CH006: Games and Allergies

[ RAVEN ]

She’s already trying to run.

Barely twenty-four fucking hours after she agreed to be my wife, she’s Sydney’s already plotting how to shove me away.

I saw it in her eyes in the kitchen. The panic, the avoidance, the way she couldn’t even look at me.

Cute.

She really believes she has a choice. After waiting seven years to finally have her within reach, she thinks she can slip past my fingers.

In her dreams.

A cold, satisfied smile pulls at my lips as I head toward the poolside. Hunter is already there, lounging like a smug bastard with a drink in his hand.

Fucking prick. Offering to play pretend couple with my wife just to piss me off.

He doesn’t want her. Never really did. He just loves getting in my way. Always has, since we were kids. He thinks the same old games still work on me.

He’s about to learn how wrong he is.

Hunter turns his head at the sound of my footsteps. When he sees me, that annoying smirk stretches across his face.

“Look who’s here.” He taunts.

“What?” I reply flatly. I strip off my shirt and pants at the edge of the pool, leaving only my briefs, and toss my towel onto the next lounge chair. “Am I not allowed to swim now?”

“Of course you are. Enjoy.” He says with a soft laugh, leaning back like he’s already won.

My blood burns with irritation, but I hide it behind a calm smile. He has no idea how this ends.

I dive into the cool water. It soothes the rage for a moment.

When I climb out, I grab a fresh towel instead of his, dry off, then throw his towel straight at his chest as I drop down beside him.

He catches it with an annoyed scoff.

“Beautiful morning.” I lean my head back to the sky and breathe deep. A dark pleasure settles in my chest.

“Hm.” Hunter stays quiet for a second, then adds, “You know I see exactly why you’re here, right?”

“Really?” I turn to him with the same smile. “Go on then. Humor me.”

“Come on, Rav.” His smirk grows wider. “We’re brothers. I know you. The only reason you’re out here is because of Sydney. You want to make sure I’m not actually going with her.”

I let out a single, low laugh and close my eyes again.

Boring.

I thought he might catch a glimpse of the real game I’m playing, but his shallow mind is too small. What a fucking waste.

“You never stop amazing me,” Hunter continues. “Out of all the girls you could fuck around with, you pick Sydney? I already told her about your condition. Whatever sick game you’re playing, it’s over. You’re wasting your time.”

I open my eyes and glance at him, a slow smile spreading across my face.

“You told her already? That’s faster than I expected.”

Of course, I knew Hunter was going to tell Sydney about my condition. I expected it. Hunter’s sabotage is as predictable as the sunrise.

“Want to know what amazes me?” I ask. “You’re out here acting like her protector when you’re the same asshole who shattered her seven years ago. What the fuck do you think you’re gaining by crawling back to her now?”

“Who knows?” Hunter grins. “Maybe I just enjoy keeping assholes like you away from her.”

I roll my eyes and stand up. I’ve wasted enough time.

“Very well,” I say. “I’ve got an outing to prepare for.”

“Whatever.” Hunter mutters, bored.

I walk away, smirking to myself as he yells after me like a child.

“Loser! I fucking won, just like always!”

I count down to sixth in my head.

Sixty… fifty-nine… fifty-eight…

By the time I reach my room, the countdown hits one. My grin stretches.

I hear the commotion break outside. Panicked voices, someone grunting in pain; clearly Hunter.

And I ignore all of it.

The allergy pills dissolved much faster in his orange juice than I expected.

Instead, I focus on changing into a fitted black shirt and tailored pants. Running a hand through my hair, I head downstairs.

Sydney and her mother are talking in the hallway. Worry fills Sydney’s voice.

“Is it really that bad?”

“Yep. Fever, serious rash, the whole thing,” Mrs. Cooper shakes her head. “If he’s allergic, why would he expose himself to a trigger like that? We’ll have to find someone else to go with you, Syd.”

“Is everything okay?” I ask calmly, slipping one hand into my pocket as I descend the stairs.

“Oh, Raven.” Mrs. Cooper rubs her temple like a headache is coming on. Behind her, Sydney looks everywhere except at my face.

I keep my expression neutral out of respect for her mother, but my eyes still trace the smooth length of Sydney’s legs under that mid-length dress.

Later. I’ll stare as long as I want when she’s alone with me.

“Didn’t you hear?” Mrs. Cooper sighs. “Your brother had a bad allergic reaction. We called the doctor right away.”

“Oh, that. It’s nothing serious, Mrs. Cooper. Don’t worry,” I give her a reassuring smile. “Hunter’s reactions never last long. He’ll be fine.”

My gaze shifts to Sydney. Suspicion burns in her eyes now. She’s looking straight at me like she knows exactly what I did.

“Since Hunter is out of commission, I’ll go with you, Syd. Let’s go get that dress before it gets too late.”