Page 10 of A Wild Darkness

She laughs, one hand covering her mouth.

The opening credits of the ’90s classic roll across the screen. I’d love to be one of those girls who enjoys a cheesy, deliciously sweet romantic comedy, but I can’t. I need morally gray decisions, questionable plots, and a story that isn’t perfect, but makes me feel something.

“This movie will never get old.” She snuggles into the corner of the couch.

I pull a soft blanket up to cover my legs and get cozy into the cushions. As with any sibling relationship, Lux and I have our ups and downs, but times like these make me grateful to have her. Time together without talking about her work or mine—just the two of us enjoying girl time.

The doorbell rings.

I straighten. “You expecting someone?”

Lux immediately looks guilty. A terrible sign. “No.”

“Liar.”

She shrugs. “I didn’t say anything.”

“Your face did.”

Lux smiles into her wineglass.

I groan, knowing exactly who is coming to crash our night. Her obsessive boyfriend River. “No.”

“What?” She plays coy.

My eyes narrow. “No.”

The doorbell rings again.

“I know he can break into anywhere. Why is he using the door?” I sneer.

Lux stands.

“Can you just text him and tell him you’ll be home later?” I ask.

“He probably wants to hang out with us.”

“Why?”

“He likes you,” she says, already walking to my front door.

“Lux,” I whine, letting my head fall back.

Lux opens the door, and River steps inside, carrying a massive bouquet of deep red roses. Of course, he’s carrying flowers. Because apparently some women get billionaire vigilantes to bring them enormous bouquets and look at them like they hung the moon.

It’s so over the top, but Lux’s entire face softens, which is disgustingly heartwarming.

“Hi, River.” I wave over my shoulder.

I catch a wide grin on River’s face from the side. “Hello to you, Stevie.”

Then from behind River’s tall frame, another man just as broody, in a leather jacket, steps through the doorway. And just like that, the night is ruined.

“Oh.” I sigh. “You brought Sebastian.”

Sebastian’s eyebrow lifts. “Good evening.”

River glances between us.