After twenty-five targets each, Yosh wins without a single miss.
He lowers his shotgun, safeties it, and walks over to Jay, hand extended. I hold my breath. My brother hates losing, and hehates being outshone even more. I also know he won’t make a scene in front of the family.
With obvious reluctance, Jay takes Yosh’s hand and gives it a quick shake.
“Congratulations on the victory.”
That’s about the fakest praise I’ve ever heard. That must’ve hurt to leave his throat. Still, I can’t help the grin tugging at my mouth which I know I’ll pay for later.
“Alright, everyone! Brunch at the North House in half an hour. Don’t be late!”
The raising of Jay’s voice instantly reminds everyone who’s in charge. The authority act might fool the rest, but I see the twitch in his jaw. Losing to Yosh is eating him alive and I think my boyfriend just signed his own death sentence in front of everyone.
I need to talk to Jay, because this needs to end. Right now.
I reach out to grab Jay’s shoulder, but suddenly Yosh steps into my path, hands clamping around my biceps.
“Sapphire! Sorry I disappeared like that. I went for my morning walk and wanted to be back before you woke up. Running into Jay and him shoving a gun into my hands wasn’t exactly part of the plan. And then that whole thing about the wind…why did I even say that? I basically told him he sucks. Not very diplomatic, I know…which is probably why your brother is currently planning to murder me in the forest”
Unhinged Yosh is back, the adrenaline hitting him hard.
“Hey, no need to apologize. I know you need to clear that beautiful brain of yours in the morning. And no one’s going to murder anyone, okay?”
He laughs, pulling me into his arms. Over his shoulder, I watch Jay heading back toward the North House with the others.
Damn it. I’ll talk to him after brunch.
A little later, we step back into my cottage on the west side.
I trail behind Yosh to the bedroom and sit cross-legged on the bed.
My eyes stay fixed on him as he changes. The snake on his back moves as he pulls a white cotton shirt over his head. He layers it with a cobalt-blue turtleneck—It hugs him so right.
I’ve always had a thing for the overdressed. The more layers, the harder I get. I picture what’s underneath, the many ways in which I could all take it off . Rough fabric under my palms, the reward of bare skin shivering when my fingers slip beneath the hem.
Sweet fuck.
That turtleneck is dangerous for my brain. I need a distraction. Fast. Before my feral need turns into rabies.
I lick my lips. “Still can’t believe you beat Jay at his own game.”
His warm brown eyes meet mine in the mirror.
“I thought about missing a few shots to keep the peace, but he was asking for it. I know he’s your brother, but seriously, how can one person be such a pain in the ass?”
He adjusts the jumper over his gray trousers, taking his time as he checks himself from every angle.
Fingers rake through his hair, brushing a few strands over his shoulder. I get lost in my adoration for him.
“Doesn’t matter. I think he got the message.”
I look up. “Sorry, what did you say, love?”
My thoughts are a mess. I close my eyes, trying to shake them loose. When I open them again, he’s on his knees in front of me. A grin tugs at my mouth, a little filthy, a little wicked. Isn’t this exactly where I like him?
My smile fades as I catch the serious look in his eyes. He takes my hands, kissing them.
“How are you holding up after yesterday?”
