Ahren watches me carefully, tension rising in the silence. “Jayce, what the hell is going on with you? You’re not yourself today.”
I can’t meet his eyes. I don’t even know who I am at this moment.
“That’s thanks to this fucking Deimos intuition. Not everything I learn is good.” I close my eyes. “But… Sienna’s my mate… fuck.” I can’t help but smile softly.
“Doesn’t mean I’m happy with this, and she’s not officially your mate yet…” Ahren frowns. “You could be wrong.”
He knows I’m not wrong, but sure if that helps him sleep better.
“I don’t plan to tell her. Like you said, the bond hasn’t clicked into place, not officially, and I don’t want that to influence her in any way. So let’s keep that between us.”
Ahren snorts. “Right.”
I cock a brow. “Don’t act like it’s hard to believe.”
“I don’t think she can survive another heartbreak, so you better not fucking hurt her.”
This time it’s my turn to scoff. “I’m not a Rossi. We Westwood men don’t abandon or hurt our women even if it means swallowing our pride, fear or guilt. Before going off on me, remember that,” I say coldly.
“A fair point, but my father and grandfather were not like that, so you have those role models to live up to as well.”
“My father and my grandfather are also examples of great partners. Rest assured, Sienna won’t be mistreated.” My eyes flash, but my words are sincere.
Ahren nods slowly. “Facts. Fine. Whatever. Was that outfit your choice?” His eyes are icy again.
“I am not about to tell her what to or what not to wear, but no. Fuck, I didn’t tell her to wear that,” I answer defensively.
Ahren pinches the bridge of his nose. “I blame Aunty Ri then.”
I stiffen as I’m reminded of what I saw.
“Yeah… maybe… So can I get out there and actually go and see if she’s ok?”
Ahren frowns. “I fucking hate this.”
“Yeah, well, if it was up to me, I’d have preferred her not to be your sister. But we don’t get to choose now, do we?”
“Right,” he answers icily. We both look at one another before Ahren gestures to the door. “After you, Deimos King,” he says mockingly.
“After you, Demon Prince,” I reply with equal sarcasm.
He brushes past me. “I prefer the title, Prince of Darkness,” he says with a princely air that fucking fits well.
“Yeah, well, I don’t give a fuck what you prefer,” I counter, walking and brushing past him with the same arrogance.
The music reaches my ears, loud and incessant, and I try to think of anything but those thoughts.
I put out my cigarette before I step into the crowd, searching for Sienna.
“I didn’t think you’d go that far to try to catch Jayce’s attention.”
My jaw clenches. Allison.
“What I wear and why is none of your business, Allison,” Sienna says, her voice softer than usual, but laced with steel. I turn at the sound, catching sight of her standing across from Himari and Allison, fingers brushing her earring, the ruby catching the light, making it glitter.
“No, it isn’t,” Allison bites back, crossing her arms. “But don’t confuse it with whatever happened with Jayce. He doesn’t do serious. Trust me, I know.”
Sienna’s eyes lock onto mine the second she spots me, her heart rate spikes. I can hear it from here, and I know it’s hers. I don’t even glance at Allison or her lapdog and walk right past them.
