One Who Brings Happiness.

(KAIRA’S POV)

Slade slipped into his seat, too smoothly, while I turned my gaze away, like we had not already locked eyes.

Oh why! Why did he have to be seated beside me. Because he is your stepbrother, that's why.

"Makaira."

I snapped my head towards his direction at the sudden mention of my full name.

Slade inclined his head at the table and my cheeks heated up at my name card. Of course. I took the paper off the table and folded it.

"What does it mean?" His voice sliced my thoughts.

I turned to him and met his steely gaze. "None of your business." I answered and turned around.

My heart was pounding, racing, and one would think I said something worse than that. But I was glad I said it. I don't know where the anger came from, last night? Honestly there are one million reasons to be angry at him. And I expressed it? That's a good step for me.

"One who brings happiness and joy." Slade announced in a voice only audible enough for me.

"A name symbolizing delight, gladness—"

"Why are you speaking to me?" I found myself asking, unable to bear the calmness in his voice while he set my own soul on fire.

He smirked lightly and then adjusted in his seat so that his legs were crossed while he sat back relaxed… Like I was entertaining him.

"What are you mad about?" He asked, his fingers rubbing his chin and his eyes digging into mine.

"Are you mad that you didn't get a kiss last night?"

I couldn't stop the loud gasp that escaped from me or the heat that flooded to my cheeks.

"No!" I gushed in a fluster.

"Because if so, I can easily give you a kiss. Right now, right here." His eyes lazily dropped to my lips as he leaned closer to me.

The lake house. His lips on mine. The way my body melted into him. I couldn’t think about that now. I wouldn’t.

Push him away! What is he doing leaning into you in front of so—

A sudden swell of applause erupted around us.

Slade straightened immediately.

Only then did I realize everyone was standing.as well.

Then it occurred to me. The couple's entrance. I jumped to my feet, clapping my hands too. I noticed Slade's lips, the very corners were curved into an unmistakable smirk.

I ignored him and clapped my hands, inwardly scolding myself and telling myself not to indulge him next time. And I was sure to keep my eyes away from him.

Now that didn't turn out to be so hard when the food started coming.

Now what else to pleasantly distract me if not, my unmatched love for good food. The appetizers almost had me drooling: Lobster Crostini, stuffed mushrooms, caprese skewers.

I was almost full when it was time for the couple's first dance. Dinner was being served then, and even though there was a variety of delicious dishes, I chose only to have a spring salad and a seared salmon. It was amazing.

"Un-fucking-believable." Slade cursed under his breath.

I turned to him, wiping my mouth clean with a handkerchief. I had just taken the last fork of salmon and was already reminiscing.

"What?" I asked boredly when he wouldn't stop looking at me.

"You're too tiny to eat all that food." He said, eyeing me in wonder as he shook his head. "If I hadn't seen it, then I wouldn't have believed it."

I shifted in my seat, feeling a little self-aware.

Then I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up and a boy with spiky blonde hair and sharp green eyes that reminded me of Slade's.

"Hey gorgeous. I'm Van." He introduced with his hand reaching out for mine.

"I'm Kaira." I let my hands brush his palm nervously and stole a glance at Slade. He looked very displeased.

"I know. You're the daughter of the beautiful bride. The chief bridesmaid. We all saw you walk down the aisle." Van spoke confidently, a big smile on his face. “I don’t think anyone looked away.”

My eyes widened, surprised at the boldness of the compliments he gave me.

"Th-thank you." I said, feeling the rush of heat under my skin.

"Can you move away now, you're making it hard for me to stretch my legs?" Slade interrupted. He was speaking to Van.

My stomach squeezed. I turned to him and he had the most bored expression I had ever seen. Almost like listening to Van and I talk made him sick.

"Honestly didn't see you there, cousin." Van said, moving away politely.

Did he just say cousin? And what was that weird tone he used.

"Kaira, will you give me the pleasure of having this dance with you?" Van extended his hand politely with a bow.

I looked around, my cheeks growing hot. I didn't miss Slade's glare.

Why did he look so angry? Was he angry because we were having a conversation in front of him? Or just irritated that I could attract good compliments?

"Um… thank you but I am not such a good dancer." I said nervously.

"Now you've heard her. She doesn't want to dance with a dipshit. So get out." Slade sharply joined before my sentence was even complete.

I looked up at him, eyes wide with horror.

"Slade." I warned in a low tone, worried about attracting people's eyes and ears.

"You just can't stand not being the center of attention, can you?" Van turned to Slade with a sigh.

"What attention would I want from you?" The words were as blunt as they were cold and Slade stared him dead in the eye as he said them.

"You just don't like that I asked her for a dance." Van continued, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Guys, please." I tried to simmer things but neither was looking my way.

"I don't care who you ask for a dance." Slade scoffed. "And I knew she wasn't going to give you the chance."

That struck a nerve. Or maybe it was the mocking look that he was wearing on his face. Like he had figured me all out already.

"That was my decision." I said.

Slade didn't even glance my way. "You weren't going to dance with him."

"And says who?" I laughed drily.

"Says me." He turned to me fiercely.

I glanced around, my cheeks burning. But no one was watching. They were all focused on the dance floor.

And that pissed me off.

Perhaps I have never seen his eyes flashing so much, that's why I withdrew slightly, in shock. He looked very serious, almost like he was daring me.

I raised my chin. "Actually, I think I've changed my mind." I announced. I noticed Slade's eyebrow dart up but I ignored and continued. "I'm not such a good dancer but I'm not terrible."

I slipped my hand into Van’s.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Slade’s jaw tighten.

Then I let Van lead me toward the dance floor.