Kill Switch by Penelope Douglas

learn how to swim quick enough.
Banks stood up, bringing her satchel—weighed down and
bulging with books and who knew what else with her. She
looked up at me, explaining, “I want to empower people.
That’s all I know for now.”
“Ready for lunch?” Alex asked behind me, but I knew she
wasn’t talking to me. They were probably meeting Rika, too,
since they all went to school here at Trinity College.
My sister walked past me, and I caught a little bow of her
head, almost like an apology. It was subtle, and I hadn’t seen it
in forever, but she used to do it all the time, didn’t she?
Always little looks or gestures like that to handle me and my
temper or keep me on an even keel.
I inhaled a deep breath.
I needed her. I needed an anchor.
“Banks,” I said, and turned around slowly.
She stopped and paused, standing there but not turning
around. She didn’t want to deal with me, and she wasn’t going
to have to. I was her big brother. I took care of her, not the
other way around.
“I’ll catch up,” she finally told Alex.
Alex shot me a look, and I cocked an eyebrow, reminding
her that she really didn’t like me upset.
Her lips formed a tight line and she nodded at Banks,
leaving the auditorium.
Banks turned around, but she still wouldn’t look at me.
We were only a few feet from each other, but all of a
sudden, it felt like miles.
I’d nearly killed my friend.
I’d destroyed Kai’s business.
I’d threatened her, had her guarded, and kept her
practically caged.
I was sorry for some things, not for others.