I wonder which is the real one, even though I think I already know the answer to it. The rich boys were always great at putting on a spectacular show for the world but it’s becoming clear he won’t let it go until I answer him.
I stop, heave out a sigh, and turn around to face him, instantly getting sucker-punched by his male beauty and presence. But that isn’t a surprise to me.
It’s the look in his eyes, and it’s not one full of judgment like I thought before. It’s like he’s physically restraining himself from going after my brother and his friends.
It’s like he cares…
Why does he care? He doesn’t know me. What does he want from me?
Just half an hour ago, I could swear the look in his eyes translated his distain for me.
Tearing my eyes away from his, I dump the broken pieces in the trash, feeling a desperate need to get him and his scent out of my house as soon as possible because I don’t like the way he makes me feel. I don’t like the storm that starts to brew in my chest at the sight of him.
“Aaron is sick, so he doesn’t care about consequences. And I’ve tried. I’ve tried before and it only made things worse,” I tell him, in hopes it’ll be enough and he leaves us alone. “Happy now?”
“I came to apologize,” he says quietly, and I stiffen, slowly lifting my eyes back to his. “You asked why I was here. I came to apologize. I didn’t mean to sound like an asshole back there.”
I swallow hard. “You’re forgiven. Anything else?”
“Let me help.” It’s more of a demand than question as Severin takes a step toward me, and my feet take one back at the same time. Every inch of my body attuned to how dangerous this man is.
Not in the normal sense of the word—although, I’m sure there’s more to him than meets the eye. No, he’s dangerous tome. To my heart that is at war at the sight of him.
“No, thank you. I got this.”
He stops at the sight of my retrieval, his jaw clenching harder but then he simply reaches out with his long arm and snatches the broom out of my hand.
“I said, I’ll help, Aurora,” he grits out.
“And here I thought you didn’t mean to sound like an asshole.”
“That applied to the situation on the lake.” He doesn’t look up as he starts sweeping.
“Ah. Got it.” I bend down, holding down the dustpan for him until he reaches down and snatches it from me as well.
“I said, I’ll help,” Severin repeats, his tone laced with so many emotions I won’t try to understand them.
“I really don’t get why you’re—”
“Rory, honey, I’ve given Seth a sleeping pill so he should be resting…oh, sorry, I didn’t realize you had company.” Betsy stops short at the sight of Severin with a broomstick.
“This is Severin. He’s one of the hockey players who trained Emett this morning,” I introduce him, and what do you know, he sends Betsy that disarming smile everyone adores, masking all hostility he’s been displaying freely around me.
Should I consider myself special? Or just stick with my usual brand ofwhat the hell?
“Oh, how nice to meet you, albeit under less-than-ideal circumstances but alas. I’m Betsy, Seth’s nurse, as you may already know.” She shoots me a questioning look that I choose to keep for another day.
This one’s already been too much. And it will get infinitely worse when Betsy walks out and calls Stella with the fresh news.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. Don’t worry, I’ll help Aurora clean up here,” Severin responds before I can.
“Oh, wonderful!” Her eyes sparkle, and I wince. Great. Just great. “Well, I guess I’ll leave you two, and, Rory, please give me a call if Seth or you guys need anything. Oh, and Emett wanted to stay with his grandpa, so he’s in there.”
“Thank you, Betsy, and I’m so sorry about—”
“Stop that, I already told you it wasn’t your fault. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She gives me a parting hug.
Severin starts sweeping again as soon as she leaves.
