He sighed up at the roof. “Fine. You don’t have to hide anymore, Ava.” Grayson sounded defeated. “I’ll behave,” he said quietly. His eyes roamed my face, then he quickly dropped his head to my neck, inhaling my scent, before he stepped back to let me pass.
I hesitated for a second, biting my lip. He was backing off. That’s what I wanted. Right?
I forced a smile. “Thank you.”
I made my way up the stairs. Once in the bedroom, I decided to grab the laundry basket and headed for the laundry room next door. Keeping busy was the only way I would survive my thoughts. And acknowledging those feelings making their way up my spine? That would be disastrous. No, losing myself in menial tasks was safest.
I almost walked right into Hunter as I swung the door open. I apologised quickly, stumbling over my words. “I’m sorry, I didn’t… I can come back later.”
His expression had already turned irritated. The same expression he had whenever he watched me, while Gemma wasn’t looking. “It’s fine. I’m done anyway.” He bent to unload the dryer.
I stood there awkwardly in the door with my basket and waited for him to finish. The screen door slamming made my heart thunder. Where was Grayson going? It was dark already.
When Hunter was done, he made for the door and I scooted to the side, trying to make myself as small as possible. I set my laundry basket before the washing machine and started separating the white clothes from the rest and throwing it in the machine. I had insisted on doing my own laundry. Something about somebody else doing my washing felt a bit too intimate.
“You’re fucking him, aren’t you?”
I startled. I thought Hunter had left already. My mouth opened reflexively as if to answer him, but nothing came out as I processed what he just asked me.
He went on. “You act like you don’t want to be near him, but you’re fucking him when no one’s looking, right?”
The condescension in his voice froze me in place. I knew he didn’t like me, but he was being beyond rude. “Excuse me?” I finally found my voice.
He sighed in exasperation, like I was slow and took a step closer to me. “What’s your endgame?”
“What endgame? And I’mnotfucking him.” My shock was dissipating, being replaced with anger.
“Oh, please! Then what wasthat,downstairs?” he hissed, pointing in the direction of the dining table. He must have seen Grayson standing so close to me, nuzzling his face into my neck. “And you think I don’t hear him sneaking up the stairs at night? I can see the way he looks at you. You have him wrapped around your finger. He had no idea who he was takingthat day, did he?” he laughed coldly. “He had no idea of the little siren he brought home.” He gave a condescending snort. “Checks out considering the company you keep.” He looked down at me, as if disgusted by me.
Red tainted my vision. “Fuck you, Hunter,” I sneered. I could feel my blood heating.
“And now you have your slimy fucking paws on Gemma!” he whispered-shouted. He dropped the basket and stomped over to me.
I stood my ground. I didn’t dare to back away. I had enough practice with Grayson, who was far scarier thansurfer boy.
“I don’t know what you’re planning, but I swear to God, if you hurt them…”
“You’ll what?” I sneered back, stepping closer. “Kill me?” I returned his cold laugh. “As if that’s not already going to happen. I’m the one being hurt here, Hunter. Do you think I enjoy being here?” I turned away from him, shaking my head in disbelief. “You’re fucking insane.” And an asshole. What does Gemma even see in him?
He retreated. “You know damn well we’re not offing you,” he grumbled angrily while snatching up the laundry basket. “You’ve already made sure of that.” He gave me one last despising glare, looking like he was about to spit at my feet before slamming the door shut.
Ihadnointentionof getting out of bed. As much as it pained me to admit, Hunter got to me. Why did his hatred of me get under my skin? I seemed to have forgotten that these people were my captors. I wasn’tsupposedto care if they liked me or not.
At about nine, there was a knock on the door. I ignored it, pulling the covers over my head. I couldn’t face them today. I just wanted to wallow in my self-pity. The aching hole in my chest for my people was extra big today. I wanted to go home and never see these blasted people again. A tinge of guilt went through me for feeling that way about Gemma too.
The door opened and I instinctively knew it was Grayson. I groaned loudly and scooted a little further down under the covers.
“Good morning to you too, Princess.”
I peeked out to find him settling onto his usual spot in the windowsill. He scanned the beautiful view of the forest before turning his attention to me. He caught me peeping at him from underneath the blanket and turned his head, so it was the same position as mine. An amused smile played on his lips.
“Are you coming out from there yourself or am I coming in after you?”
I threw the covers off my head, my hair flying everywhere. “Don’t you dare.”
He chuckled, but his eyes were scanning my face. “What’s the matter, Princess?”
I pulled the covers back under my chin. “Nothing.” I didn’t even believe myself.
