Chapter 3

I had the staff put together a full breakfast. I was halfway through eating when the roar of an engine rolled in from the courtyard.

I set my fork down and walked to the door just as Kevin stepped out of the SUV.

It wasn't actually that hard to tell the brothers apart.

Kevin's shoulders were broader, his presence heavier.

From behind, though, it was easy enough to make a mistake.

I ran toward him, my steps deliberately unsteady, and threw myself straight into his arms.

"Aaron, what took you so long? Did you take care of my leave?"

Kevin looked down at me. Something flickered through those ice-cold eyes.

He didn't push me away. He didn't correct me, either.

I wrapped my arms around his waist, my hands slipping into his pockets like I was searching for something. "Did you take my cufflink? You gave it to me. I really liked it. Why did you take it back?"

The moment my hand brushed the pocket of his slacks, his large hand came down hard, pinning mine in place.

"What cufflink?"

His voice was low and rough.

I stamped my foot lightly, letting a pout slip into my tone. "Stop pretending! You left it by the bed last night. I picked it up. Did you take it this morning? And seriously, you were so rough with me last night. Aren't you going to make it up to me?"

Kevin didn't answer.

But I could feel it. Beneath that perfectly buttoned collar, his throat moved sharply.

He reached up and tugged at his collar, his gaze dragging slowly over the bruises on my neck and collarbone. Under his eyes, they seemed to burn all over again.

Something lit in his gaze, sharp and possessive. It was almost too much to stand.

"Why are you acting shy?"

I turned my face away on purpose.

"It's not like there's anything you didn't see last night. I'm done talking to you. You always pick on me," I added, pretending to be annoyed as I turned to leave.

His hand caught my wrist instantly. With a slight pull, he dragged me right back against him.

My back pressed flush to his chest, leaving no space between us.

He lowered his head, his breath hot against my ear, like a predator watching its prey. He seemed to want to kiss me.

I closed my eyes, compliant. My mind, though, was perfectly clear.

I knew Aaron would be back any second. This was the second "surprise" I had prepared for him.

Right on cue, the sharp screech of brakes cut through the air outside.

Kevin and I both turned.

Aaron jumped out of a black Jeep, the cufflink clenched in his hand, his face dark and stormy.

The moment he saw us wrapped together, he froze. The pressure rolling off him spiked, wild and uncontrolled.

Then he strode over, each step packed with barely contained fury.

"What the hell are you two doing?"

He stopped in front of us, his eyes locked on Kevin's arm around my waist, rage practically spilling out of him.

I flinched like I had been scared out of my mind, shoving Kevin away and stumbling back several steps. My eyes reddened instantly, tears pooling as I looked completely shaken.

"Aaron? I-I thought it was you. Kevin looks exactly like you from behind…"

Aaron grabbed me and yanked me behind him, his grip so tight that it left my wrist burning red. He shot me a furious glare. "Are you serious? You can't even recognize your own fiancé?"

"I'm sorry… I really didn't mean to…"

My voice trembled. I bit my lip while sneaking a glance at Kevin.

"Kevin, I'm sorry. I really thought you were Aaron…"

Kevin's expression didn't change. He just looked at Aaron calmly. "It's not her fault. Twins get mistaken all the time."

There was the weight of authority in his voice. It pressed down just enough to take the edge off Aaron's temper.

"Aaron, you shouldn't talk to her like that."

Aaron let out a short, mocking laugh, trying to cover the flicker of unease in his eyes. "She's just slow. We've shared a bed for a year; she should recognize me no matter what."

"She's only met me once. Of course, she'd mix us up," Kevin cut in, his tone cold.

Aaron raised a brow, shrugging it off. "Fine. My bad. I apologize."

Kevin didn't bother responding. He turned and walked into the house.

Aaron stood there for a few seconds, silent. Something dark slid through his eyes. He lifted the small bag of medicine in his hand, his gaze settling heavily on me.

"Go back to your room. I need to talk to you."