Page 147 of Tragic Lies (Rixon High 2)

“Peyton, I—”

“What’s taking so long?” Cameron’s voice boomed, too fucking close. We jerked apart right as he entered the kitchen.

“Just getting a beer,” I said, hoping he didn’t notice the roughness to my voice.

Peyton grabbed a bowl and started pouring in the bag of chips she’d gotten out of the cabinet. “Snacks.” She whirled around and flashed my brother a warm smile, ducking around him to disappear into the hall.

His brows knitted. “Everything okay?”

“Yeah, why wouldn’t it be?”

“Look, Xander, I know things haven’t been—”

“Let’s not do this.” I stepped forward. “Not today. It’s Christmas. Merry Christmas, Brother.”

“Merry Christmas. I’m glad you’re here.” He squeezed my shoulder, and for a second, I was just an eleven-year-old with no one but my big brother to protect me.

But we’re older now. Separated by years of disappointment and shame and harsh words. And I didn’t doubt for a second that if he knew what he’d really walked in on…

He would never forgive me.