Page 91 of His Ruin
“Maybe we do,” Kaden says easily, a hint of a smirk in his voice. “I have one of those faces.”
Dylan chuckles. “Nah, I would definitely remember if I saw someone like you. Not to be rude, but you’remassive.”
“Yeah?” Kaden croons. “You’re forgettable. I guess we both have our defining traits.”
Dylan’s laughter dries out, becoming strained as I close my eyes tightly, wishing the earth would swallow me whole. Kaden pushes off the counter, sauntering over to the living room before plopping down beside Dad and joining their conversation.
“Is it safe to say that I don’t think your brother likes me very much?” Dylan whispers.
“He’s just…complicated,” I mutter.
My fiancé sighs. “Yeah, I mean, going MIA for six years definitely makes you a shady character.”
I frown, pulling back as I shake off the conversation. “Do you want to help me peel the yams?”
Dylan opens his mouth before the shrill ring of hiswork phonecuts through the air. I place my hand on my hip, tilting my head as my lips thin.
Dylan closes his eyes, resting his head back against his shoulders. “Busted.”
“I’m going to throw it out the fucking window,” I bite quietly to prevent my family from hearing our spat.
My fiancé reaches for me, taking my fingers as his gaze softens. “Have I ever told you how pretty you are when you’re angry with me?”
I yank my hands away, grab a knife from the block on the counter, and stab it sharply into the cutting board. “Then I must beravishingright now.”
My fiancé gulps before trying to save his ass. “Okay, I know you’re mad, but I can’t let the office run itself. We’re down two project managers this week, so I have no choice but to step in.I swear to you, Melody. It’s only to make sure our team is still on task.”
I don’t want to let it go. That’s all I’ve done for the last year—let go. I try to save us from the fights and hard times, all to keep the peace, but what good are my efforts if he doesn’t even try? This week was supposed to be about our family and us. Nothing else.
He promised me…
“Your phone is ringing,” Kaden calls from the couch—not helping. “You should probably answer that,Dylan.”
Oh, my god. I could fucking scream right now.
“Answer. It.” I bite over my shoulder at my fiancé, my eyes narrowing.
He tucks his head, nodding as he pulls his phone out of his pocket and ambles over to the terrace sliding doors. He disappears onto the wooden deck, closing himself outside in the harsh cold as he talks quietly to whoever is impeding on our vacation.
I release a heavy breath, closing my eyes to collect myself before I slide the trash can over and start peeling the yams. Dad laughs loudly from the sofa, the sound hearty and full of mirth. Mom is beginning to get tipsy on the rosé as she curls against her husband with a soft smile. Kaden is the center of their attention, his elbows resting on his knees as he talks quietly about moving back to New York to start fresh.
I snatch my glass off the counter, pouring the alcohol to the brim. If I’m going to get through tonight without blowing up, I need liquid courage.
A lot of it.
Chapter forty-two
Kaden
Fuck,mylittlesisterlooks good.
Her fleece-lined white bodysuit clings to her curvaceous hips, flaring out tantalizingly. Her waist dips, showcasing her hourglass figure perfectly as she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work on dinner. She’s ignoring my presence altogether, but I know she can feel my eyes on her—caressing every dip and curve of her rounded ass.
I want my hands on her, grabbing at her flesh like the fucking animal I am. I was rock hard the moment I spotted her, my whole world slowing into emptiness as I became solely focused on her and her alone. I didn’t care about hugging my Dad after six years or entertaining Mom’s sorrowful tears.
All I cared about was ruining Melody Love the way she ruined me years ago. Mark her, claim her, put afuckingcollar around her throat. Whatever I need to keep her close.
“Tell us about Montana,” Mom encourages from beside me.
