The House of Grey- Volume 5 Read Free Page B

talent or culture? A freshman with absolutely nothing to offer you?”
    Cyann ran a hand through her dark hair. “No social standing or wealth? You do know that Monson Grey inherited a one-third share in the Baroty Conglomerate, right?”
    Boston’s expression plainly advertised that he did not know that. Not surprising ; it was not like Monson walked around with a sign on his back that read “One of the richest people in the world.”
    Boston started again. “I knew it had to be something. If he’s got that much money—”
    Cyann cut him off. “You just don’t get it, do you?”
    “No, I don’t. If it’s not the money, I don’t get it. What could you possibly see in him? OK, I understand that he’s mildly intelligent, but come on Cyann, not a single guy friend in two years. I have watched you, you know. Why now? Why him?”
    “ Boston…” Cyann spun on the spot, her blue eyes boring into his. “Have you ever had a near-death experience?”
    “What?” Boston blanched in discomfort. “No, of course not—I doubt that many people have ever—”
    “I have.” Cyann quietly interrupted him. “Over and over again in my dreams. I fall into a place of the purest white where the clouds don’t just cling to the rooftops but are a part of them. At first it seems like Heaven itself has created a special place for my family and me, but then I realize that Heaven is on another cloud—in another dream. What’s left to me, Boston, are the stares of nameless, horribly disfigured people and the echoes of bloodcurdling screams. Because of my dreams, my peace of mind is constantly being tested and my fortitude at times is almost gone. I know no relief and in this, I was always alone…until he came.
    “Now you want to know what I see in that boy? I will tell you. I see a boy who could have had everything but fell just a bit short. I see a boy who not nine months ago was almost killed—who almost died, Boston.”
    She paused as her voice broke but was almost instantly off again. “Now, I see a boy who despite losing almost everything, his family, his friends, his literal self-image, even his memories…who smiles. Yes, he smiles. Monson Grey maintains a kind and loving demeanor, neither judging nor detesting. He’s overly simplistic in his thoughts and quick to anger, but it’s always accompanied with a sense of love and justice that warms the heart. All this causes me to sit and wonder what he really thinks and feels. What kind of pain does he have that he hides away? I wonder all this because I know the secret horrors that can visit you in the night.”
    Cyann’s gaze wandered towards the mirror and her own reflection.“I guess I haven’t really answered your question, have I? You want to know what I see in him. I see a boy…who is really a man. One of the strongest I have ever met.”
    “That doesn’t really explain why you all of a sudden stopped spending time with him, or why you started in the first place. Nor does it shed any light on the real reason you’re with the Diamond.” Boston seemed unable to contain himself. “What does everyone see in that brat? So tell me this, if he’s so strong and you admire him so much, why isn’t he here? I would think you would want to share your dance, your artistic vision with someone like him. So answer me, why the sudden change?”
    Cyann actually let out a laugh this time. Monson had heard it before and it made him cringe. He felt its cruel, mocking edge.
    “Why isn’t he here? You mean besides the obvious?”
    Boston held his tongue. It was apparent that he did not know what the “obvious” was.
    “Monson probably doesn’t dance, Boston. I couldn’t ask him to help me with this and we all know how rhythmically challenged Damion is. I did what I had to. I had to pick someone I knew could dance and wouldn’t be afraid of me. I would have thought that was plain to see.”
    Boston flushed at her words. Obviously, he was picturing something more dramatic.