Page 41 of Cryptic Curse

“Okay, I’m sorry for saying that.It was rude.And frankly, I don’t have any knowledge to back my claim about her up.None of us know what the hell this thing between you and Scarlettisanyway.”

He doesn’t answer.Just stands there, fuming.

We both do.

Inside, through the glass, I see Daniela in the kitchen scraping off dessert plates.

She doesn’t know we’re out here, ready to tear into each other over her.

But it’s not just her.I’ve been holding this resentment toward Eagle for a long time.At first, I was happy to clean up after his messes.Playing the role of the big brother in Falcon’s absence gave me a purpose.But Eagle never learned his fucking lesson, kept making the same mistake over andover.

Death by a thousand damned cuts.

Eagle doesn’t respond.He just stands there, arms crossed, jaw tight.That silence used to mean guilt.Now?I can’t tell.

“You ever think,” he says finally, voice low, “that maybe you don’t get to decide what I feel?”

I laugh, sharp and humorless.“You don’t feel, Eagle.Youreact.You poke, and you provoke.And when it stops being fun, you disappear.Or you fucking get high and expect me to pick up all the pieces.”

His face goes stone cold.

The cicadas hum in the grass.Somewhere inside, silverware clinks and someone laughs.

“I didn’t mean anything by it,” he finally mutters.“Not really.”

“Then prove it.Leave her be.”

He nods once.Small.It’s not quite surrender, but enough.

We stand there in silence a little longer.The air between us is still cracked open, but the pressure has shifted.

Inside, through the window, Daniela looks toward the door, eyes scanning like she’s looking for someone.

Me.

I take a deep breath and turn back toward the house.

And for once, Eagle doesn’t follow.

14

DANIELA

Savannah, Star, and I finish up in the kitchen just as Hawk walks back in from the deck.

I’m wiping my hands off on a dish towel, and I feel Hawk’s gaze on me.

I swallow.“Thanks for everything,” I say to Star.“Thank you for including me in the cooking.I can’t recall the last time I’ve enjoyed myself so much.”

“I should be thanking you.”Star takes my hands, squeezes them.“You’re amazing in the kitchen, Daniela.Your cooking school is going to be lucky to have you.I imagine you’ll end up teaching the instructors a few things.”

“That’s so kind of you to say.Though I’m sure I have a lot to learn.”I bite my lip.“I couldn’t have done this big dinner all on my own.”

Star smiles at that, pats my arm.“You could have.You’re a smart girl.You might not have had my wisdom to guide you, but you’d have figured it out.”

My cheeks warm.Whether it’s from Star’s compliments or Hawk’s eyes on me, I’m not sure.

Except Iamsure.