Page 144 of Revenge Puck

“He thinks I don’t know what I’m doing,” she says quietly. “But isn’t that how most big brothers treat their sisters?”

I wouldn’t know.

Sutton would eat me alive if I tried bossing her around.

“I’m not like that with my sister.” I shrug, pressing into her big toe. “I think Declan underestimates you,” I say. “Which isn’t the same thing.”

She studies me for a long moment. “So thisisabout me.”

“It’s not because of you,” I correct, exhaling. “He and I have been circling the drain.”

Juliette goes quiet a few seconds. “And neither of you are going to tell me why.”

It’s a statement not a question, and rather than respond, I continue massaging her foot. Set it aside to begin working on the other one, watching as her eyes slide closed again.

“He doesn’t trust me,” I say finally, giving her a nugget of information. “But to be fair, I don’t trust him, either.”

Her eyes open. “Can I ask you something?”

Here it comes.

“I know it’s probably too soon to be having this discussion, but considering the relationship you have with my brother, andthe way this seems to be evolving…” Her voice trails off. “Are things between us getting serious? Or are you bored?”

Bored?

That almost makes me laugh.

“Why would you think I’m bored?” I ask, feigning lightness in my tone.

“You’ve had serious relationships before,” she says, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “And that ended, and it’s been barely a month. I’m not trying to interrogate you,” she goes on. “I’d love to know what I’m signing up for.”

“Signing up for?” I echo.

“Yes.” She gestures vaguely between us. “What is this? Are we just having sex and keeping this casual? Or are you trying to date me?”

The bluntness of it almost makes me smile.

She doesn’t flinch when she says sex, doesn’t blush. She’s not being clingy or annoying—she’s protecting herself.

Goddamn, she’s adorable.

The entire thing gives me a sudden case of regret. Juliette Kennedy is someone I could see myself dating long-term. She’s sweet, caring, and kind. Beautiful, but that’s hardly the best part.

She teases me. Is affectionate. Pushes herself out of her comfort zone. Better still, she’s not a social climber.

Doesn’t name drop.

Couldn’t care less about the perks, she only cares about people.

And if I weren’t sitting on a landmine with her brother ready to yank the cord on a stick of dynamite, who’s to say we wouldn’t have stood a chance?

I glance over at her, studying her angelic face.

The blonde hair, made messy from her Ice Wolves hat. The rosy flush across her cheeks. The pink lips.

I imagine what it would be like to wake up with her every morning. Hold her hand while we’re taking a walk through the city or buying a house with a yard.

A dog.