Page 121 of Heartless Stepbrother

I didn’t know what to do with my hands. I settled for crossing my arms casually, well,attemptingcasually, and giving a small nod.

“Luna,” I said, steady, even.

Good. My voice didn’t shake.

Jake’s mouth tugged into a grin, lightly impressed. “Cool to meet you. Didn’t know Riley was bringing… uh—“ He shot Riley a look that saidexplain this. ”—anyone.”

Riley finally spoke, his voice a lazy stroke of sound that slid right under my skin.

“She’s new.”

Jake blinked. “New… where?”

Riley’s smirk sharpened. “Everywhere.”

I felt heat threaten my cheeks, but I shoved it down hard. I wasn’t giving him the satisfaction.

Jake laughed like that answer made perfect sense. “Right. Classic.”

Riley stepped closer, not touching me, just near enough that the space between us felt claimed. His arm brushed mine as if by accident. It wasn’t.

“She’s starting school with us next week,” he said, eyes still fixed on me. “Thought she should meet people.”

Jake’s eyebrows shot up even higher.

I nodded. “Starting Monday.”

Jake’s grin turned friendlier. “Nice. Don’t worry, the first week’s chaotic but easy to survive. Mostly.”

“Mostly,” Riley echoed, amusement curling around the word like smoke.

Jake looked between us, clearly sensing something he couldn’t quite label. “Well, come on. Everyone’s down by the fire—“

He started walking ahead, calling out greetings to others as he went, but Riley didn’t move.

He stayed right beside me.

Watching.

Waiting.

Then, just loud enough for me to hear over the waves, he murmured, “Not bad.”

I stiffened. “What?”

“You held your own,” he said, tone casual but eyes dark with assessment. “Didn’t stutter. Didn’t hide behind me. Didn’t run.”

“I’m not running from your friends,” I said tightly.

“Mmm.” His head tilted slightly, studying me like I was some puzzle he intended to solve. “Good. Because they’d eat you alive if you came in shaking.”

I bristled. “I’m not shaking.”

“You were earlier.” His mouth curved, subtle and sharp. “Different context, though.”

The bathroom.

Of course.