Page 89 of His Ruin
He releases me before padding over to the foyer, where everyone is lingering. I can’t see what’s going on, but I know my fiancé is offering ahandshaketo my ex-boyfriend. “Dylan Callahan! It’s a pleasure to finally meet you, Kaden.”
There’s a loud slap of skin hitting skin before Dylan yelps, and I flinch at the sound.
“Thepleasureis all mine,” Kaden says through gritted teeth.
“Quite the grip you have there…” Dylan mutters.
I finally turn, every segment feeling as if I’m moving in slow motion. He comes into view, and I forget how to breathe again.
Kaden finally tattooed the side of his head. Black-and-white roses are etched into the shaved sides, standing out against the dark curls falling over his eyes. His skin is smooth, stretching over sharp, deliberate angles. High cheekbones, a proud nose that juts from his face, and a mouth that seems on the verge of a smirk.
He’s massive now—the kind of weight that takes up doorways and makes you feel minuscule in his presence. His chest and arms are covered in a thick black jacket, but I don’t need to see beneath the fabric to know he’s filled out with bulging muscles.
Those haunting green eyes, still darkened with purple shadows, snap to mine in an instant, and my heart hitches.
“Hey, little sister.”
I swallow, my throat clogged and suffocating as my breath comes in quick pants. Kaden tucks his hands into his dark jeans, tilting his head as his eyes narrow on me.
You know better, his look screams.
I finally snap myself out of it—taking hold of every lesson and therapy session I’ve had since my journey to healing first began six years ago. He won’t unravel me at the seams. Not today.
“Hi, Kaden,” I whisper, forcing a cordial smile to my lips as I fold my hands in front of me. My brain urges me to take the hem of my shirt between my fingers, but I know better than to show any weakness at this moment. “It’s good to have you home.”
His eyes crease, his lips pulling over his teeth before he recovers quickly with a smirk. “I just couldn’t stay away…”
My heart is pounding as an alarm rips through my mind.Dangerous. He looks dangerous.
Dylan turns his head in question at my brother, his eyes squinting. “You look so familiar. Do I know you?”
Kaden doesn’t glance away from me as he answers. “Maybe.”
We share a tense moment. Neither of us moves as The Hunt flashes in my head. I know he’s right there with me, sharing that memory as it connects us to a past that’s long been forgotten.
“Well,” Mom says, taking my brother’s shoulders excitedly. “Let’s get you situated! Bad news, kids. Since we remodeled, your rooms have been downgraded to twin beds. Someone will have to take the sofa.”
Kaden’s lips pull up into a conniving grin as hestillstares at me. “It’s only fair if I take the couch. I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Never,“ Dad says before patting his shoulder fiercely and pulling him into a tight hug. “I’ve missed you, son.”
Kaden’s arms snake around him, mimicking the embrace as his eyes sear into me. “I’ve missed you, too.”
Everywhere his gaze lands on me, it lights my skin on fire. It’s consuming, and I need to move—do something—before I end up having a panic attack.
“I’m going to get dinner started,” I announce abruptly before mechanically moving around to the fridge to rip the ingredients out. Every lift of my arms feels still and robotic, every step practiced and steady.
I’m okay.
I’m in control.
Mom rushes over to me before taking my left hand and holding it up for Kaden to see the massive rock on my ring finger. “Look! Engaged!”
My neck heats with embarrassment as I continue to use my one hand to prep the kitchen. It isn’t until a rough palm slides over mine that I yank my appendage back before whipping my head to the side.
“Relax, Sunny,“ Kaden croons, standing too close for comfort. “I just want to see.”
I glance over at my parents and Dylan, but they aren’t paying attention to us as my fiancé discusses the changes happening around his office. They’re so enraptured in their conversation that they don’t see the beast of my past haunting me like a phantom in the kitchen.
