Her Guardians Lost (Her Guardians Trilogy #2) Read Free Page A

couldn’t help the sadness I felt. Seeing him here was like torture.
    I turned toward Michael. “Well, it would seem you’re still full of secrets, Michael.” The look I gave him made him wince a little.
    “Sorry. There are just things that have to be left unsaid, just in case—” He stopped for a moment and sighed. “If I tell you things, there might be a knock-on effect. One that would make you—” He paused again. He was obviously having a hard time choosing his words.
    “Remember?” I offered.
    He looked me in the eye and smiled. “Yes, you could say that.”
    “So you’re Stephen’s twin?” I asked, looking at Simeon again.
    “Yes, although I wouldn’t say we are quite the same.”
    “You got that right.” The minute I said it, I threw my hand over my mouth. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know from where that came. I don’t even know you.”
    “That’s okay. Stephen would be happy to hear that anyway.” Simeon offered me a courteous smile, whilst Michael glared at him.
    What’s his problem? He was fine a minute ago, but now that Simeon was here, he was kind of off.
    “So, where have you just come from? Who were you protecting?” Changing the subject seemed to be the best course of action right now.
    “I’ve just come back from Australia, and his name is Matt. He’s a right pain in the arse.” Simeon cleared his throat. “Sorry—just slipped out.”
    For a moment, I smiled at him. His infectious grin stared back at me and I couldn’t seem to keep my eyes off him.
    Suddenly, a voice from out of nowhere crept into my mind. He’s not Stephen!
    I had to shake my head because one, I had to rise out of this stupor—and fast—and two, I thought I might be hearing things. Although the voice was a woman’s, it didn’t sound like me at all.
    “Are you okay, Cassie?” Michael gently squeezed my hand and frowned.
    “I’m fine. Thank you.” I paused to take a deep breath. “Is he okay?” I turned my attention back to Simeon.
    “What’s that?” Simeon’s eyebrow arched slightly, causing me to gasp a little.
    I cleared my throat. “Matt… Is he okay?”
    “Oh. Yeah. He’s fine. I had to tell him some random story about his soul being ripped from him if he ever breathed a word of this to anyone.”
    My eyes were like saucers. Simeon saw my expression and giggled. “I’m only kidding! You don’t think I would really say that, do you?”
    “Simeon, are you here to bid farewell?” Michael gazed upon his brother, glaring again.
    “No, actually. I thought I would hang around with you guys for a little while. I kind of like it on earth. So many things going on at the same time. So many adventures to take, people to meet.”
    Michael shot up out of his seat. “Simeon, I think we need to talk. Come with me.”
    Michael led Simeon out of the ward. I was a little miffed I couldn’t be privy to their conversation. I could understand Michael being annoyed at Simeon being here. Maybe Michael just wanted it to be the two of us and no one else.
    When they walked back in, Michael looked pissed and Simeon was smiling. “Michael thinks me being here may upset you a little.”
    I had to agree on that front. “Well, you do look a lot like him.”
    His face suddenly fell. “I’m sorry. I really don’t want to hurt you. Maybe I should go.”
    “No, of course not. If you want to stay for a while, then stay.”
    Having Michael with me was calming enough, but the two of them? Well, let’s just say it made the pain bearable. I felt like I was home.
    “That’s settled then!” Simeon beamed, but I heard a voice inside my head tut-tutting away like some holier-than-thou schoolmarm.
    “Michael, I need to ask you something.” I glanced away from Simeon as his smile was hard to take.
    “What’s that?”
    “What have you told the police? I assume they’ve come here and interviewed you.”
    Michael scratched his head. “Yes. And I suppose I’d better tell you because they’ll probably be here