“Fire?”
“Yes,” I half whisper, leaning across the table. “I’ve been knitting a beautiful patchwork quilt to help keep the cold at bay, but you know how harsh the winters are here. A woman has to do what a woman has to do.”
The light dawns in Declan’s eyes as he shakes his head.
“You’re fucking with me.”
I glare at him momentarily before returning my attention to my dinner.
“Did I say something to upset you?” Declan asks, his eyes falling to my lips. “I didn’t mean to.”
“Not at all.” Kai grins, wrapping his arm around me. “Sierra loves it when someone questions women’s rights and abilities.That’s why she wants to be a lawyer. Advocating for women and all.”
Declan purses his lips together, shooting an uncomfortable look at his parents.
“Being a lesbian helps,” I remark, fluttering my eyelashes at Declan. “Men just don’t understand me.”
“Sierra, that’s enough,” Mom hisses, glaring at me. “Can we just have one dinner where you don’t play games?”
To my surprise, Declan chuckles, waving his hand dismissively.
“Au contraire,” Declan says with a grin. “Ilovegames.”
Our eyes lock, and something tells me that Declan Hale seems interested in me, despite me mocking him.
Very interested indeed.
FIVE
SIERRA
Ihelp Mom with the table and then sneak upstairs to check my phone.
KIKI: Partyyyyyyy timeeeee
KIKI: Sierraaaaaaa!
KIKI: SIERRAAAAAAAA!
KIKI: Bitch, you better answer me!
KIKI: I’m so lonely.
I snort with laughter, sitting on the edge of my bed as my fingers fly across the screen. A shadow falls across my floor, and I look up to find Declan grinning at me.
“Hey, sorry, I’m looking for the bathroom.”
I arch my brow at him, glancing around my room.
“Do you see it?”
“No, but?—”
I lift my hand up, cutting him off.
“Bye then.”
Declan inhales, whistling through his teeth as he studies me.
