“But not like this,” I protest, running my fingers nervously through my tangled hair. “Not with you here, where she’ll immediately know we’ve been?—”
My phone buzzes again, cutting me off. I snatch it from Hunter’s hand and read the new message.
I can’t come out after all. The weather forecast has just been updated. There’s a massive storm heading toward the coast. They’re saying it could be bad. Flash flood warnings and everything. Stay safe out there, okay? We’ll catch up when you get back to the city. Love you! xo
Relief washes over me so intensely that I fall back against the pillows. “She’s not coming. There’s a storm.”
Hunter studies my face. “Why do I sense you’re relieved that she’s not coming?”
I sit up, pulling the sheet with me as I create distance between us. “You don’t understand.”
“Then explain it to me.” His voice is calm, but there’s an edge to it that makes me shiver.
“I hate that I’ve betrayed her like this.” The words tumble out, heavy with the guilt I’ve been carrying. “She’s my sister,Hunter. My entire life, she’s been the one person I could count on. After Mom died, after everything...” I shake my head, trying to organize my chaotic thoughts. “And now look at me. Sleeping with her fiancé, lying to her face. What kind of person does that make me?”
Hunter reaches for my hand, but I pull away.
“And the idea of telling her...” My voice cracks. “Sitting her down and watching her face when she realizes that while she was in London, we were...” I can’t even finish the sentence.
“She has to know at some point, Aurora.” Hunter’s tone is matter-of-fact, as if we’re discussing a business transaction rather than potentially shattering my relationship with my sister. “The longer this goes on, the worse it will be when she finds out.”
“I know that,” I snap, frustration bubbling up. “Don’t you think I know that? But this isn’t just about us getting what we want. There are consequences. Real, painful consequences that I’ll have to live with long after the initial confession.”
Hunter’s jaw tightens. “And you think I won’t?”
“It’s different for you.” I meet his gaze directly. “You’ve made it clear this engagement was nothing more than a business arrangement for you. But Olivia is my stepsister. My family. The only real family I have.”
Hunter sighs heavily, reaching for his phone on the nightstand. The moment he reads the text, he swears under his breath, his body tensing beside me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, pulling the sheet higher around me.
He runs a hand through his disheveled hair, eyes fixed on the screen. “I forgot. Our annual masquerade is Saturday night.”
“Saturday? That’s in two days.” I sit up straighter against the headboard. “Today’s Thursday.”
“I know.” His jaw tightens as he types a response. “They want me back in town. Now. There’s preparation that requires my presence.”
A realization hits me. “Wait, the masquerade... Is that the one at the Reed Tower? The charity event?” I lean forward, my hair falling across my shoulders. “You invited Olivia and me to it. She’s been talking about it ever since.”
Hunter’s head snaps up, his piercing eyes meeting mine. “You can’t come.”
“What do you mean I can’t come? Olivia would absolutely kill me if I missed it.” I shake my head, incredulous at his demand. “She’s so excited about it.”
“Aurora.” The way he says my name is sharp, almost dangerous. “You’re not understanding the situation. Your life might be in danger if you attend.”
I stare at him, confusion and frustration building. “Why would my life be in danger at your ball? That doesn’t make any sense.”
Hunter’s expression darkens as he seems to battle with himself. Finally, his shoulders drop slightly.
“Fine. If you insist on attending, you always stay near me.” His voice leaves no room for negotiation. “Not with your sister, not with your friends. With me. Do you understand?”
I shake my head emphatically. “How would that look? Me hanging around my sister’s fiancé all night instead of being with her? Everyone would notice.” The sheet pools around my waist as I sit up straighter. “Two of our friends already know some of what is going on between us.”
Hunter’s jaw clenches. A muscle ticks beneath his skin as he leans closer, his eyes never leaving mine. “Tell her.”
“What?”
“Tell Olivia about us. Before the masquerade.” His voice drops to that commanding tone that sends shivers down my spine. “End this charade now.”
