Page 147 of Pretty Thing

I smirk and lean a little closer.

“I’m truly sorry you’re hurting and need someone to blame. I’m sure that losing your brother, your twin, is a loss I’ll never understand. Especially so tragically and to such senseless violence, but…”

My voice lowers with a threatening edge.

“If you continue down this path, trying to discredit me with your absurd lies, or come between me and Eden…well, let’s just say it will be devastating for Eden to lose another friend.”

I’m close enough to see the goosebumps rise on her skin.

“Maybe that friend is so distraught that she takes her own life. Or worse, her friend’s father is unstable. Pushed over the edge by his grief, he commits the unthinkable. Murder-suicide…the whole family gone because he just can’t cope. God…it’s just too much for someone to bear. Eden’s already hurting, but then again, I’ll be there to comfort her during such a difficult time. Your favorite color is purple, isn’t it? We’d be sure to have purple flowers for your celebration.”

I lean back and let her see the full weight of my wrath and what I can do, burning in my eyes.

Kris stands frozen to the spot, her throat working, and pulse pounding hard. She blinks like a bunny caught in a snare.

“You don’t want that to happen, now do you, Kris? You don’t want your big mouth and bad attitude to cause anymore pain, right?”

“You really are insane,” Kris whispers, her body trembling.

“That’s a very unfriendly label, Kris. One that causes great offense.” I pop a grape into my mouth. “You may want to start using words like protective, efficient, dedicated.”

“There you are…what’s going on,” Eden asks, walking up to us.

I wrap my arm around her waist while Kris watches Eden snuggle up to my chest.

“I was just telling Kris how sorry I am for her loss. It’s an incredibly sad day. No one deserves to die like that,” I say, tightening my hand on Eden’s hip. “Life is so short, and we can go at any time.”

Kris is silent, staring at me like I’ll pull a meat cleaver and dice her up right here. Not a bad idea if she continues to be a pain in my ass, but I won’t do it here. That’s just dumb.

“We’ve decided to call a truce and move forward without all the tension,” I say, smiling down at Eden. “We both love you and don’t want you to be caught in the middle any longer.”

“Really?”

Eden’s tone clearly says she doesn’t believe this newfound olive branch as her eyes bounce between us. The look makes me wonder what other poison Kris has been dripping into her ears.

“Yeah, really, what Felix said,” Kris says, smiling, but it’s clearly forced. “He’s been good to you and I’ve been very judgemental.”

“Thank you. I love you so much,” Eden says, stepping away and pulling Kris in for a hug.

Kris’s stare remains locked on me.

I wink, and her face pales like she’s going to be sick.

“I better go talk to Mum about what she wants done with all these leftovers,” Kris says, stepping back.

“Do you want us to help,” I ask, enjoying the spark of fear in her eyes.

“No,” she blurts and then stops and clears her throat. “I think it’s best if it’s just me and my parents right now. You know, family.”

Eden’s face falls like she’s been slapped. Good job, Kris, keep pushing her further away. I won’t complain.

“Oh…but it’s really no bother.”

“It’s fine, Eden, thanks for coming. I’m just…I need to be alone with my parents is all.”

Eden opens her mouth, but Kris walks away. A perplexed look crosses her face, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders.

I give Eden a sad little smile and shrug. “I tried. I don’t know what more I can do.”