and then he
passionatelyandwildlykissedherlips.

Whenhewasfinallydonekissingher,Sakuralaidherheadonhischestandclosedhereyes,clinging

ontohim,neverwantingtolethimgo,knowingverywellthatthiswouldbethelasttimeshe’dfeelhis
warmembraceandsmellhisearthyscent.Eventuallyshesleptinhisarms.

Sebastianstayedwithheruntilwellpastmidnight,embracingherinhisarms,thankingGodthatshe

wassaved.Then,ofcourse,hehadtoleavebecausethenursebeggedhimto.

When Sakura woke the next morning, she was surrounded with people. Daddy James and Mom

Brendaweresittingononesideoftheroom.Nicolaswasleaningagainstthewindow,TristanandLogan
attheendofherbed,SebastianandHaydenonherleft,andConradonherright.

Shelickedherlipsandtriedtogetup.Conradwasfast.Hestoppedherbyputtinghishandonher

shoulders,tellinghertolieback.

“Don’tmove.You’renotwellyet,”hesaid.Thenhehuggedherreallytight,aworriedexpressionon

hisface.“Iwassoworriedlastnight,butstupidSebastianwouldn’tletmestaywithyou.Youscaredthe
shitoutofme,fallingoffthatcliff.”

“Oi,liedown,puppyboy,”Tristansaidteasingly.“You’resuffocatingpoorSakura.”
ConradfrownedathisbrotherbutdidmovebacktogiveSakurasomebreathingspace.
Nicolassaid,“Howareyoufeeling,Sakura?”
Sakuramanagedtogivehimaweaksmile,noddingherheadtotellhimshewasfine.
Loganclearedhisthroatandthensaid,“Youreallyputupagoodfightagainstthatseathere,Sakura.

I’mimpressed.”

AfrownformedonSakura’spaleface.
Tristanelbowedhisbrother,tellinghimitwasn’tappropriatetomentiontheincident.
“Kate?”Sakuraaskedsoftly.
Thebrotherslookedatoneanother.“Katehasbeentakenintocustodyforquestioning.”
“What’sgoingtohappentoher?”Sakuracouldn’thelpasking.
“She’sbeinginvestigatedforattemptedmurder,”Jamessaid,hiseyesdark.
Sakuracouldfeelthepainradiatingfromhisvoice,andherheartachedinresponse.
“You’retired.Youshouldrest,”Brendasaid,strokingbackherhair.
Sakuranoddedinagreement.ThenBrendashooedallhersonsout,whofinallyleftafterputtingupa

bigfight.Brendakissedheronherforeheadgently.“Getwellsoon.”

Sakuranodded,andthenbeforeBrendawent,shesaid,“Mom?”
“Yes,sweetheart?”Brendaraisedherbrows.
Sakura said slowly, her eyes on the older woman’s face, “I love you and thank you so much for

everything.”

Brendacockedherheadtooneside,confusedastowhySakurawouldsaythosewordstoherallofa

sudden.Shereplied,“Mypleasure.”

Sakura watched her adopted mother go, tears brewing in her eyes, her heart aching, knowing very

wellthiswouldbethelasttimeshe’dseethewomanforalongwhile.Finally,sheturnedherattentionto
James.

Hetookherhandinbothofhisandbroughtituptohisforehead.“I’msorry,”hesaidinanguish.
Sakura’stearsfloweddownhercheeks.“DaddyJames,please,you’vedonenothingwrong.”
James brought her hand to his lips and kissed it. “I’m so sorry, Sakura. I’ve failed as a father. I

couldn’tprotectyou.”

Sakurashookherhead.“No,youdidn’tfail.You’reamarvelousfather,andI’myourdaughter.”She

raisedupandtouchedherhandtohisface.Slowly,sheleanedforwardandkissedhimonthecheek.“I
loveyou,DaddyJames,andthankyouforeverything.YouwillalwaysbemyDaddyJames.”

Jameslookedathisadopteddaughterandrealizedthemeaningofherwords.Yes,shehadtoldthem

thatshewasleaving,butthissoon?

“Good-bye,DaddyJames,”shesaid,asadsmileonherface.
James watched as she slowly rested back and then closed her eyes, tears rolling down her pale

cheeks.

AhollowfeelingsatinthepitofhisstomachasJameswalkedoutthedoor,knowingverywellwhat

wasgoingtohappennext.“Iloveyou,mydaughterSakura.YouwillalwaysbeourSakuranomatterwho
youareorwhereyouare.”Thenhewasgone.

Sakuraquietlysobbeduntilshefellasleep.Thenexttimeshewokeup,shesawNedsittingbeside

herbed,waitingforhertowake.

“Iwasmightyworried,youknow,”washisgreeting.
Sakurasmiledweakly.“I’mstillalive,Neddear.”
Hesuddenlyhuggedhertightly.“Don’tyoueverdothattomeagain,”hemuttered,tearsinhiseyes.

“I’mtoooldforthatsortofbullshitnow.”

Shechuckled.Thenwhenhemovedbackandlookedather,shesaid,“Neddear,Ineedyourhelp.”
“YouknowIwilldoanythingtohelpyou,”hereplied,notingthedeterminedlookinherdarkeyes.
“Thankyou,”shesaid,smiling.

*****

CHAPTER22

AFinalKiss

Sakuralaythere,watchingthemoonrisinghighaboveinthenightsky.Itwasbeautiful,anditreminded
herofthatnightinthegardenaftershe’dreturnedfromMaryandPeter’swedding.Itremindedherofthe
manwhohadsecretlykissedher.

Darce.MydearDarce,shethought.Atleasthewassaved.
She closed her eyes, thinking about him, thinking of their childhood together, of the fun they’d had

underthatsakuratreeinthewoods.Shethoughtofherstrokinghisdarkhairashelaythereonherlapand
staredupatthebrightbluesky.Ithadbeenabeautifulchildhoodeventhoughithadonlybeenforavery
short while. That was until the world and everyone had turned against her. Now, however, she was
resolvednottothinkaboutthosehorridexperiences.Nowshewantedtoputeverythinginthepast.She
wantedtomoveforward.Shewantedtomakeherownpathandforgeherownfuture.Andeventhough
sheknewshe’dbreakmanyheartsdoingso,sheknewalsothatitwastheonlywaytoresolvetheconflict
thatshehadwithinherheart.

Sheknewthatherleavingthefamilywastheonlysolution.Alainawouldnolongerbeestrangedwith

James and Brenda. Alaina and Darcy would once again be best friends, which was what Alaina had
wantedsinceSakurahadenteredtheirlives.SakurawouldnotbreakeitherSebastian’sorDarcy’shearts.
Well,probablyatfirst,butsheknewthateventuallytheywouldforgetabouther.EventuallythisSakura
would fade from their memories and disappear from their minds, just like it had all those years ago
before.Eventuallyeachoneofthemwouldfindthatperfectwomanthey’dbeenwaitingfor.Thenthey’d
live happily ever after, just like in fairy tale books, and the name Sakura would no longer have any
meaningtothem.

Sakuraopenedhereyes,gotoutofbed,andslowlymadeherwaytothedoor.
Thehospitalcorridorwasdarkandquietatthisverylatehour,andSakurawasverygladindeedas

that meant no one would see her. Finally she came to the ward on the other side of the floor and went
towardDarcy’sroom.She’dbeentoldhewasrecoveringfineaftertheaccident,butshehadtomakesure,
hadtoseeforherselfbeforesheleftforgood.

Shestoodbythedoor,watchinghim,herheartachingforhim,withhim.Hewasstillunconscious,it

seemed.ShenotedIVlineswereconnectedtohisperson.Hewasprobablyonmorphineorsomethingto
keepthepainaway.

Darce!MyDarce!
Slowly, she walked toward him lying there motionless. She came to sit on the side of his bed, her

handgentleandwarmonhisfaceasshestrokedandcaressedhim,pleadingforhimtowakeup,forhim
toopenhiseyes.

Slowlysheloweredherheadtowardhisfaceandgentlyshekissedhimonhiscoldlips.Tearsrolled

downhercheeksasshecontinuedtokisshim,pleadingforhimtowakeup,pouringoutallofherloveand
passionforhim.Herhanddugdeepintohisthick,blackhairashertonguestrokedhismotionlesslips.

Herheartquiveredwithfrustrationandwithpain.Shewhimperedwithinherthroatasshecontinued

tokisshimwithawild,feverouspassion.

Darce!MydearDarce!Pleasewakeup!
Suddenly,Darcymoved.“Snow,”hegroanedsoftly.“Snow,don’tleaveme.Don’tdieonme.Please,

Iloveyou.”

Sakuracried,herwholebodyshakingwithemotionasshehidherfaceagainsthisneck.
Darcyslowlyopenedhiseyesanddazedlylookedather.“Snow,”hewhispered.
Sakuramoveddownandkissedhimagain—passionatelyandwildly—pouringherheartoutforhim,

tellinghimofhowmuchshelovedhim,justlikewhenhe’dkissedherinthegardenthatnightunderthe
brightmoonandwhisperedthewordsIloveyoutoher.

Darcyresponded,hishandatthebackofherhead,drawinghertohimastheirlipslockedandtheir

tonguesdancedwildlyagainstoneanother.Sakuracriedastheykissed,herheartburstingwithpleasure
andpain,withhappinessandsadness.Thiswastheirfinalkiss.Ineffect,thiswasagood-byekiss.

Finallyshemovedback.Herlipswerebruisedredfromtheirpassionatekisses.ShewatchedDarcy

smile,content,asheclosedhiseyesagain,fallingbacktohisunconsciousstate.

Shewatchedhimforacouplemoreminutes,memorizinghishandsomefeaturesinhermind,wanting

torememberhimforever.

“Iloveyou,Darce.IwillalwaysbeyourSnow,”shesaidsoftlyandthenkissedhimgentlyagain.At

thatmoment,however,sheknewshe’dneverseehimagain.

Thenslowlyshegotupandwalkedtothedoor.

*****

CHAPTER23

Sayonara,MyBe autifulFamily

TheoldToyotaCorollacametoahaltagooddistancefromPrincetonMansion.Sakura,injeansanda
light sweater, got out of the car. Ned watched her as she walked up the pathway toward the house, his
eyesdarkwithsorrow.

Sakuraenteredthehouseviathebackdoorandthentookthebackstairsuptothesecondfloor.Once

shewasinherroom,shetookouthertreasureboxandtookoutthecardsshehadpreparedafewdays
ago.

Some moments later, she was standing outside once again, looking toward the house. There were

lights in the drawing room, and from this distance, she could hear the family going about doing their
things.

Atthisverymomentinthedrawingroom,JamesandBrendaweresittingbythelitfireplacewhile

Tristan, Logan, and Hayden were working on a get-well poster for Sakura and Darcy. Nicolas and
Sebastianwereontheirlaptops,workingontheircardforthepairaswell.Conradwasbusywritinghis
get-wellmessagesonthecardthathehadhandmadeforSakura.Hewasratherpleasedwiththeoutcome
andhopedSakurawouldloveit.

Astheywentaboutdoingtheirprojects,engrossed,noonenoticedTobygettingupfromhiscozyspot

bythefireplaceandtrottingquietlytothedoorandthenoutofthehouse.Thedoginstinctivelycametohis
master,whowasstandingbythepond,waitingforhim.

SakurapickedTobyupinherarmsandkissedhisnose.Shegazedatthehouseabitlonger,herheart

aching.Sheknew,however,thatshecouldn’tstaymuchlonger.Shehadtogoinsearchofherbiological
mother,toliveherlife,toexperienceherlife.

Sheclosedhereyesandtearsrolleddownhercheeks.
Sayonara, my beautiful family. Mono no aware. You are like the sakura flower. Bloom vibrantly,

justlikethisspring,sobeautifulandfulloflifeandcolor.Youarehereinmylifeforonlyashorttime,
enchantingmewithyourwonderfulwayoflifeandyoureverlastingkindness,andabriefmomentlater
youaregoneagain,outofmylife.Iamsad,mybeautifulfamily,toleaveyoubehind.Iamsadtonever
see you again, to feel your love, to hear you call me sweetheart. But I must go. Thus, sayonara, my
beautifulfamily.

Slowly,Sakurawalkeddowntheroad,leavingherbeloved,beautifulfamilybehind.Afewmoments

later,thecardroveawayfromPrincetonMansion,awayfromPrincetonEstate,awayfromthePrinceton
family.

*****

CHAPTER24

He artsBroke n

Handinhand,JamesandBrendawalkedupthestairstotheirbedroomonthefirstfloor.Astheycame
intotheroom,theyimmediatelysawthelittlecardsittingonthelargeking-sizebed.

Jamesknewimmediatelywhoitwasfromandnearlybrokedown.However,hemanagedtocontrol

himselfandpickedupthecard.

Iloveyou,DaddyJamesandMomBrenda.IwillalwaysbeyourdaughterSakura,nomatterwhoIam

orwhereIam.

Brenda came to read the card by her husband and gasped out in anguish, tears rolling down her

cheeks.Jamestookherintohisarmsastears,too,rolleddownhischeeks.

*****

Nicolascameintohisbedroomashecheckedhise-mailonhistablet.Oncehe’dfinishedreplyingtothe
various messages that needed his attention pronto, he put down the tablet and finally noticed the pretty
cardthatsatinthemiddleofhisbed.

Hepushedhisglassesupthebridgeofhisnose,wonderingwhomitwasfrom.Hepickedupthecard.

Ithadaprettyhand-paintedpictureofcherryblossoms.Heopenedthecardandread:

Tobe,ornottobe,thatisthequestion.

Youforgeyourowndestiny.

Sakura

Handshaking,Nicolaswhispered,“Sakura.”

*****

Tristanpickedupthesmall,prettycardandreadit.Asheopenedit,aphotoslippedoutandlandedonthe
bed.HepickeditupandsawitwasapictureofhimwithSakuraandLogan.HeandLoganwerekissing
heratMaryandPeter’sweddingceremony.Heturnedhisattentiontothecardandread:

SorryIslappedyouthatdayinthelibraryyearsago.

I’msorryInevergottoknowyoubetter.

Sakura

“Sakura?Whatisthemeaningofthis?”Tristansaidandreadthecardagain.

*****

Logan stared at the photo of him and Tristan kissing Sakura on her cheeks. “Sakura?” he said. Then he

readthecardagain:

Iwillmissyourlaughterandyourteasing.

I’msorryInevergettoknowyoubetter.

Sakura

“What?”Logansaid.“Thisisnotimeforjokes,Sakura.WhenIseeyoutomorrow,I’lltellyouhow

todoaproperjoke.”

*****

Hayden stared at the little card and the small box sitting next to it, confused. He picked the card up,
openedit,andread:

IloveyourmotorbikeandIlovethosewonderfulridesnearthecliff.

Sakura

Haydenpickeduptheboxandfoundanearring.Hegrittedhisteeth,hiseyesdark.Itwastheearring

she’dboughtforhimwhentheywerechildren.

“Sakura,”hesaid,clutchingtheearringinhishand.

*****

Conradcockedhisheadtoonesideashelookedattheprettycardsittingonhisbed,wonderingwhomit
wasfrom.Grinning,thinkingitmustbeoneofthemaidswhojustmighthaveacrushonhim,hepickedit
upandopenedit.

MydearestConrad,

YoualwaysmakemesmileandIthankyouforthat.

Youaremyfavoritebrother,andIloveyoudearly.

Sakura

Conradblinkedandreadthroughthecontentsagain.Thenherealizedwhatitmeant.No,hethought.It

couldn’tberight.Someonemustbeplayingtricksonhim.ItmustbeTristan.Herushedoutofhisroom
andrantoSakura’sbedroom.Hedidn’tevenbothertoknockandburstin.Hefoundtheroomasitwas
before,cleanandtidy.Buttherewerethingsmissing.Thelaptop,thecamera,andSakura’sbagwereall
gone. That was when he realized she was really gone. He collapsed onto his knees and whispered,
“Sakura.”

Nicolas, Tristan, Logan, and Hayden came into her room then. They found Conrad beside Sakura’s

bed.Thatwaswhenthey,too,realizedshewasgone—reallygone.

Conradliftedhisheadtohisbrothersandsaid,“Sheleftus.”

*****

Sebastian stared at the little card on his bed, his heart thumping loudly within his chest. He knew the
instanthe’dseenthecardwhoitwasfromandwhatthemeaningofitwas.He,however,refusedtothink
about it, refused to pick it up and read the contents. That was when he heard someone rushing into

Sakura’sroomandamomentlatermorefootsteps.

“Sheleftus,”heheardConradsay.
It was as though the world had collapsed on him, and he felt sick to his stomach. Suddenly he felt

dizzy,andhislegsstaggered.Hesatonthebed,findingitdifficulttobreathe.Hefeltasthoughhewas
beingsuffocated.

Then,asifhecouldn’tstandthetormentofnotknowingwhatthatcardsaid,hereachedforit.Slowly

hetookadeepbreathandopenedthecard.

Mononoaware.

Iloveyou.

Sakura

Sebastianclosedhiseyes,hisfacecontortedwithanguish.“Sakura,”hecriedsoftlyunderhisbreath.

“Sakura.”Hisbodywasshakinguncontrollablyashesatthere,silentlycryinghisheartout.

Whydidyouhavetoleave?Why?Whotoldyoutoleave?Haveyounoheart?Yousaidyoulove

me.Sowhydidyouleaveme?

“Why?”hewhispered.“Why?”Thenheshookhishead,refusingtosubmittothisstupidfateshe’d

madeoutforhim.Hewouldn’tacceptthis.NotSebastian.Hewasn’tjustgoingtosithereandletherrun
offjustlikethat.Ohno.He’dtrackherdownandbringherback.

“Mononoawarebullshit!”heswore.“I’mgoingtofindyou,Sakura,andIwillneverallowyouout

of my sight again, ever!” He lifted his head then, a determined look in his azure eyes, his face a hard
mask.

*****

Darcyopenedhiseyes.Hisheadhurt.Infact,hiswholebodywasinpain.Whathappened?Whycouldn’t
herememberanything?Slowly,hebroughthisfingerstohislipsandstrokedthepaleflesh.Heclosedhis
eyesagain,tryingtorememberwhathadhappened.AllthatherememberedwashimtryingtosaveSakura
inthesea.Isshesafe?Whereisshe?

Hecontinuedtostrokehisdrylipsashismindsearchedfarandwideforthatelusivememory.Why

didhehavethefeelingthatsomeonehadkissedhimlastnight?Thewarmlips.Thegentletouches.

Oh,God,hecouldn’tremember.
Thenhesawthecardsittingonthebedsidetable.Hereachedoutforitandnoteditwasverypretty.It

wasawatercolorpaintingofacherrytree,theverysametreethatheandSakurahadsatunderandwhere
he’dkissedher.Suddenly,hisheartachedwithinhischestandhisbodytensedasthoughheknew.

Slowly,heopenedthecard.

IwillalwaysbeyourSnow.

Iloveyou.

Sakura

AsoundescapedhislipsandDarcyfeltdizzy.Hisheartbegantobeatfast.
“Snow,” he whispered, closing his eyes, trying to calm his beating heart. Then when he fully

comprehended the meaning of those few words, he flashed his eyes open, jolted up, and screamed,
“Sakura!”

Hisheartwaspoundingsohardandsoirregularlywithinhischestthatthemachinestartedbeeping

loudlyintheroom,indicatingabnormalheartrate.Darcywaslostinhisrageanddespairastearsflowed
downhischeeksfromhiseyesandtheworldspunaroundhim.

“Sakura,don’t leave me!”he cried, hiseyes dark, his voiceshaking. “Don’t. Ilove you. You can’t

leaveme.Please,Sakura.”

Hescrambledoffthebed,mindlesslytearingawayIVlinesfromhisarms.“Ihavetofindyou.Where

areyou,Sakura?Please,comeback.”

Thedoorburstopenandtwonursesrushedintotheroom.Theytookonelookathimandimmediately

tookhimbythearmsandtriedtomakehimreturntobed.

Darcywouldn’tlistentothem,however,andshookhisheadashefoughtthemoff,thrustinganurse

againstthewallasheheadedforthedoor.Itwasthenthatthebrothers,whohadjustarrived,rushedinto
theroom.SebastiancaughtDarcyinhisarmsandmanagedtocalmhimdown.

“She’sgone,”Darcywhispered,tearsinhiseyes.“Sheleft.”
Sebastiannodded.
“We can’t just leave it and do nothing,” Darcy said. “We have to find her.” He looked up at his

brothers,beggingthemwithhiseyestoagreewithhim,tohelphimfindthewomanheloved.Beforehim
stoodNicolas,Tristan,Logan,Hayden,andConrad,andonebyone,theynodded,adeterminedlookin
theireyes.

“We’lllookforher,Darcy,”Sebastiansaid,hishandtightonDarcy’sshoulder.“We’llfindher.”
“Together,”Darcysaid.“We’llfindhertogether.”
Sebastiannoddedandsaid,“Yes,together.”
Thebrothersnoddedagain,andDarcysmiled,tearsinhiseyes.

*****

CHAPTER25

ANe wBe ginning

Itwasmorningandthebrightorangesunwasjustbeginningtoriseoverthehorizon.Sakuraraisedher
faceandbreathedinthefreshair.Whensheopenedhereyesagain,shesawtheStatueofLibertyandin
thedistanceNewYorkCity.

Behindher,Nedfoldedhisarmsacrosshischestashewatchedher,asmileonhisface.
Toby, who was in Sakura’s arms, licked her chin. She turned her attention to him then and smiled.

“Look, Toby, our new home,” she said, pointing to the city beyond. The dog barked happily, and she
laughed.

Shewasheadingtohernewhomeandhernewfuture.Atthatmoment,thesunrosejustaboveher,

shining down on her, which gave her an orange picturesque beauty that if anyone cared to look would
havetakentheirbreathaway.

Sakurafeltatpeaceasherserenefacegazedoffintothedistance.Now,shewasnolongerSakura

Princeton.Fromthisdayforwardandbeyond,shewasSakuraTanaka,andshesolookedforwardtoher
newfuture.

“Sebastian,”shewhisperedsoftlyunderherbreath.“Darcy,pleaseforgetSakuraPrincetonbecause

shenolongerexists.”

Sakuraknewthateventuallythetwomenwouldforgetabouther,forgetaboutSakuraPrincetonlike

they’dforgottenaboutherbefore.Soontheirmemoriesofherwouldfadeandthencompletelydisappear
fromtheirminds.Thenoneday,theywouldmeetthewonderfulwomenwhosurelydeservedthem.Sakura
Princeton,however,wasnotthatperson.SakuraPrincetonneverwasandneverwouldbe.

“Iloveyouboth,”shewhisperedsoftly.
Sakura Tanaka smiled as she stroked her long hair back, her eyes gazing off to the horizon. “I’m

lookingforwardtonextspring.Itwillbesointeresting,”shesaidtoherself.

*****

NEWYORKCITY

One Ye arLate r,Spring

LukeHamiltonwaitednervouslyashestaredatthepaintingofsomecherrytreesthatwasplacedproudly
in the middle of the large gallery. He couldn’t understand why his boss wanted this type of painting so
badly. It was just a picture of cherry trees with some green land in the distance and beyond that, the
pristineblueoceanandtheazureskyabove.Itwasn’tthatinteresting,yetSebastianPrincetonhadwanted
it. Well, not that Luke was complaining about coming here, of course. Even though he had no interest
whatsoeverinthepaintings,hedidhaveaninterestinthepainterherself.Andnowhestoodwaitingfor
hertomaterialize.

Andmaterializeshedid.
“Mr.Hamilton,”shecalledoutsoftly,whichcausedLuke’shearttoflutterwithinhischest.Speaking

oftheangel,hethoughtandeagerlyturned.

Oh,God!Shereallydidtakehisbreathaway.
Shestoodbeforehimnowlikeaqueenwithherveryrefinedfigure.Actually,heshouldbereferring

toherasmyladybecausehethoughtthistitlesuitedherratherwell.Especiallywhenshewasdressed
likethis,wearingherveryelegantlongskirtandawhiteblousethatcovereduptoherneck,whichwasof
courselovinglyandfashionablydesigned.God,shelookedlikeaVictorianlady,soelegantand,bloody
hell,likeaverypreciousornamentthathecouldn’taffordtotouch.

Todayshehadherlong,ashbrowncurlslooselybraidedandrestingoveroneshoulder.Ashecame

closer, he noticed that today her eyes were two different colors again. Her left eye was an azure-blue
color,brightandshinningjustliketheclearblueskyaboveNewYorkCityonthisveryfinespringday.
Herrighteye,ontheotherhand,wasthecolorofthemoononastormynight,amauve-graycolorthathe’d
neverseenbeforeonanyperson.No,hewaslyingthere.Hehadactuallyseenthatverysameoddcolor
on one particular person. He was the young, famous game creator Darcy Princeton, who every woman
desiredandwanted.

“Wouldyouliketohaveaseat?”sheasked,cockingherbeautifulheadtoonesideasshelookedat

him.

“Um,” Luke began, lost because she was smiling at him. Why was she was so beautiful when she

smiled?Shit!Whatwashehereforagain?Ohyes,theartexhibition.Yes,that’sright,andthepaintings.

“Yes,please,Ms.Tanaka,”Lukesaid,noddingfuriously.
She chuckled softly, and Luke wanted to melt with joy. “Please, you can call me Sakura. After all,

you’vebeenmyclientforsixmonthsnow,andcallingmeMs.Tanakajustdoesn’tseemright.”

Lukeswallowed.“Well,I’mworkingformyboss.Butthenagain,it’sthesamething,isn’tit?”
“Luke?”Sakuraasked.“AboutthatJapanesefashionshowthatisduetotakeplaceinafewmonths?”
“Yes?”Lukeasked.
“YoursisterisworkingfortheJapanesedesignerMr.Tachibana,yes?”
Lukenoddedhishead.
“IwaswonderingifImightaskforafavor.”
Lukewasonlytoohappytohelp.“Ofcourse,”hesaid,tryingveryhardtohidehiseagerness.
“I was wondering about the fashion industry. Will your sister be able to help me with that?” she

asked,hereyesonhim,thetwodifferentcolorsfascinatinghimevenmore.

“Ofcourse,”hesaid.“Theonethat’stakingplaceatPrincetonHotelhereinManhattan?”
Sakurapausedforamoment,forthenamePrincetoncausedherhearttojoltwithinherchest.“Yes,”

sheconfirmed.“Thatone.”

Lukechuckled.“Ofcourse.Mindyou,manypeoplearegoingtoshowupsincethefamousPrinceton

brothersaregoingtobethere,orsoI’veheard.”Lukemovedforward,curiosityeatingathim.“You’re
notaskingjustbecauseyou’reinterestedinthem,areyou?”

Sakura felt her hands shake. She couldn’t believe it. After almost a year, the brothers were still

affectingher,bothmentallyandemotionally.Slowlysheshookherhead.“Ihavemyownreasons,Luke.”

It was her mother, Haruka Tanaka, who she wanted to meet. She knew for a fact Haruka would be

there,andshecouldn’tpossiblypassupthechancenow,couldshe?Evenifshehadtoplayhide-and-seek
withthebrothers.Ofcourse,shereasonedwithherself,theywouldn’tknowI’dbethere.Besides,they’d
probablyallforgottenaboutherbynow,soshehadnothingtofear.

Finally Sakura smiled brilliantly. “Thank you,” she said to Luke. “Thank you so much. You don’t

knowhowmuchthismeanstome.”

*****

ENDOFFALLINGFORSAKURAVOL.2:ASECRETKISSPART2

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AboutAlexia

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