“Give it up already,” Killian says from his position on luxurious dark red leather chair while clutching a gaming controller.
He’s speaking to a girl who’s sitting cross-legged on her own huge chair and tapping manically on her controller. Her lips are pursed and her fair skin is red.
“Don’t listen to him. You can win,” Bran says, sitting on the armrest of her chair.
My breath comes out in a slow whoosh.
He’s fine. I’m not late. He looks okay and he’s…smiling.
My quiet brother, who’s more asocial than me, seems to be having fun.
Now that the immediate danger is out of the way, I focus on the scene in front of me.
Are they seriously playing games when I’ve been worried sick?
Also, who’s the girl? From my side-glance, she seems familiar, but I’m not sure where I’ve seen her.
Why is my brother bonding with her and Killian?Might as well stab me in the back, Bran.
Not that I’m jealous.
I refuse to believe I’m jealous.
“Don’t go giving her false hope.” Killian presses his buttons with the same speed as the girl, but he’s completely nonchalant about it, appearing bored while still efficient. “And believe me, baby Sokolov, he’s only rooting for you because he’d rather play the final against you and win.”
I take a step inside and I swear he catches me in his peripheral vision. His speed slows down a little and then the girl jumps up, hitting her controller over and over.
Then she laughs and hugs Bran.
“I knew you could do it,” Bran says as they break apart.
She jerks her chin in Killian’s direction and signs.
Oh. She can’t speak.
Now I feel like a horrible person for having a tiny grudge against her earlier.
“She says you’re the best cheerleader ever.”
My brother grins. “Not sure if I should be honored or feel disturbed.”
Killian lifts a shoulder. “Probably both.”
Suddenly, his eyes meet mine. They’re harsh and dark and have nothing of the earlier nonchalance he sported when he was playing.
For some reason, I think he lost on purpose just now. Bran and the girl probably didn’t notice, but I saw how Killian intentionally slowed down to let her have the upper hand.
He’s still lounging on the chair, but his spine has straightened and there’s that brimming tension in his blank expression, a storm that’s been slowly but steadily building—definitely not good news.
But you know what? Fuck him.
I’m the one who’s supposed to be angry for all the shit he’s done since this morning.
“Bran.” I slide to my brother’s side and touch his arm. “Are you okay?”
“Oh, hey, little princess. Of course I am. Why wouldn’t I be?” He motions at the girl, who’s watching me closely. “Meet Mia, Killian’s cousin and my new gaming master.”
She nods enthusiastically, her features making her look so young, way younger than me. Countless ribbons decorate her hair, dress, wrists, and even her giant boots. She gets A+ for the fashion sense.