You Will Be Mine (Forever and Ever #7)(34)

“I’m sure everyone is dying to know.” I really didn’t want to talk about Cayson tonight.

“I think so too, but don’t stress about it.”

The front door opened and Uncle Ryan and Aunt Janice came in. Slade was in the front with a guy wearing a leather jacket.

“You see that hot blonde on the couch?” He pointed right at Trinity. “That’s my lady.”

Trinity melted right before my eyes.

“Nice,” the guy in the leather jacket said.

Slade came to her then leaned over the back of the couch. “You’re looking beautiful today.”

“Thanks.”

He kissed her hard on the mouth, his hand cupping her face.

I watched them, feeling sad.

“How do I look?” Slade pressed. “Hot? Sexy? Dark and mysterious?”

“Perfect,” she said.

He kissed the corner of her mouth. “I’ll take it.” When he pulled away, he turned to me. Disappointment flashed in his eyes and then annoyance. Growing up with Slade taught me how to read him. I knew what he was thinking even if he didn’t say it. Then he released a heavy sigh and hugged me. “Merry Christmas, Skye.”

I was caught off guard by the affection. He never hugged me. “Merry Christmas.”

He pulled away and gave me a sad look. “I think what you did to Cayson was wrong on so many levels. He didn’t deserve that. But…you’re my cousin and I’m here for you no matter what. I’m not going to choose sides.”

His words made my eyes bubble with tears. “That means a lot to me.”

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and held me for a moment. Then he stood up and headed back to Trinity.

“Who’s the hot guy in the jacket?” Trinity asked.

“Excuse me?” Slade snapped.

“I mean, who’s that guy over there?”

Slade’s eyes narrowed in annoyance. “Silke’s boyfriend.”

“She has a boyfriend?” I blurted. For a moment, I forgot my pain and tuned in to the gossip.

Silke came over, holding his hand. He had dark brown hair that was almost black and bright blue eyes. He was fit and toned, and he had a constant smirk in his eyes. His jacket fit his broad shoulders nicely, and he had an air of mischief to him.

“This is Arsen,” Silke announced. She smiled while she showed him off.

“I didn’t know you were seeing anyone,” Trinity snapped.

“Well, we were low-key,” Silke said.

“Or non-existent,” Trinity said.

Silke gave her a knowing look. “You’re one to talk.”

Trinity’s cheeks reddened. “It’s nice to meet you, Arsen.”

“The pleasure is mine.” He shook hands with her. Then he came to me. “Merry Christmas.”

“Merry Christmas.” I shook his hand.

“Is this your place?” he asked.

“Yeah,” I answered.

“It’s really nice.” He gave me a smile before he returned to Silke.

Trinity leaned toward me. “Talk about wow.”

“I know, right?” I whispered.

Slade didn’t look amused. “I’m right here.”

“Is he an underwear model?” Trinity said.

Slade growled. “I can hear you.”

Trinity turned back to him then rubbed his arm. “Of course you can, honey.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “I don’t check out other girls so you should give me the same respect.”

Trinity burst out laughing. “Good one.”

“I don’t,” he snapped.

“Right,” I said.

He shot me a hateful look then turned back to Trinity. “I’m not lying.”

“Like you didn’t gawk at Conrad’s girlfriend—friend—whatever she is,” Trinity said.

Beatrice was the definition of beauty. She had the elegance of Catherine Hepburn and the beauty of Elizabeth Taylor. Her body was perfect with the right curves in the right places, and she held herself with pride and respect. She turned everyone’s head once she walked inside. Even I was checking her out.

“I didn’t,” he said firmly. “You’re the only one who catches my eye.”

“Give it a rest.” Trinity brushed him off.

Slade snatched her wrist and forced her to look at him. His eyes were burning with seriousness. He was upset, almost enraged. “I don’t lie, Trinity. Never have and never will. If I were checking out some girl, I’d make it known. Now, when I say I don’t check out other women, I mean it. So stop gawking at James Dean. It’s pissing me off.” His eyes drilled into hers.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

He released his grip. “That’s more like it.”

Trinity stared into his face and her expression changed. Her eyes softened and her lips parted. A million thoughts were reflected on her face, but I knew what she was feeling. She was falling in love with Slade even more. I only knew that because Cayson had given me that look countless times. It was something I wouldn’t forget as long as I lived.

Slade pulled her into his lap then crushed his mouth against hers. Their lips were stuck together, and I knew I was forgotten. I was so happy that my best friend had a man she loved more than life. But it just reminded me of what I lost. I got up and moved away.