Page 66 of Scarred Sins

“Blair,’’ Noelle’s voice makes my eyes travel to hers, only to see her already looking at me with that soft expression. “Has Arlo been treating you well?”

I blink. “I think so?”

“You think so?’’ She shoots a pointed look at her son, though he chooses to ignore it with a faint smirk tugging on the corner of his lip.

“Don’t worry,’’ I tried to reassure her. “He’s been good to me.’’

“Good,’’ she clears her throat. “If he does anything remotely inappropriate, let me know. I taught him manners; he better use them.’’

I crack a smile. “I think I can handle him, but thank you.’’

Hudson takes a sip of the wine, and it’s only then that I realize that the four of us, with the exception of Hudson and Noelle, are not having alcohol. Not that I’m a drinker, but it’s kind of hilarious that they’re treating us like children.

Arlo doesn’t wait for the rest to fill their plates and starts putting a little bit of everything on my plate. My stomach growls, and I ignore it, hoping no one else hears it. The food is delicious, and as soon as it hits my tongue, I feel like I’m on cloud nine. Arlo’s cooking is great, but Noelle’s? Out of this world.

“So, kids,’’ Hudson stirs up a conversation. “Any plans for tonight?”

“I was thinking of going to a party with Rose,’’ Arlo’s sister says.

“No,’’ Hudson immediately shoots it down. “You’re staying put, Aria. There are too many dangers right now.’’

The girl mutters something under her breath, clearly displeased.

“Cove’s fighting tonight,’’ Arlo interjects. “We’ll go to watch him.’’

Hudson’s eyes narrow at Cove. “You’re still doing that? Why?”

“Thrill, mainly. I have to try extra hard tonight; I have a special guest watching me.’’

Arlo chuckles. “I’m not that special.’’

“You’re right.’’ Cove’s voice is flat. “I meant Blair.’’

All eyes land on me, and I struggle to chew properly. Their plates are still half-full while mine is nearly empty. I choke a bit, coughing into my fist before gulping down the juice.

“Watch your mouth,’’ Arlo warns. “I don’t want to kill you because you decided to act stupid.’’

Cove is unbothered by the threat. “Right, right. But I’m glad you’re coming. Maybe you’ll return to the ring one of these days.’’

Arlo snorts. “I doubt it.’’

“So,’’ I cleared my throat. “How long have you been a fighter, Cove?”

“Give or take five years.’’

“That’s impressive.’’

A ghost of a smirk tugs on his lips. “You think?”

This is the first time I’m looking at Cove properly.

He’s a little taller than Arlo, and their personalities cannot be further apart. Cove’s dark hair is neatly trimmed and perfectly styled, with a strand falling over his forehead. His shirt is tight on his body, showing off his muscular and toned body. Definitely a handsome man.

One of the most attractive men I’ve seen, yet nothing like Arlo.

Arlo’s protective aura is what lured me in. Where Cove is cold, distant, and rough, Arlo is soft, cautious, and secretive. He never does anything without a reason, and although I’ve not known him nearly enough to know exactly who he is, I know just how calculated he is.

“Cove,’’ Noelle’s motherly, stern voice breaks my train of thought. “Can we eat without the two of you bickering?”