“What’s the rush?”
She stirs the drink with her straw, biting her bottom lip. “You’re right,” she blurts.
Her gaze leaves me, and she waves her hand and smiles. It looks genuine, but she was going to share something and changed her mind.
I follow her gaze and see Nico at the door of the coffee shop, with two men behind him.
The visit is over. I stifle a groan.
With his typical swagger, our brother saunters through the room, all eyes on him. Men with hatred. Women swooning.
That’s how he affects every space he enters.
That’s how it has always been. Nico is the second oldest, and probably the most troubled of all my brothers.
“The car is waiting.” He gestures with his head for Tee to get ready.
“So soon. Come on, Nico, let me stay longer.” She pouts.
“I need to head back.”
We both stand, knowing there is no point in arguing.
She wraps her arms around me. “I will come soon, I promise.”
“I love you.” I squeeze her a little tighter.
She blinks away tears and turns to Nico. “I hate you.” She storms out.
“Good to see you.” My brother nods.
I snort. “Is it?”
He shrugs. “I’m sure we will be seeing more of you soon.”
“Don’t be so sure.” I fold my arms across my chest, leaning against the table because the room spins slightly. Have I forgotten to eat again?
“The clock is ticking, sis.”
Despite my being light-headed, I straighten. “I still have time. And believe me, I’ll use it well.”
Nico nods. “I don’t doubt that. You’re the only one who ever played the game better than Dad.”
The corners of my mouth curve up. Nico is the least mercurial of the men in my family. Fighting many demons, he covers his traumas with a smile, dazzling the people around him.
Handsome, playful, and dangerous.
His praise settles heavy in my chest. Nico’s approval shouldn’t matter this much, and yet it does.
I’ve spent my life proving I can play the game without becoming like them. Hearing that I might be better than Dad feels like winning and losing at the same time.
“Did she tell you?” he asks.
“Tell me what?” I frown. Do they know she’s been sneaking out to a party?
“Dad is marrying her off.”
“Bullshit. She didn’t say anything.” I look out, glimpsing Tee entering the car. She said nothing, and she didn’t look… The urgency to lose her virginity. Fuck.
