I take a swig of the electric punch, and boy, does it ever leave a bite. The sting is welcoming as it slides down my throat. I pour another ladle into my cup and then head to the living room to hang out with Ashton and Nova.
I’m surprised Ashton hasn’t been bedding any girls recently, but I actually appreciate that he’s keeping his bedmates out of the house.
Knowing Ashton, he’s likely hooking up with girls in their dorm rooms, which works for me, less drama.
Heading into the living room, Nova is dancing and swaying to the music. She takes another sip from her red plastic cup.
Ashton is clearly talking to her, and by the looks of it, he’s probably getting annoyed with her for drinking. The same way my little sister rattles me when she doesn’t listen.
Siblings.
Nova climbs onto the wooden coffee table, and I hurry closer, worried she’ll fall in those heels, or worse, the table will collapse under her.
I reach out a hand. “Come on, get down, Nova. You’ve had enough to drink.”
Nova giggles, her words slurring. “I have an announcement to make!” she shouts. A few of my teammates who aren’t in the middle of a make-out session look her way.
“Nova,” my tone scolds, but she waves me away.
“Someday, I’m going to marry Ashton Rinaldi.” Her arms stretch out for him, her doe eyes batting wildly.
“We’re going home,” I growl and grab her hips, putting her over my shoulder.
My little sister is embarrassing herself. She’s clearly had too much to drink.
“Put me down!” Nova bangs on my back with her fists. “Ashton, tell him to put me down.”
Her words slur and her body wiggles as she fights me.
Ashton stands and strides the couple of feet closer toward me. “You should listen to your sister, and put her down.”
My gaze tightens on Ashton.
He’s my best friend.
Why is he telling me what to do with my little sister?
“She’s drunk. I’m taking her home. We’re leaving, now. Go get Kensley and Liam.” I turn to head for the front door.
“Put my girlfriend down, now,” Ashton says, and for a moment, my world spins.
“Girlfriend? You’re dating my sister?” Heat floods my face, and my heart thunders in my chest.
I stalk past Ashton, putting Nova down on the sofa. “Stay,” I growl, warning her not to move.
Nova doesn’t listen.
She never listens.
Standing, she fumbles toward us. “Please don’t be mad, Luca.” Nova bats those baby-blue eyes at me, but where it might work for Ashton, it does nothing for me.
I ignore Nova and grab Ashton with one hand, yanking him closer to me, our faces mere inches apart.
Heat licks my skin. My blood runs hot like molten lava. “One rule. I only ever had one fucking rule,” I seethe between clenched teeth.
My jaw ticks and I shove him backward, my hands clenched into fists at my side.
“Look, I’m not just sleeping with your sister?—”
