Family was everything, and to be deprived of it was so unfair. A connection in the world was something a lot of people craved. A closeness that a lot of people didn't have. It seemed unfair to deny him of anything, especially something as precious as loved ones. She felt a pang of deep pity for him, wanting to somehow comfort him. He seemed sincere and again, Parker trusted her empathy.
"I couldn't hurt family," she returned, neither flinching nor pulling away when Julian reached out for her. She automatically did the same, reaching forward as she nudged toward the edge of the couch. Her hand fit perfectly in his, like it was tailor made to be that way. She'd always wanted a brother, remembering how envious she'd been at times in her youth when she'd looked on Prue and Phyl and Pen. They'd had their brothers, so why shouldn't she? She reached out with her other hand too, tenderly enclosing his hand between both of hers. "You're right. It isn't fair."
Thinking about anything else that what wasn't within the walls of the study already seemed like a foreign concept to her. Because inside that room lay intrigue and promise, a temptation that was both dark and exciting. She ignored the little voice in her head that wanted her to run for help, to call for the others. She wanted to be there with Julian and the longer she held onto him, the more she easily dismissed every thing else. "So what happens now?"