“Aria, I like you. I’m not sure why, but I do.”
We share a laugh. After all, what else can we do? She’s being honest, and I appreciate her honesty.
“I like you, too.”
“I’ll arrange a meeting with Carla and Michella as soon as possible.”
The team starts trickling in, and we drop the subject. Soon, we’re surrounded by Icehawks and their significant others. I’m uncomfortable around most of these people. A few short weeks ago, I was the enemy. Judging by the hostile glares, I still am. Most of them avoid me, which I’m fine with.
Drakos is one of the last to show up. I’m guessing he’s been inundated with postgame interviews after being the high scorer and first star of the night. I attempt to keep my gaze away from him, but it continually strays in his direction.
When our eyes meet from across the room, the animosity I usually see isn’t reflected there. Instead, it’s something I can’t explain or even fathom. There’s lust there, but that’s understandable. We had a good time together, and he wants more just as I do.
The arrogant ass winks at me, which raises my ire. I embrace it fully and glare back at him. He laughs before turning his back on me as if he thinks he’s in control. Well, sucker, you aren’t. I am.
As I watch, he weaves his way through the tables toward the back. I hold my breath. He’s heading for the video games and Noah. Jakob is already standing behind the three kids with his hands on both of his boys’ shoulders. The boys chatter and include their dad in their excitement at the game. Noah takes in the obvious show of affection between a father and his sons. He looks away and pretends to play his game, but his shoulders slump and his head is down.
My heart squeezes for my nephew, and my anger toward Drakos is renewed. I want to shake this man and rage at him for forcing Noah to grow up without a father figure in his life. The object of my anger positions himself behind Noah. He talks casually to Jakob as they watch the boys and make comments. The kids giggle multiple times. Noah turns in his chair to gaze adoringly at Drakos, who smiles fondly down at him.
Fondly?
Doesn’t this asshole get it? Doesn’t he understand he’s Noah’s dad? Doesn’t he know the damage he’s done with his selfish actions?
The answer to every one of those questions is “no, he doesn’t.”
I’m unfairly livid at a man who has no clue what he’s done wrong. Am I expecting him to figure it out and apologize? I don’t want that because I don’t want him involved in Noah’s life. Or do I? Drakos was young when he signed away his rights. I wonder if he has regrets now that he’s older? This distinct possibility is one of the reasons I live in fear that he’ll change his mind about being a father, find out who Noah is, and go after me for custody. As far as I can tell, he hasn’t put two and two together regarding Anna and me being sisters. If he ever does?—
Drakos reaches out and puts both hands on Noah’s shoulders as he leans in to watch him play Earth Invaders or whatever that game is called. I’m not a gamer, so I don’t really know.
My anxiety turns to fury. This guy is playing the concerned dad role when he gave up all rights. Who the fuck does he think he is?
When Drakos finally wanders off, Noah watches him go with longing in his eyes. I wonder if he perceives that Drakos is different. Maybe he suspects there’s more than he knows. But he can’t. I’m being paranoid once again. Keeping this secret is killing me. Would Noah ever forgive me if he finds out? And will I be able to keep this secret from him forever, especially considering he can get a DNA test when he’s older and discover a lot from the results?
Drakos walks down the hallway toward the bathrooms. I turn to Gardenia. “I’ll be right back. Bathroom break.” I want to talk to him.
She nods and continues her conversation with Michella and Avery.
I hurry away and slip down the hall. I lean up against the wall and wait. A few minutes later Drakos exits the men’s room. He balks when he sees me.
“Hey, Aria.” After recovering from the shock of seeing me, a slow, sexy smile crosses his all-too-handsome face.
“Leave him alone.”
“What? Who?” He’s clearly puzzled.
“Noah, leave him alone.”
“Really? Are you that selfish? He doesn’t want me to leave him alone. I like him, and he needs a male figure in his life.”
“He might, but he doesn’t need that person to be you.”
“What harm can I do? What’re you so concerned about?” Drakos narrows his gaze as if seeing through my bluster to the underlying fear underneath. He may not understand the reasons for this fear, but he recognizes I deem him a threat.
“Irreparable harm.”
“How?”
“You’ll get bored and disappear. He’ll be devastated.”
