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She’s giving me her approval of him, and when she leans in as the two glare at each other, I almost giggle. “Any man willing to risk Alaric’s wrath by showing up to his house just to see his girl? Well, he’s good in my eyes, sweet sister.”
I blink in shock and turn to see Gray slide past Alaric and sit opposite me, his feet instantly wrapping around mine under the table as his eyes run over me as if he didn’t just see me a few hours ago.
I feel the same, though, and I can’t pull my eyes from him even as Alaric sits angrily, like a storm cloud hovers above him. Despite the clear hatred coming his way, Gray serves himself, thanks Layla, and starts to eat.
“Layla,” Alaric warns under his breath as he glowers in disgruntlement at his uninvited guest.
“Oh hush and eat, husband. The food is getting cold as it is,” Layla snaps, giving him no options. He puts his gun on the table, keeping his eyes on Gray the entire time.
If only my father could see what Gray was doing under the table, his foot running up and down my leg as he eats. His gaze shows he’s hungry for more than what’s on his plate.
It’s possessive and cold.
Mine.
The silence stretches between us, and I shoot Alaric a look, but he’s too busy watching Gray. “So how was everyone’s week?” I almost squeak.
“Long and hard.” Gray grins. My mouth drops open, and he grins wider. “Though there were definitely some good times. I got to try out a new car; it was delicious.”
Oh, fucking hell.
“I see, how… nice.” Layla looks at me and smiles. “How was yours with Cara, Zoey? Did you have a good time in the Hamptons?”
“It was good,” I manage to get out. “I always have fun with Cara. We just chilled and relaxed poolside. Not much worth talking about.”
Liar.
Gray’s eyes shoot to me with a knowing smirk, yet I see a hint of hurt in his eyes before he covers it, making me feel even guiltier than I already am. I’m lying to Layla and Alaric, and now I’m acting like I’m ashamed of the man I love by lying about us spending this past week together—the same man who admitted I’m his everything and who, despite everything, is willing to show up knowing it might get him killed just to be next to me.
I’m about to call myself out on my lies when Alaric shoots to his feet. “Stop it.” He points at Gray.
“Stop what?” Gray asks, leaning back and eyeing him.
Layla tries to cool their tempers. “Boys.”
“Stop looking at her. I told you what would happen,” Alaric snarls.
“Why would I do that? She’s beautiful.”
Oh fucking hell, Gray has a death wish.
As if to prove my point, Alaric leaps at him. Sighing, I drop my fork and get to my feet.
“Zoey, let them work it out,” Layla orders, but she’s clutching at her neck as Alaric takes Gray down. Gray lets him, not even defending himself as Alaric grabs his throat and smashes his head into the floor.
“You do not come near her. You do not look at her. You leave my family alone!” he roars.
“I can’t do that,” Gray replies, not blocking the blow Alaric lands on his face. His eyes go to me, resigned but uncaring as Alaric punches and smashes his head into the floor.
“Alaric, stop!” Layla screams at her husband.
It’s not my sister’s loud outburst that shakes something awake inside me. Something glazes over Gray’s eyes, and that makes me snap to attention.
I never want to upset Alaric, but I won’t let him hurt the man I love either, not even to protect me.
Rounding the table, I lay my hand on Alaric’s shoulder. He instantly freezes, his head swinging up to meet my gaze. “Stop it,” I demand, my voice commanding. “You hurt him one more time, I’ll walk out, and you’ll never see me again.”
“Zoey.” He gapes and gets to his feet, reaching for me, but I step back. His crestfallen expression makes me swallow, and I look at Gray.
