Escaping Our Reality by Halcie Dawn

Ella
I want to find my sister. Actually, I need to find my sister. I can’t count on my parents to do it. They’re too busy jet-setting around the world on useless vacations and bed-hopping from one tryst to the other. So it’s up to me. I mean, the police have no new leads—maybe I can do what they can’t do.
But instead of finding her, I find him.
Homeless, cynical, commanding, and without a doubt, the best-looking guy I’ve ever seen in my entire life.
I’m drawn to him. Instantly and permanently. He sees me. The real me. The me that I show so few people.
There’s just one problem. Well, two problems, really. One, he doesn’t think he’s worthy. Of anything. And two, he doesn’t want me looking for my sister.

Crutch
I’m from the wrong side of the tracks. Hell, my side of town is so bad it doesn’t even have tracks. I come from addicts, thieves, and liars.
And her…
Well, she has enough money to solve world hunger and still wipe her hands on a gold-trimmed handkerchief when she’s done.
Girls like her throw pity at guys like me. That’s why I don’t let anyone see the real me. Find the ones who know nothing about you or where you’re from, have a little fun, and then walk away. That’s my modus operandi. And yes, I do know what that means. Being poor doesn’t mean I’m stupid.
I can’t let her go. And I know I should. I mean, she’s still in high school. But… I can’t walk away.
I might not have a choice, though. Especially if she doesn’t stop looking for her sister.