Page 7

I didn’t think I found guys with tattoos attractive, but I’m reevaluating my life choices.
“You look nice, sweetie,” my mother says to me from the couch, stealing my attention away from my stepbrother. “Did you get settled in?”
My eyes flick to Xayden and then back to my mother. I watch Aaron get up and head out to the grill. “Uh, yeah. Was able to shower, obviously. I mean, not much to unpack since it’s just a suitcase.”
“Well, I’m glad you were.” She pushes up from the couch and heads over toward Xayden. “Your friends were really nice, Xayden. Do you think that maybe you all can show Rory around when you get to campus?”
“Mom, I don’t need a babysitter. I’ll be fine.” I narrow my eyes at her.
Her expression softens. “Rory, sweetie, it’s a new college. I’m sure it would be nice to know someone on campus.”
“I’d love to,” Xayden cuts in as he stares at me. A wicked gleam in his eye tells me something is very off with that statement.
“Dinner’s ready!” Aaron calls out as he places the steaks on the table. “June, will you please grab the potato salad and bread from the kitchen?”
My mom steps away from me, but I am still rooted in place by Xayden’s stare. His blue eyes are boring through me with what feels like an intense hatred.
I move quickly toward the table before locating a chair to sit in. Aaron takes a seat to my left, and I look up to see him give me a small smile.
“What do you want to drink, Rory?” my mom calls out to me.
I swallow. “Water is fine, please.”
A shadow comes up next to me, and the smell of cedar and sandalwood attacks my nose. “You’re in my seat.”
“O-Oh, sorry.” I start to get up, but I’m stopped by Aaron.
“Don’t be silly, Xay. There are no assigned seats. Just sit there.” He points to the seat across from me. With a quiet grunt, Xayden pushes off the chair and walks around the table to the other chair. His eyes never leave me as he sits.
Looking down at the plate, I try to ignore the feeling of his eyes on me. I have no idea what I said, but I apparently pissed him off.
“So, Rory, are you excited about starting the architecture program at Groveton?” Aaron asks me.
“Um, yeah. Thanks again for helping me with school. You really didn’t have to.”
He waves me off. “Nonsense. It’s the least I could do. You deserve not to have to worry about that stuff.”
“Well, it wasn’t necessary, but I appreciate it.” I smile and nod to Aaron. Looking up, I see Xayden hasn’t taken his eyes off me yet. But he looks even more pissed off than before.
Did he not know his dad was paying for my school?
“How’re things with the fraternity, son?”
Xayden breaks his stare and turns to face his dad.
“Good. We have a couple of fundraisers lined up for some charities out here over the next few months. Should be a good year.”
Well, that explains the groupies and the hot friends. Of course they are part of a fraternity. It’s like a hot guy calling to be part of a frat. And of course, you need the hot girls to hang all over you and fuck when your dick needs to get wet.
“Xayden, your dad tells me you got accepted into Stanford after you graduate to study law. Congratulations.” My mom smiles at him as she sips her wine.
“Yes, ma’am.” Xayden doesn’t say anything more. He just goes back to staring at me.
We are all silent for a moment before Aaron clears his throat. “Well, dig in.” He gestures toward the food in front of us.
It all smells delicious. The steak looks so good, but there is not a hungry bone in my body anymore.
I’m so uncomfortable with this whole dynamic. I feel so out of place, and I wish I would have fought my mom more to stay back in Las Vegas. She doesn’t need me out here. I feel like I’m just intruding on their time.