A Cut so Deep - Dani Rene Page 0,9
until mom gets back from her honeymoon, and then we’ll see what happens,” I tell her.
“Well, if you need to ever get away, you’re always welcome at my house,” she offers, but my mother’s hand lands heavily on my shoulder in warning. She doesn’t like the idea.
“Or she could focus on choosing her major and making sure she’s chosen the college she wants to attend. Bradford is generously offering to pay for her studies. I think it’s nice of him.” My mother’s tone is filled with fury, as she hisses the words.
My aunt’s gaze sizzles as she regards her sister.
If I didn’t feel halfway comfortable spending time with Finn and Cassian, I would’ve asked my mother if I could stay with Mallory; but with tensions running high, I think I’ll just let it go for now.
“I’m actually looking forward to spending time at the Thorne house. Apparently, it’s rich with history, and I’m dying to have some cooler weather.” I turn to my mother who’s watching our interaction, hoping she’ll lay off. She sips her drink as I stare at her, and she offers me a smile of victory.
I’m the pawn in the middle of a game between the siblings, which annoys me, but I allow it to filter into nothing. If I did put up a fight and argue the fact, I know my mother would only force me to go to Thorne Haven.
The need to be anywhere but in LA is burning in my veins. I can be someone else, no longer the daughter of the infamous beauty that my mother is. When she realized I would never be like her, she gave up on me, allowing me to focus on my schoolwork.
“I’m glad you’re taking this so well and not throwing a hissy fit in the middle of the reception,” she finally responds in a slightly hushed whisper, and my lungs expel the breath I’d been holding. “But,” she says a bit louder for everyone to hear, her voice stern, more serious than I’ve ever heard her, “If you don’t go to college or choose your major while we’re away, when I get back, you’re coming into the studio with me. My agent has roles that would be perfect for you.”
“I’m sure she’ll figure out what she wants to do with her future, Marcia,” my aunt tells her sister, her voice drenched in frustration. This is what it’s like with them all the time.
“Seems I haven’t met the beautiful ladies of the Ellington family yet.” A deep and raspy tone comes from behind me, sending goosebumps skittering across my bare skin.
I know who it is before I turn around. There’s no doubt that it’s him. No man in this room sounds like that. A voice dripping seduction, and a tone that’s laced with sin.
“You’re far too kind,” my mother gushes, her gaze locked on the man behind me. I can feel his warmth, smell the intoxicating spice of his cologne, and the hint of smoke that tells me he’s had a cigarette outside.
I guess it’s true what they say: after good sex, you need a smoke.
“This is Damien.” My mother grins happily, causing my body to go into a flat-out panic.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” My aunt shakes his hand, and then I finally take a chance and glance over my shoulder. The moment I do, my breath is knocked from my lungs. Ice blue pools of glass are looking directly at me.
Where Cassian’s gaze is a soft teal shade and less intimidating than Damien’s icy blue one, I can’t stop trembling at having his cold focus on me. Each brother unique in the features, and I’m sure in personalities too.
“And you are?” He quirks his thick black brow at me. It’s now that I can see his hair is jet black, like a raven’s feathers. His mouth is pursed, lips full and pink. His angular jawbone is smooth, temptingly beautiful. I want to touch it to see if he’s really human. But I don’t move. His sharp nose looks like it’s been chiseled by an infamous artist.
“This is your stepsister, Nesrin,” my mother answers for me, when I can’t find my words. Frustration burns my cheeks because I’d never been so caught unaware by a boy before. Not a boy, really. This is a man. He is the eldest of the three, which would make him mid to late twenties.
“Damien Thorne,” he says, reaching for my hand. I offer it only because I don’t want