Page 107 of Running Winter

What was wrong with him?

"Yeah, like every day," Rayna mumbled, her hair falling in front of her eyes.

Mom made a sad face, clutching Dad's hand as he chuckled.

"Listen, these boys will be non-stop. Parties out in LA are renowned for being the best in the world. So I doubt they will miss us too much.” Dad laughed as Rayna shot him a dirty look. "Girls, tattoos, drink..."

"Dad. I've got the girl, remember?" I exhaled, lacing my fingers through Rayna’s.

"Long-distance, of course," Dad smirked as Mom slapped his knee. "Hope it works out."

Rayna looked like she could burst into tears at any moment, and I wondered whether I could throttle my father over the table.

"We did long distance,” Pops declared, gazing lovingly at my Nanna, who beamed back at him. "It can work."

I squeezed Rayna's hand then, and she squeezed it back.

"We did it for about a day. Didn't you show up on my second day in New York?" Nanna teased as Pops shrugged.

He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing it softly.

"I can't be without you, Raven."

Raven grinned widely, loving the fact that she was named after the pet name for my Nanna.

"I love your love story." Raven smiled dreamily as Nanna laughed.

"My boyfriend's cousin. All of the relationships in this family have been intense. Look at your parents, Raven."

Aunt Alice cast her eyes over Uncle Lucas, who gazed at her silently.

"You were my boss.” Alice sipped her glass as Lucas groaned.

"You were the worst employee I'd ever had."

"Yeah, but you can't help—“ Pops began before we interrupted him in unison.

“—Who you fall in love with!"

Laughter broke out around the table, and Raven and Leigh exchanged a look.

What was going on there?

I hoped that Lucas didn't catch it for Leigh’s sake, or he’d be boiled alive.

Rafe stared into his phone, and I caught his attention over the table. He followed my gaze to Raven, who was smiling to herself.

Rafe shrugged, rolling his eyes as I noticed Leigh watching me.

I met his eyes, which were vacant and dark despite being identical to Rayna’s.

Leigh glanced at his sister beside me and looked back at me meaningfully.

I got the message.

I wouldn't fuck Rayna over. I was so in love with her it was absurd.

The dinner continued with lots of laughter and teasing until Uncle Lucas cleared his throat.

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