Chapter 6

• Ashley gave me a considerate look as we sipped hot drinks later. "So...are you doing alright after everything with Xavier yesterday?"
• I nearly choked, warmth flooding my cheeks. We hadn't exactly discussed the intimate interlude we staged yet. "Oh - uh, I'm fine," I managed after a coughing fit. "It was all just pretend anyway to trick Celeste."
• Ashley tilted her head, something unreadable passing through her emerald gaze at my flustered response. But she merely patted my shoulder comfortingly. "Well if you do ever want to talk, I'm here. And once again Serena, I am so sorry, you are like a sister…no you are a sister to me. Telling you who I am would have put you in grave danger.… still I have failed miserably at protecting you… "