Chapter 2 Green Eyes

Hunter’s P.O.V.

The Next Day

I adjust the cuffs of my suit jacket as I step out of the private elevator. The work on my desk over the last forty-eight hours completely wiped my mind clean. If my secretary hadn't dropped a reminder on my desk before leaving yesterday, both Nathan and I would have completely blown off our own father’s wedding.

We missed the actual ceremony entirely, only managing to pull up to the guarded luxury venue just as the reception is getting underway.

Nathan walks a step behind me, his hands shoved deep into his pockets, his face a completely blank mask. He hasn't spoken a single word since we sat in the car.

As we enter the grand ballroom, the crowd parts slightly, and whispers pass through the guests at the sight of the two brothers.

I spot our father standing near the main stage with his new wife. I remember seeing her photo a few months ago when he sent it to me, telling me he was going to marry her. Neither of us brothers is close to our father. Ever since we were kids, he has always been too busy with his work to care.

As soon as he sees us walking in together, a look of relief crosses his face, and he walks over.

"You both came.” After stopping in front of us, he looks between my cold expression and Nathan's hollow stare. "Even if you got late, still, thank you."

"We were busy," I reply flatly, not offering any fake apologies.

Before my father can even respond, I feel a sudden shift in the air next to me. I glance over just in time to see Nathan's jaw clench tightly. His eyes are fixed on something across the room, his pupils dilating. He looks like he’s seeing a ghost.

Without a single word of explanation, Nathan abruptly turns around. He pushes past a group of people, practically running toward the exit doors.

"Nate?" I call out, my voice laced with sudden shock.

I don't waste time talking to my father. I immediately follow him, breaking into a fast walk through the crowded ballroom. By the time I burst through the grand entrance of the venue and jog down the marble steps, the valet has already brought his sports car.

He throws himself into the driver's seat, slams the door, and revs the engine. The tyres screech against the pavement as he peels out of the driveway, disappearing into the city traffic before I can stop him.

"What happened to him suddenly?" I run a hand through my hair, the familiar panic rising in my throat.

I’m always worried about him, always waiting for the next breakdown.

Because I know what he does when the pain becomes too much. The way he shuts everyone out. And then… the way he tries to feel something, anything, even if it means hurting himself.

I just hope wherever he’s going right now, he doesn’t cross that line again.

I pull my phone from my pocket and dial his number. It rings out completely. I try again, but he doesn't pick up my call.

"What happened, Hunter? And where has Nathan gone?" I turn around to see my father walking down the steps, his brow furrowed as he watches the empty street where Nathan’s car had just been.

"I don't know, Dad.” I shake my head, my voice tense as I stare at my phone screen. “I have to go. I'm so worried about him."

"You're not going anywhere. He can handle himself." He says in a firm tone.

A flash of anger hits me. I take a step toward him. "You don’t care about him, but I do."

He sighs, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "I’m also worried about him, Hunter. But you can't babysit him all the time. He isn’t a child anymore. You should focus on your own life."

His words hit me hard. I want to argue, to tell him that he doesn't understand the depth of the darkness Nathan is drowning in. But somewhere deep down, I feel his words are right. I can't always run after him to protect him from his own mind. He is a grown man. He has to handle himself eventually.

He looks at me, waiting, before gesturing back toward the venue. “Now come inside."

I look at my phone one last time and shove it back into my pocket.

As I follow my father back inside, the noise of the reception washes over me as we push past the talking guests.

He guides me through the ballroom, straight toward the main stage where his new wife is waiting.

"Diana, this is my eldest son, Hunter.” He introduces, gesturing to the elegant woman standing before us. I offer her a polite nod, but before I can say a word, my father shifts his gaze to the girl standing right next to her.

"And this is Amber, Diana's daughter."

I look down, and my chest completely locks up. I just can’t take my eyes off her.

"Nice to meet you, Hunter.” She steps forward and extends her hand.

I reach out to take it. As our fingers connect, a sudden jolt shoots straight up my arm. Her hand is incredibly soft, feeling so fragile inside my large grip.

I completely lose myself in her green eyes. They look so magical and deep, pulling me in until the crowded room around us completely disappears. I don't want to leave her hand. For a few long seconds, both of us just stand there, completely lost in each other.

Slowly, our hands separate, but the skin where we touched feels like it’s burning. Even after I pull my hand away, I can still find the distinct touch of her skin on mine.

I look her over, taking in her small frame. She is remarkably short. Even with the high heels she's wearing, she barely reaches my shoulder. She looks so tiny standing in front of me.

Her hair is a beautiful blonde, styled in soft curls that frame her face perfectly. She is wearing a gorgeous lavender dress that hugs her curves nicely before flowing out, making her look completely breathtaking.

During the entire party, I remain completely distracted. I find myself staring at her across the room, unable to focus on any of the businessmen trying to talk to me. I keep watching her beauty, tracking the way she moves, the way she smiles. I have never gotten lost in any woman before her. Not once.

A sharp flash of irritation hits me, and I clench my jaw, getting incredibly angry at myself for feeling this sudden attraction toward her.

I hate women. I always have. They are manipulative and not worth my time.

Then why the fuck can't I take my eyes off her? Her lips, her eyes, her nose, everything about her is so damn perfect. It's driving me completely insane.

"Hunter," my father’s voice snaps me out of my trance. He steps closer, looking back toward Diana and Amber before fixing his eyes on me. "Since Diana and I are leaving for our honeymoon right after the reception tonight, Amber will be staying with you and Nathan at the mansion for the next two months."

I feel a cold wave of panic mix with my anger.

"No," I refuse immediately, my voice low and lethal. "Absolutely not. She isn't staying at the mansion."

I can't allow this. I can't stay under the same roof with any woman without breaking her, without hurting her. It’s what I do.

And the intense, heavy attraction I’m feeling toward her right now is already killing me. I can’t imagine living in the same place with her, seeing her every day, without doing something to her.

It’s impossible.

My father’s expression hardens, but his eyes are pleading with me. "Hunter, please. She is completely new to Manhattan. She doesn't know anyone else here. I have never asked you for anything, but I’m asking you now to take care of her."

I glare at him, clenching my fists.

Fuck!

He’s right. He has never asked for anything. If I push back any harder, it will cause a scene he won't let me walk away from.

"Fine," I agree reluctantly, the word tasting like venom on my tongue. "Two months. That's it."

My father nods, relieved, and walks away to rejoin his wife. I stand frozen, my dark eyes locking onto Amber across the room. She is talking to her mother, completely unaware of the trap she just walked into.

For the next two months, how the hell am I going to live under one roof with my stepsister without doing something to her?

Just looking at her makes me furious because of how intensely I crave her. For the first time in my entire life, I’m actually feeling the urge to kiss a woman instead of torturing her.

It defies every rule I live by. It makes me want to lose control.

I stare at her perfect face with a dark smirk playing on the edge of my lips.

I’m already sorry, Green Eyes. You have no idea what you've just walked into. You’re completely gone.