THIRTY TWO

ELOISE

There was this glum expression on Matthan's face as he took a seat. He looked stressed. So in a show of hospitality, I did the kindly thing.

"Would you like a glass of water?"

"No." He respectfully declined. "I think it's better if we get this over with before your adopted parents get here. I wouldn't want to spook them into believing you are joining a cult or something."

"We don't have to worry about any of that. My dad isn't in the dark and my mom is out shopping."

"What about him?" Declan asked and I followed his gaze to where my father was talking animatedly to a large, broad-shouldered Clay in a black hoodie.

"That's Clay. My brother." He's harmless."

"Well, your brother keeps staring at me like I'm about to pull out a gun any second now and go wild," Declan said in response. "It is almost menacing."

Of course, he was menacing. Clay was probably looking for opportunities to come running at me and ask questions. Considering how things had ended between us the last time, I