Crane chuckles, rubbing the back of his neck as I turn toward the door.
“After-dinner mints, I guess.”
“Huh. I best go and find some,” I mutter, walking away,
“Here,” Crane offers, holding out a packet. “I have some left.”
In the dark, I see him holding something out, and I realise it’s a packet of mints. Popping two into my mouth, I groan, tasting the scent that Crane practicallyowns.
“Thanks.”
“I mean it, Sierra. Keep away from Declan.”
I roll my eyes, but it’s pointless, and I hand the mints back to him.
“Sure thing, minty.”
Heading back into the hall, I see my brother leaning against the doorway, beer in hand.
“Little chat in the dark, hmm?”
My cheeks flush as I go to argue, but Crane slips out of the study, almost walking into me.
“Uh, bro, I was just telling Sierra to keep away from—” Crane begins, nodding toward the stairs where Declan is jogging down.
“Me, I think. Am I right?”
I storm past Kai, not wanting to be part of this. Mom looks up at me through glassy eyes and pats the sofa beside her.
“Come and have some wine with us, sweetheart. Only one more glass, though.”
Jeez.
If my mother knew how much I could pack away, she’d probably pass out.
Declan and Kai re-enter the room, scowling at one another, followed by Crane who avoids my gaze.
Seriously, what is with all this testosterone tonight?
The conversation dries up, and the oldies decide to call it a night.
Mr. Hale taps my ass lightly when he kisses me goodnight, and Declan barely pays me any attention before he leaves.
Mom and Dad are three sheets to the wind and take themselves into the conservatory to continue their drinking.
Which means I can sneak away.
“Night, Mom; night Dad,” I call out, sailing past Kai and Crane who look at me dubiously. “Night, guys.”
“You’re going to sleep? It’s barely eleven,” Crane points out, exchanging a glance with a disbelieving Kai.
“Well, I’m a growing girl, and I’m tired. What can I say?”
Kai folds his arms, flicking his head back to get the floppy blond locks out of his eyes.
“We’re off soon. I better not see you out, Sierra. I’m not looking after you again all night.”
I fake yawn and lift my hand to my chest.
