Chapter 53
“Ok.” Morella says, her voice sparkling with amusement. “Everything is ready to go and people should be getting here…” She pauses for dramatic effect. “Now!” And immediately the doorbell chimes.
Liv steps up beside me in the kitchen and clears her throat. “I umm, I got you this.” She places a neatly wrapped package in front of me. Brown paper with a black velvet ribbon tied around it and a neat bow on top. Subtle, I like it. “Happy birthday Rafe.”
I side eye her for a moment though. One eyebrow raises. Why would she bother to get me a gift? She got Morella one because that’s her best friend. But why me? I’ve tried to make it as clear as I can to her. I don’t like her. I just wish my body would get the memo as well.
I take a deep breath and open it. My god. It’s a book but not just any book. “Piatti Italiani dal Cuore: Ricette, Tradizioni e Leggende”. It’s an Italian cookbook that also features legends, traditions, and stories from families who helped write the book. It’s a perfect gift and she got it for me.
I look at her to find hopeful eyes staring back and for a moment it almost breaks me.
I turn and leave the kitchen and head straight for my room.
I push past party goers who seem to already be drunk.
Girls who reach for me but I brush off easily and a group of guys who look like that team who we beat in the first game of the season.
That’s weird. But I don’t think on it too long.
I take the stairs two at a time and eventually close myself off in my room.
I’m angry, pacing the length of my room.
Probably close to wearing a trail in the carpet.
Why the hell would she get me such a thoughtful gift?
Is she trying to win me over? This is absolutely absurd!
I toss the book onto my bed. I take a seat on the foot of my bed and inhale deeply, trying to calm my nerves but the more I think about how much I love the gift the angrier I get.
I do not want to like this girl. I don’t.
After what feels like a life time I can’t take it anymore. I jump up from my bed and fling open my door, charging into the hall and down the stairs. I’m going to find her and I'm going to give her a piece of my mind.
The party is in full swing now. Music thumping, laughter everywhere, bodies packed into every corner of the house. But I’m not looking at any of them.
I’m looking for her.
I scan the room quickly. Living room, hallway, den.
Nothing. Then I spot her at the drink table, her back turned to me, her auburn hair catching the low light just right.
She’s pouring herself a drink, slow and careful like she’s doing it just to have something to do.
She’s not laughing. Not talking to anyone.
I cross the room without hesitation, weaving between groups of people. Before she even notices me, I reach out and grab the glass straight from her hand. Don’t even give her a chance to take a sip.
She startles, turning toward me, but I lean in close before she can say a single word. My voice is low and sharp when I speak, aimed like a dagger right at her.
“What the fuck was that?” I snap.
She says nothing just looks at me confused and shocked.
“Having my two best friends isn’t enough for you? You trying to butter me up so you can have me too? With your special gift?” Im fuming, breaths heavy. “What makes you think I want you?”
I can see the way the words hit her. Like a slap. Her eyes go wide for a fraction of a second before she shuts it down, locking her expression tight, shoulders pulling back as if she’s bracing against me.
I hate how that look makes me feel. Hate that I want to reach out and fix it.
So I just hold her gaze for one more beat, letting the silence drag, before I set her glass roughly down on the table beside her and turn on my heel. I disappear back into the crowd before she can even respond.
The party feels too loud now.
I can’t stand it.
I glance over at Silas and Archer, but they’re no help. Not tonight. Not when they’re wrapped up in Liv, like she’s their entire universe. The thought makes my stomach twist.
So no, talking to them won’t help.
My gaze drifts and lands on Maddison. Perfect. She’s leaning too close to some guy she probably doesn’t even know, laughing too loud, desperate for attention. She’s always ready for whatever chaos I bring her into.
Before I even realize what I’m doing, I’m moving.
I reach for her arm, fingers curling tight around her bicep. She startles, her laugh cut off mid-sound as I yank her out of her conversation and steer her across the room.
She doesn’t ask where we’re going. But based on the grin she’s sporting she knows exactly what’s about to happen.
I haul her up the stairs, fast and without a word, not giving a damn who notices or what they think.
In the hallway, I pause, just for a second, glancing toward my room. But no.
I may be taking Maddison right now, but there is no way in hell I’m doing it in my bed. Not where Liv’s gift still sits, waiting on the pillow like some quiet accusation.
So I shove Maddison through the nearest guest room door instead. I need this. I need to get Liv out of my head.
At least that’s what I tell myself.