At the mention of their mom, she cuts herself off, and a heavy silence settles over the room. For a moment, no one speaks. Her eyes are downcast, and I’m unsure if it’s because she’s sad about something she said or afraid of what she might see if she looks up. I don’t dare ask. Instead, I load my fork and casually inquire if Kane has any other fears I should know about. The change ofsubject works, and the relief around the table is almost tangible. Everyone exhales.
Pushing his plate aside, Cash rests his elbows on the table. “I’ve got a good one.”
On cue, Kane groans and sinks lower in his chair, just like I did earlier, as laughter fills the room and drives away the ghosts from before. All I can think about is how startling it is to see him smile and how it softens his tough features. I already know it’s going to hurt like hell when he leaves.
Truth is, I’ve never felt this way around anyone before, and like a moth to a flame, I don’t want to look away.
Even if I know I’ll get burned.
Even if it means losing myself in the heat.
TWELVE
KANE
Never thought I’d live to see the day I feel threatened by another guy, especially my own brother, but here we are. There’s a first time for everything.
When I saw him shirtless next to Jessica, I almost lost my shit. I’m not proud of it, but that seems to be a pattern with this girl. She makes me reckless.
Toying with the strands of her hair, I listen to her laugh at Lily’s stories. She’s quickly becoming my peace. When I’m with her, everything else is silent. All the noise… the bullshit… the crap with my dad. It all fades when she’s near. I feel calm.
I don’t know what’s more addictive: the feel of her tight pussy and the sound of her begging for more, or the quiet afterward, when she’s rosy-cheeked and sleepy in my arms. That vulnerable moment when the burning passion pauses and we share pieces of ourselves. Like last night in the tub.
My heart pounded against her back as I gently traced my pruned fingers over her wet collarbone, listening to her share stories of her childhood in the Falls. It was the most peaceful I had ever felt until I suddenly realized how far I had drifted in these deep waters.
The shore is no longer visible. There are no street lights shining in the distance, no light pollution dulling the stars. Just open sea and endless night, but the thought of drowning doesn’t seem as frightening as before. At least it’ll be quiet down there, on the sandy bottom.
My sister has already taken a liking to Jessica. Cash remains uncertain but seems to be softening, especially after the stunt he pulled last night. My eye twitches whenever I think about it, yet at the same time, I kind of understand why he did it. He put her through the ultimate test, and she passed.
Chairs suddenly scrape against the floor. I had been so lost in thought that I spaced out for a moment and didn’t realize the conversation had ended.
Jessica carries her plate to the dishwasher, and I stop her with a hand on her shoulder. “You don’t need to do that. The staff will take care of it.”
“Staff?”
It’s adorable how surprised she looks.
“Yes, the hired staff. Now, come on.” I grab her things and set them on the counter before guiding her to the kitchen entrance. “Wait for me in my room. I’ll be right there. There’s something I need to take care of first.”
Jessica glances toward the hallway like a deer caught in headlights. “I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think I’ll find my way back from here.”
Before I can respond, Lily pushes past me and hooks her hand in my arm. “I’ll take it from here.” She notices my skeptical look and rolls her eyes. “Don’t worry. I’ve got it. I’ll take care of her.”
That’s what I worry about. Lily can be intense sometimes.
I’m watching them walk away when Cash passes by with a knowing grin. “Your girl can handle herself.”
I know she can—she’s fierce—but I still worry about her.
I grab his arm to stop him from walking off. “Don’t think I’ve forgotten, Cash. What the fuck was that about last night?”
He sighs, turns to face me, and says, “I needed to make sure she’s not playing you.”
I scoff. “You think I’d let that happen?”
“I think you like this girl.”
“So?”
