You're Marrying My Sister.

“How the hell do I pretend I didn't have you in my mouth last night?”

“It was a mistake, Cruz. I'm straight, remember that. ” That's absolute bullshit. Last night told a different story. — DANTE CRUZ

DANTE

What the actual fuck.

That was all I could think as I shook Eli’s hand, pretending I hadn’t had his cock down my throat barely six hours ago.

He looked different in the daylight, put together, polite, perfect.

Not the bartender that looked insanely hot when he mixed drinks. Definitely ot the guy who moaned my name like a prayer.

And also not the guy who gripped my hair and whispered “Don’t stop” like he was falling apart.

But those eyes?

Those damn eyes still held the memory of last night.

The regret. The confusion.

“Nice to meet you, Eli.” I responded, my eyes locking with his lips for longer than usual.

My fiancée’s brother of all people.

My stomach flipped and it wasn't from guilt. A little tension but not guilt.

Of course this would happen to me. My life was just a fucked up phase.

“I’m so excited for this, Dante. Mom and Dad already briefed me on everything about the Cruz family.” His sister chirped happily beside him, I don't even know her name yet and I don't care about it.

“Umm…yeah…yeah, that's good.” I cleared my throat trying my best to regain composure.

A lot of things ran through my head, what if her damn brother revealed that I slept with him? What a black mark that would be on my name.

If dad found out, I'd be finished…literally. What if Eli gets in the way…in an ‘unpleasant manner’? I just had to make sure Eli kept quiet.

“You’re even more handsome than the photo.” Eli wasn’t looking at me anymore. He just stood next to her, hands clasped in front of him like a damn choir boy but I could see his jaw ticking.

He remembered everything.

And now? He was going to pretend it didn’t happen. Good. Because that's the best option he can take.

“It's a happy day,” I can tell you it isn't, father. It's a ticking time bomb rather. “Guests are already arriving.” My eyes flickered to the window, it almost looked like my parents had planned for a wedding instead of an engagement party.

This sucks.

“Let's leave the men to bond, my darling. Come with me.” Mom said with a smile that looked all too fake like she was hiding something behind them as she led my fiancee away.

I took my seat, stealing glances at Eli who tried his best not to spare me even a little stare.

Rude.

Almost immediately, he stood up and walked out, like his legs were on fire.

I waited a few minutes and followed.

A gay man was getting engaged to his sister and she didn't even know.

I was getting engaged to his sister, for some odd reason, I wanted to know what he thought about that, to be clear that last night remained last night.

“Where are you going?” Dad asked the instant I got up, closing the gap between him and I. I clenched my teeth, folding my hands into a fist to stop them from jittering.

Not even a moment of freedom, he had his eyes on me everytime like I was a fucking six year old.

I wanted to punch something. It would do me a lot of good if I could make something bleed.

“Not that it matters, father but to get through this engagement you planned without my consent, I'll need more than a few shots of the vodka on this table.” I seethed through my teeth, voice low so no one else could hear me.

“You had better not return here drunk. This marriage is happening whether you like it or not.”

My eyes swept through the room of unfamiliar faces, prestigious men I had never seen and the pretentious smile they held, feigning happiness for me.

“Yes or you kick me out of the Cruz family. The threat is getting old, pick something better. I'm fulfilling your wish, after all, father.”

“You should understand that Family obli…” Dad was saying and I quickly cut in.

“...obligations must be placed high above our own interests. Yes. I get that. You've burned it into my memory already.” I chuckled dryly as I walked out the door, down the hallway.

Where did he go? I shouldn’t have even stopped to talk to my father.

I ruffled my hair slightly then heard voices as though they were in an argument coming from the far end of the hallway, or maybe the stairs?

I turned around immediately and began walking back to the direction I came from.

The entire place is flooding with strangers but it would be nice if they didn't take the liberty to make such an ungodly amount of noise.

A glass vase shattered and I stopped in my tracks.

“I don't want this, Glydon. I'm fine working in the bar. I knew I should never have come back to this bloody country.”

That voice.

Just last night and now I was sure I could remember it everywhere because of how it haunted me.

I hastened my footsteps while their voices got louder with every step I took.

“This is your only chance to prove to mum that you're actually worth something, Eli. You know why you left the country in the first place? I had to appease mum so you'd come back. I'm your sister and I'm not about to sit back down and watch you waste away your life, mixing drinks and selling drugs at a fucking bar.” My fiancee yelled.

I tilted my head to a side in confusion, stopping in my tracks immediately.

It was wrong to eavesdrop. But I wasn't in control of myself anymore.

Too late.

“I don't give a shit what mom thinks. I'm doing fine. You both can stop trying to cross boundaries.” He deadpanned.

His face was rigid, his eyes red with anger and the muscles on his face visible.

“There's nothing you can do about it, Eli. Mom already settled it with Dante's father. You'll be Dante's assistant.” My jaw dropped and —is this the illusion of ‘i don't know what— spread through my chest.

My assistant.

Funny how no one mentioned it to me.

Again! Dad had made a major change without my consent.

“What? Whose assistant?” Disbelief spilled through his voice as he repeated the deadly words, shock evident in his expression.

“Yes. Dante. He's my fiancee and I've heard he's a nice guy. He'll treat you well, I'm sure—”

“You don't freaking know him, Glydon!” He shot back.

I bit the insides of my lips as hard as I could till I could feel blood in my mouth, my fists were folded, it took every bit of energy not to interrupt them. Would he really tell them I'm gay? Tell her?

I guess we are more alike than we actually thought. At least, we both have shitty families.

“Why are you acting like you have something against Dante? You just met him today, for heaven's sake, fix your attitude.” She stormed down the stairs while he sighed in frustration, ruffling his hair.

I was about walking towards him when he slammed his fist directly to the wall and then winced in pain.

In my opinion, that should feel nice.

“How long have you been eavesdropping?” He suddenly asked, looking in my direction immediately and I had no choice but to approach him.

“Long enough.” I simply stated.

“Dont you dare take a step closer.” He warned and I halted in my tracks.

“You’re in my house, Eli. You don't tell me what to do. Besides, you should relax. Last night meant nothing. Stop looking like I've got a knife to your throat.” I subtly said with emphasis.

It kind of looked like he was bothered. By the fact that he and I were here alone. He was tense but that didn't mean he was thinking about me, I wasn't stupid enough to let myself believe that.

He was probably thinking of every way possible to destroy me and for a moment, I tried to think, how was he her brother?

Why had he not been involved in the engagement procedures ever?

“You're sick, Dante. You're marrying my sister, for goodness sake and you're gay.” His voice broke slightly on the last word, as if saying it out loud cost him something.

“Yes. I am marrying your sister. Hold on, did you already know that before yest—” I was asking and the way his brows glared up, I realized he was oblivious.

“Nevermind.”

Shouldn't you feel a little rattled on what I could do with that information? That you're gay?” He said slowly, his eyes darkening.

I looked at his hands which were now gripping the railings and nearly punched his face. Repress, Dante, you have to repress.

I refuse to get tangled in family drama.

“You wouldn't dare.” I scoffed.

“You wish. I could go out there and let them know that you're gay. Have you considered how your father would react to that?” I shrugged, my hands were in my pocket and I just stared at him.

“You could but you wouldn't. As a matter of fact, I have considered that as well. You want to tell my father I'm gay? Go for it. But you had sex with me, Eli. You're not exactly innocent and I'm unsure your mom, from what I've heard, will be welcoming.” I looked at my watch and sighed.

It was time to go and slide a ring on his sister's finger.

“Tell me, did you have anything to do with me being your assistant? Are you that—”

“Relax Eli. You're not my type. I wouldn't stress myself over someone who isn't exactly special. What we had was a one night stand and if you as much as breath that information to anyone, it wouldn't be very pleasant.” I said with emphasis, my tone sharp but yet my eyes betrayed me, landing on his sharp jawline and resting there longer than they should have.

I folded my fist and I gulped down saliva as my eyes trailed up to his lips.

Fuck you, Eli.

“I guess we'll be seeing each other a lot more often as you'll be working for me. I don't appreciate tardiness. Keep that in mind.” I stated.

“You're —”

“Get used to my face, Eli. You'll see it at work, every damn day but last night? It never happened. Understand?” I smiled, gripping his shoulders, letting my hands stay there for a moment too long before walking away.

“Asshole. Your reputation is…” His words trailed off as I had already walked ahead of him making the last bits of his words inaudible.

Whatever he's thinking of doing, he better put an end to it. I can't have him ruining me because of a stupid one night stand.

Lord save me, I'm about to get burned.