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My big brother is the ultimate hypocrite.Aiden Murphy has been drinking at parties for years. But as soon as I walk through the door, he likes to act like he’s a perfect angel and has always made sure everyone treats me the same way.
Do what I say and not what I domight as well be his motto.
Mom and Coach rented out a beautiful castle-esque resort in the mountains for their New Year’s Eve wedding. The grounds outside are covered in snow, while the inside is decorated in fresh green garlands and red-velvet ribbons for the holidays. Golden glowing candles are scattered throughout the ballroom, nestled in red and white roses and vibrant greenery. It’s everything my mother wanted and then some. A wedding fit for a queen who refused to surround herself with anyone except the people who matter most in their lives. And insisted, for privacy’s sake, that they rent the entire resort. I think there’s maybe a hundred of us in the entire hotel, and their staff is probably used to ten times that.
The entire weekend has looked like a Hallmark movie jumped off the screen to come to life. It’s perfect. And yet, I’m miserable.
“Don’t be an ass, Aiden. I’ve lost track of how many beers you’ve had to drink tonight. And don’t think I didn’t notice you sneaking out of the ballroom with Sabrina twenty minutes ago and coming back in with your shirt wrinkled and your tie missing.” His girlfriend, Sabrina, blushes and tucks her face against his chest with a laugh as Aiden’s face turns red. I think it’s red with anger, not embarrassment.
The band switches to a slow song. “Come on, Aiden.” Sabrina tugs at his hand. “Dance with me.”
He kisses the top of her head like a lovesick fool, then points two fingers at his eyes and back at me.Whatever. Like he’s got his eyes on anyone besides Sabrina.
As he leads her to the dance floor, she turns and winks at me. At least he’s in love with someone who can handle him for me.
The two of them join my new stepsister, Nattie, and her boyfriend, Brady, on the dance floor. Meanwhile, I catch my new stepbrother, Declan, and his wife, Annabelle, straightening their clothing as they come out of the bathroom... together. Guess we know what they were doing.
It seems like love is in the air tonight for everyone. Well... everyone but me.
Not that I’m the only single person here, but today was a glaring neon sign of a reminder that I can never be with the person I love.
Oh, screw this.
I grab the white faux-fur stole I wore for the bridal party pictures outside earlier and another glass of champagne from a passing waiter. Then I slip through the French doors to the patio for some fresh air, which preferably doesn’t have so much love wafting around.
Bitter party of one in the house.
Hmm... drunk and bitter. What a great way to spend your mom’s wedding day.
The small stone patio is surrounded by tall, green snow-covered shrubs, giving it a hidden feel. There’s one lonely granite bench tucked away on the edge of the stones, covered in snow.
For one second, I consider cleaning it off and sitting down, but drunk or not, my ass is not willing to get that cold. My gown is a gorgeous strapless silk creation in cranberry-red with a slit up the thigh that I’m surprised Mom was okay with. Pretty. But not meant for snow. However, my shoes are pinching my toes, so standing here isn’t the best option either.
Hmm. Maybe I could numb the pain in my feet with the snow on the ground.
Okay. Maybe Ihavehad a little too much to drink tonight.
Fuck it.
I drop my stole onto the snowy bench and accidentally knock my hand against the granite in the process.Shit. That hurt.
“What did that bench ever do toyou?”
My head spins, and it’s entirely possible that the rotation of the Earth slows down.
Yeah, I’ve definitely had enough champagne tonight.
And there he is. The cause of my bitterness. The love of my life.
Can you find the love of your life at seventeen?
Well, I found him nearly two years ago, so I guess really, it would be at fifteen.
Of course, that was before today. Before he officially became my stepbrother.
Fuck love. She’s a nasty bitch. Because only a woman could be this cruel.
“You okay, Carys?” His voice is rough, like he hasn’t gotten enough sleep lately. And I can’t help but wonder just how good it would feel to sleep in his arms. My entire body warms at the thought. What would it be like waking up to those eyes? Those baby blues, framed by long, light-brown lashes a shade darker than his dirty-blond hair. I love his eyes, and they’re staring at me.
