But Nikolas…
He’s hot.
That much is undeniable, though he’s a bit rigid, bordering on smug. And the way he looks at me? It’s unsettling, like how Argy stares at his food right before he lunges. There’s something almost predatory in it.
Still, under different circumstances—and with a drastically improved personality—I could probably be into a guy like him. Those eyes, those lips, the stupidly cool coat.
Definitely my type, unfortunately.
He leans forward, elbows on the counter, his gaze sweeping over me like I’m some strange abstract painting in a gallery he can’t quite understand. And isn’t sure he wants to.
“Can’t believe I’m finally meetingHayes’s Alysander,” he says.
I blink. “Excuse me?”
“You know he talks about you constantly.”
Heat blooms in my cheeks. I don’t know how to respond to that.
“Well… I hope I live up to the hype,” I joke.
Nikolas’s eyes move over me in a measured sweep. The air tightens between us.
“I doubt that’s possible.”
Okay then…
It’s not just what he says, which I’m fairly sure is some kind of jab. It’s the way his gaze locks onto me, cool and assessing, like he’s already made up his mind. Like I’m being measured against some invisible standard—and coming up short.
Also—where the hell is Hayes? As usual, he seems to be taking his sweet time.
“So, um, how long are you two in town?” I ask, mostly to break the tension.
“Not long,” Nikolas says. “If all goes as planned.”
Selene lets out a soft, knowing laugh, and they trade another look I’m clearly not meant to understand.
I have no idea what’s going on, or why they’re being so cryptic about a harmless question. But apparently, these are Hayes’s long-lost, sort-of-asshole relatives I’ve never heard of, so I push for normal.
“Are you guys from around here?”
Nikolas’s gaze sharpens, just a fraction.
“No.”
That’s it. No explanation. No follow-up.
The silence stretches, awkward and heavy. I resist the urge to sigh. Granted, I’m not the most social person on the planet, but these two make conversation feel like anendurance test.
“Then where are you from?” I try again. “Greece? Like Hayes’s family?”
I lean forward a little, genuinely curious. Hayes has always been cagey about his summers overseas, about Athens and the life he disappears into every summer. Maybe they’ll finally fill in some blanks.
Selene laughs, dry and humorless.
“You ask a lot of questions.”
“And you don’t answer any,” I snap back, my patience officially worn thin. “I’d just like to know who’s hanging out in my best friend’s house, that’s all.”
