He studies the two of us, crossing his arms over his chest. “Something’s fishy. I smell it.”
“And what’s Lucas got to do with this?” Jake pitches in. “I heard you mention that snake—No offense, Natalie.”
I just shrug. “Snake, weasel, I don’t really care. I don’t have time to hang around and talk. Ethan, they’re your problem. You deal with them.”
Caleb lifts his brows. “You’re going to let her talk to you like that? You don’t let us talk to you in that tone.”
“She’s not you,” Ethan says curtly.
I walk away, feeling a little overwhelmed by all this chaos. I’m not used to such loud and physical interactions.
It doesn’t take me long to pack my clothes. I don’t own that many as it is. With two suitcases filled, I’m about to lug themout of the room when I hear Jake’s voice. “Let me. Ethan’s gone to the lobby.”
“I can do it,” I grunt, trying to pull the suitcase, but it’s stuffed to the brim, and I can only drag it a few inches before my arms feel like they will rip off.
He takes it from me. “You should really work out more.”
I glare at him. “I don’t need your help.”
“I want to help.”
“I said I don’t need it.”
His smile fades, and he sets the suitcase down, his own eyes narrowed into tiny slits. “Fine. I get it. You’re pissed at me over the background search. But if you’re hoping for an apology, you can forget it.”
“Charming, my ass,” I mutter, pulling my suitcase away from him.
He pulls it right back, scowling. “I have every right to protect Ethan from you and your family.”
“He’s a big boy,” I hiss, both of us holding on to the handle of the suitcase at this point. “He’s perfectly capable of protecting himself.”
“Not when it comes to you!” Jake growls.
“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I sneer.
“He’s mad about you, always has been. You’re his biggest weakness, and you’re the only one who has the ability to hurt him. Our whole family sees it. You just like playing deaf, dumb, and blind to the fact.”
“Hey!” Caleb hurries in. “What the hell are you guys shouting about?”
“Nothing.” I grind my teeth. “I’m well aware Ethan cares for me?—”
“Are you?” Jake stares at me, his brows knitting together. “Because you sure don’t act that way.”
“And just how am I supposed to act?” I shove the suitcase at him, making him stagger back. “Do you expect me to kiss hisass? Or do you expect me to fawn over him like a love-struck teen?”
“At least do something, and don’t treat him like an afterthought!”
“Jake,” Caleb cautions. “Cool it.”
“She doesn’t even appreciate him.” Jake’s voice is harsh. “Her brother fucked him over. All of Ethan’s savings went into that company. He didn’t take a cent from our parents, and Lucas just fucking stabbed him in the back. Do you know how devastated my brother was? Do you have any idea of the damage you caused?—”
My jaw trembles, but I straighten up, my voice quiet. “Me? The damage I caused? That wasn’t me. I didn’t do that.”
“But your brother did. You Thornes only know how to use Ethan. God, I don’t know what he sees in you?—”
The harsher his words, the more it feels like I’m sinking underwater, listening to my mother screaming at me, telling me how worthless I am.
WhatdoesEthan see in me?
