Uncle’s Hungry Stare

Isabella’s POV

I stepped out of Claire’s apartment for some moments under the guise of picking up a delivery. The apartment felt smaller after she told me everything.

The air was heavy with her tears and my silence. We sat on couch for another half hour, her head on my shoulders, my arm around her, until she finally straightened up and wiped her face.

“I can't do this alone,” she said again. “I asked him to come here tonight. Eight o’ clock.”

I nodded. “I'll be there.”

She hugged me one more time, like the only thing she had left in this world. Then I left.

The drive home was blurry. I kept replaying her words in my head. *When he's inside me… it's the only time I feel alive*

I knew that feeling.

I felt it with Lila.

With Camilla and with the twins.

I didn't tell anyone where I was going that night. I just waited until seven-thirty, then I wire a simple black dress. Nothing flashy, nothing that screamed “I'm about to walk into a disaster” and drove back to Claire’s apartment.

She was so happy I showed up. I kissed her forehead. She was now in a soft gray sweater and leggings. Her makeup was fixed, but her eyes were still red.

“You look pretty as you should.” I tried teasing her.

“Oh, thanks.” She replied. Dryly. Obviously worried.

“He'll be here soon,” she said. “You sure you want to do this?”

“No,” I said honestly. “But I'm here. You can call me your emotional support.”

She smiled warmly. We sat on the couch again. She poured us both some champagne, but we didn't drink much.

At 8:03 the intercom buzzed. I jerked startled by the sound.

Claire’s hand shook when she answered. “Come up.”

Uncle Daniel stepped inside two minutes later, still looking handsome especially in a polished and expensive way.

He had Salt-and-pepper hair, custom made jacket and he wore an easy smile that made you feel like you were the only person in the room.

He saw me and paused. “Isabella,” he said, suprised but still composed about it. “I didn't expect company.”

Claire stood up. “She's here because I asked her to be.”

His eyes moved from Claire to me. Then he closed the door behind him.

“What's going on? he asked, voice careful.

Claire took a shaky breath. “I can't do this anymore. Daniel. We have to stop.”

His expression changed, the smile faded and his eyes sharpened.

“You called me to here to end it?” He asked.

“Yes.” He stepped closer to her. “Why now?”

“Because I'm getting married in six weeks,” she said. “Beacuse you're married and because this is destroying me.”

He looked at her for a long moment. Then his gaze slid to me. “And you brought your little sister as backup?”

C

Claire flinched. I stood up. “She's not alone,” I said. “She has me.” I muttered with renewed confidence.

Daniel smiled, a slow and dangerous one. “I've always liked that about you two. So close. So… protective, of each other.”

He stepped toward me.

Claire moved between us. “Don't. She's my baby sis.”

He stopped, raised his hands. “I'm not here to hurt anyone.”

“Then leave,” she said.

He didn't move. Instead he looked at me again, eyes traveling over my dress, he paused at my boobs, down to my legs and back to my face.

“You're all grown up,” he said quietly. “Beautiful. Just like your sister.”

Claire’s voice cracked. “Stop.”

He ignored her, stepped around her and stopped in front of me.

“You know about us,” he said. “She told you.”

I nodded. He reached out abd brushed his knuckles down my arm. Goosebumps covered me.

“You're shaking,” he murmured. “Scared?”

I didn’t answer. He leaned in, whispered so only I could hear.

“I've watched you too, Isabella. At family dinners, by the pool. You move like you know exactly what you do to people.

Claire grabbed his arm. “Get out.”

He looked at her, and then back at me. “I'm not here to force anything,” he said. “But if you're noth here… maybe we should talk about what you really want.”

Claire’s voice was steel. “Get. Out.”

He stepped back. And Smiled. “Fine,” he said. “I'll go. But think about it. Both of you.”

He walked to the door. Paused. Looked at us over his shoulder.

“I've always wondered what it would be like,” he said. “Two sisters together.”

Claire slammed the door behind him. The silence was louder than noise.

She turned to me, breathing hard. “He's gone,” she said.

I half smiled and nodded. But we both knew. He wants gone. Not really.

He had planted something. And it was already taking root.

Claire's POV

I locked the door and leaned against it. Isabella stood in the middle of the room, arms wrapped around herself, she looked like she was here but wasn't, her eyes were distant. I guessed she was terrified.

I walked overand hugged her. “I'm sorry,” I whispered. “I didn't think he’d…”

She hugged me back. Tight, patting my back softly. “It's not over for him,” she said softly.

I knew it, and deep down…

Part of me didn’t want him to be.