Page 81 of Storm's Deliverance

I pull back. “What’s wrong with what I was wearing?” I ask, confused.

He holds out his hand, displaying the shredded bit of material in his palm. “Not again,” I complain.

“I can’t fucking help it. Stop buying those fucking tiny bits of lace. Maybe go for a big ol’ pair of panties,” he suggests.

I roll my eyes and shake my head. “No.”

“You’re right. I’d still want to rip those off you, too.”

“Maybe I should just walk around naked.” I shrug.

He frowns and shakes his head. “Absolutely fucking not.”

I smirk, pressing a chaste kiss to his lips. “Then stop tearing my underwear,” I state before walking out the bathroom door.

The whole family has descended on mine and Drix’s new house for a cookout. Dad has, unsurprisingly, taken over the barbecue, insisting nobody else knows how to cook meat properly. Mom and Maggie are in their element, fussing over everyone while pretending they’re not. The garden is full of laughter, music, and the smell of charcoal and beer. For the first time in a long time, it feels normal. I glance down at my phone, seeing that it’s late; too late.

“Hey, Ripley, Raine,” I call. “Have either of you seen Maisy?” They exchange a look before shaking their heads.

“Nope,” Ripley says around a mouthful of burger. “She said she had a few things to sort before coming over.”

“I figured she’d be here by now,” Raine adds.

A knot tightens low in my stomach.

Maisy would’ve messaged me. She always messages me. My gaze drifts across the garden until it lands on Enzo. He’s laughing at something his latest girlfriend says before leaning down to kiss her. I sigh. If anyone knows where Maisy is, it’s him. As I approach, his girlfriend flashes me a warm smile. I return it, although it doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

“Enzo, can I steal you for a minute?”

He studies my face before nodding. “Anything for my favourite sister.”

I snort. “I’m your only sister.”

He grins. “And I still mean it.”

The smile slips from my face. “You seen Maisy?”

Everything about him changes. His shoulders stiffen, his jaw locks, and for the briefest second something flashes across his face. Guilt. Regret. Pain. Then it’s gone.

“No.”

The answer comes too quickly. Too sharp.

I narrow my eyes. “Enzo.”

“What?”

“What the fuck is going on between you two?”

He laughs, but it’s forced. “Nothing.”

“Don’t lie to me.”

“I’m not.”

“You are.”

Silence stretches between us. Finally, he drags a hand over the back of his neck. “I haven’t seen her.” His voice is flat now. “So, leave it alone.” Before I can stop him, he turns and walks back towards the party, back to the woman that is waiting for him. I watch him slip an arm around her waist. He laughs again, but this time I know it’s fake.