Drake
TWO HOURS LATER, Istill couldn’t come to terms with Sia’s appearance. All through dinner preparation, I watched her as Rayden introduced her to his aunt, sister, and grandparents, mesmerized by how well she fitted in with my small family. Just like Rayden and I, my father appeared enamored with her easy smile and quick wit. We’d opted to have dinner in the enclosed patio since it was rarely used. Given the central heating system, the house, including the entertainment areas, was cozy and warm during winter. Yet, the uncontrolled hammering of my heart against my chest left me feeling anything but relaxed.
“What the fucking hell,” had been my first response, my chest tightening at the thoughts running through my mind. When she’d walked away followed by Rayden after a quick greeting, I couldn’t take my eyes off the woman who’d haunted my dreams for so long, I believed I’d never get over her. Inside my bedroom, I’d paced until wary I’d wear a hole in the carpet. Fifteen minutes later, and still, nowhere near to calming the fuck down, I exited my room to laughter bubbling out from the one next to mine. It stopped me mid-stride, but the ensuing groan dropped a ball of lead straight from my heart to my toes, weighing me down and each step further, heavier than the last.
Since then, it took every measure of control I possessed not to let loose a string of curse words that marginalized my thought processes. To say I was fucked, was an understatement. For one stupid moment, I figured maybe the universe was testing my patience for cheating on my wife, but sending Sia bounding back into my life as my son’s girlfriend? That required some serious voodoo shit, as Tamara would say. While it might work for some people, I didn’t believe in that crap, ever. Yet, staring at the laughing couple, I was seriously beginning to question my beliefs.
“You’re quiet?”
I turned to find Tamara at my side with a drink in her hand. I accepted the glass and downed the whiskey in one go. Besides the burn going down, the alcohol did nothing to appease the desire raging through my body.
“Woah there, what’s got you so rattled.” She stared at me, wide-eyed. “That’s the third drink you’ve had in under twenty minutes.”
“I can handle my liquor,” I muttered, struggling to relax my clenched jaw and fists. Rolling my shoulders back, I went for my usual bland tone. It didn’t work.
Her brow creased harder, making her scrutiny almost unbearable. “Drake?”
I set my glass down on the table behind me and shoved my hands into my pants pockets. “Tough day, that’s all.”
“Did something happen with Angela?” she asked softly, but I didn’t miss the underlying cut the bullshit tone. She knew me better than anyone, and definitely when something was wrong. My sister excelled at intimidation and took no prisoners. I grinned at the last thought, and her brow shot up. “I’m not giving up,” she gritted and walked away.
When Sia finally extracted herself from my father’s hold and headed inside, I’d had enough alcohol to let my reckless side dictate my moves. I followed her. It was time she knew that I remembered. I reached the passage in time to see her enter the bathroom. Leaning a shoulder against the wall, I fished my phone from my pants pocket and checked my emails. A couple of minutes later, the door opened, and Sia stepped out. As she closed the door and turned, she glanced up. Her steps slowed when she caught sight of me.
“Hello, Princess.” I slid my phone back into my pocket. She paused. Her tongue snuck out to lick her lips.Fuck no.Every inch, every action of this woman was imprinted into my brain, unlikely to be forgotten. Then as though contemplating her choices, she moved to sidestep me. I took a step toward her. “Are you really going to ignore me?” I asked. She turned, but her eyes merely drifted over me, no in-depth appraisal. Her illusion of control made it fucking harder to keep my distance. “Sia?” She looked up, meeting my gaze. “Did I do something to make you angry,” I lowered my voice so no one could hear me. Just once, I wanted to hear my name on her lips, hear her acknowledge me. She dropped her gaze again, looking nervous. I took another step closer, forcing her back up against the wall and bringing my face mere inches from hers. If I leaned forward, I’d be kissing her. “Why—”
“Dad!” Kyra’s call bounced down the passage. I glanced behind me, and when I turned back, Sia skirted me and hurried off. I shook my head, staring after her as my daughter rounded the corner. “We’re ready for dinner.”
“Coming.” The smile on my lips did nothing to calm the unbridled chaos that began the moment I laid eyes on Sia. I was in for a rough couple of days—make that the rest of my life.
