We’ve really got to talk about his empath abilities being canceled out by his awkward timing.
“Well, considering my niece is about to risk her life tomorrow, yes. Now or never is the perfect time.” She stands and smiles at the four of us.
“You,” she points at Ryder. “I like you. Follow me.”
His brows raise and he looks at me.
“Should I be worried?” A smirk pulls at the corner of his lips.
“You should be fucking terrified.” It’s a serious statement but it only makes him smile more. He brushes his palm down my arm before striding after my aunt into the other room. His steps are sure, and I may or may not watch him walk away for a bit too long.
Several minutes pass and dread starts to sink through my stomach.
Gods above I hope she’s not giving him pointers on how to go down on me. Or worse, putting thoughts into his head. If she tries to tell him what a ‘spit roast’ is, I might die of mortification before the war even starts.
Dax’s curiosity is pooling right into me as he listens intently to the whispering voices in the other room.
Ryder’s wide smile sets me on edge when he returns. He takes his seat on the small couch, his thigh brushing against mine.
“What’d she say?” I hiss at him.
His arm slips against the back of the couch before wrapping warmly around me. He leans into me, his chest pushing against my shoulder as his lips skim over my ear.
“I’ll tell you later.” His breath against my neck sends a shiver down my back.
“Will you finish this off for me, Kara?” She places the unopened bottle of wine on the table in front of me.
Finish it off for her? It’s a whole bottle.
She’s trying to get me relaxed. For whatever it is she just spoke to Ryder about.
My eyes narrow on her.
“Sure.” Secretly, I’m still trying to figure out her angle.
Her gaze trails across my face.
“You haven’t been happy in a long time. I want you to stay happy.” Her voice drops soft and low. “I want you to stay this way forever.” Her eyes, so similar to mine, shift across my wary smile.
I stand and quickly hug her before I lose the enthusiasm to show her affection.
“They love you,” she whispers. “Ilove you.”
“I know.” A pause drifts through my words. “I love you too.” My voice sounds like an echo of hers.
Her palm pushes down my long hair just like my father used to do.
She squeezes tightly before pulling back to look at me.
She’s always been like a sister to me. And in this peaceful moment I feel that now more than ever.
Her gaze shifts back to the men behind me as she starts to walk upstairs.
“Good night, Ryder.” She winks at him in a secretive way that makes me spin on my heels.
Once she’s out of sight, I storm back to him and he stands to meet my playful confrontation.
“What. Did. She. Say. To. You?”
