Page 47 of Sincerely, Butterfly

Her soul is too good, too pure. She’s untainted, and we plan on making sure it stays that way.

Even though it’s really fucking hard to do.

We’re young, just really starting to live our lives. We’re not looking to settle down, to get married and have kids.

I’d be content living my life as a single man, finding pleasure where I can.

Does our choosing not to make Nola ours mean we’re going to let her move on and find someone else? Hell fucking no. Thankfully, she’s shown no interest in any other guy. She lives a quiet, sheltered life, and we’ve made sure it stays that way.

Her father might be a part of our world, and she might share the same blood as her father, but she’s shown no signs that she’s anything like him.

And she probably never will be.

We plan to protect her, keep her out of harm's way while we continue to live our depraved lives.

But what Jasper doesn’t know is that if I find an opportunity, even the smallest hint that she could possibly be what we need, I’m going to take it.

If I can get Nola to be ours, I’ll do it.

“Don’t push me,” Jasper warns, jabbing me in the chest with his finger. “We’re equals. Remember that.”

I run my tongue over my teeth as he exits the plane, hands fisted at my side.

He might be my best friend, my brother, but he will not control the outcome of my life. He might be okay with never having Nola as ours, but I’m not.

Maybe it’s selfish of me, but I don’t fucking care.

The drive to the hotel wasn’t very long. We got settled in, showered, and changed for the day.

Work begins tomorrow, but today I have a very important person to see.

Leaning against the rental car, I wait in the parking lot of St. Mary of the Cross, an all-girls academy.

The bell just rang a few minutes ago, ending not only the day but marking the end of the school year and the start of summer break.

The girls all cast a look my way, whispering under their breath and giggling as they walk past me. I pay them no mind, none of them hold any of my interest.

I wait until the girl I’m here for steps through the brass gate doors.

Putting my fingers between my lips, I let out a sharp, loud whistle. “Hey, Callie girl!”

A pair of blue eyes and wild black curls bounce my way.

My grin stretches from ear to ear when my little sister notices me. Lowering my glasses, I ask, “Need a ride?”

Her eyes light up, and I chuckle as she races toward me.

“Sylas!” she shouts, throwing her arms around me. “Oh my god, you're here. You’re really here! I missed you so much.”

I can hear the crack in her voice, and a crack forms in my heart to match it.

“I’m here,” I murmur, holding her tight. “For good.”

“What do you mean?" She pulls back to look at me, brows furrowing. “Are you moving to London?"

“No.” I smile, shaking my head. “But you’ll be moving back home.”

“You’re fucking with me.” Her eyes flick between mine. “Don’t joke with me, Sylas.”