A Cut so Deep - Dani Rene Page 0,21
knows he has an effect on me, and he uses it to his advantage.
With a nod, he turns to leave. I watch his form retreating toward the door, but before he steps out, he twists his head, offering me only his profile to admire. His eyes burn with blue flames that dance with intent.
“I wanted to see you.”
My brows furrow in confusion. “What?” I croak.
“You asked me what I was doing here,” he tells me. “It was because I wanted to see you.” His admission hangs between us, for a second, before he spins on his shiny heel and leaves me in the greenhouse, still trembling.
When I sit down at the table beside Cassian, he leans over and whispers, “Don’t let Damien get to you. He’s an asshole, most times, even to us, but he cares.”
I don’t know why my heart flip flops at his words. It’s wrong to think about Damien in that way, but when he settles in at the head of the table, and my eyes find his, I know I’ll never see him in a familial way.
“So, tell us more about you,” Finn says, when he seats himself opposite me. “Any hobbies? Or favorite things to do?”
“I’m pretty much a homebody,” I shrug. “I love being on my own, spending time with my books. Not really a party animal.”
“That’s unfortunate because we’re having a party this weekend to welcome our new little sister to the family and the town.” Finn grins at me, while he spears a piece of meat and shoves it into his mouth. “She’s our guest of honor.”
“I didn’t know about this,” Damien speaks up, looking at Finn with a glare, his blue eyes sparking to life, and I can’t help but be pulled into that hard stare.
“I spoke to Holly and Mali,” Finn says with a playful grin. “They’re bringing the rest of the team, and The Black Knights want to head up here as well.”
“Fuck that, I’m not having those assholes in this house again.” Damien’s voice lowers into a growl, and I can’t stop the shiver that races down my spine as the warning drenches his words.
“Come on, D,” Cassian says. “It’s harmless fun. We’ll keep them down here, we can lock the door from the kitchen leading to the rest of the house and just have them in the garden. The kitchen will still be accessible, we can keep the living room patio doors locked as well.” He seems to have thought this through. “The pool house has a bathroom if they need it. I mean, think about it, we can keep them contained.”
I don’t know who The Black Knights are, but from the name alone, I can’t help but want to agree with Damien. I’m not a fan of crowds, and this sounds like it’s going to be big.
Blue eyes flash, flitting between the two younger brothers, and I silently pray that he says no but, after some consideration, Damien finally nods and says, “Fine. Outside.”
My heart leaps into my throat, as Finn whoops at the thought of having a bash in his father’s house. I doubt their dad would be impressed if he knew about this, but I have no say. It’s not my house.
“Looks like we’re having a party, little sister,” Finn tells me, with a satisfied grin on his face, and I don’t know why my eyes sweep to Damien. He’s watching me intently, and I wonder if he can see the trepidation I’m feeling.
I fake a smile, just like I’ve been taught to do all my life, and try to finish my dinner. Even though it’s delicious, the anxiety churning in my stomach makes it difficult to eat.
“Have you decided on a major?” Cassian asks from beside me.
Shaking my head, I tell him, “Not yet. I’m thinking of perhaps doing a History major. Something different to anything my mother wants me to do,” I tack on with a small smile. I can feel cerulean eyes piercing me, but I don’t look at him.
“History. If you like that kinda stuff, Damien can show you around the manor.” Finn grins as if there’s an inside joke that only he can hear. “This place is fucking old, I’m sure it’s haunted too.” With a chuckle, he shakes his head, and I try not to look at Damien, who I know is watching me.
“I’d love to learn more about Thorne Haven and the manor. I’ve always been interested in learning about how towns came about.”
“Are you musical at