Page 106 of Theirs to Rule

Callum glanced up, looking relieved to see us. He walked over, flashing a smile. "Happy birthday, bro," he said to Kage. "I’m glad you guys made it." He looked at me cautiously, and I knew he was probably remembering how upset I’d been in the hospital after his mother told me Kage was engaged. It still felt like a dagger to my heart whenever I thought about it, but I was determined to enjoy the time I had left with Kage as much as possible.

Ryker and Declan appeared behind Kage, shouting, "Happy birthday!”

Kage winced. "This is what you call a small gathering?"

Ryker shrugged. “Sienna took the invite list and ran with it. We had a nice, intimate party planned—just eight people—but she insisted it needed to be a blowout."

"Sienna?" I whispered.

"My cousin," Kage said.

Chapter 48

Camille

“Hey, Sienna!” Ryker called out. A gorgeous girl with long wavy dark hair glanced over. She lifted a hand, and her face broke into a smile as she walked in our direction. I was secretly relieved she and Kage were cousins, because she was hot, her curvy figure looking stunning in the red string bikini she was wearing. I certainly felt overdressed in my little black dress.

“Happy birthday!” she sang out, spreading her arms wide. “You like?”

“No. I wanted something small?—”

“Nobody likes small,” Sienna declared. “It’s your birthday, enjoy it and have fun.” Her gaze fell on me. “This must be Camille. It’s lovely to finally meet you. I’ve heard so much about you,” she gushed.

When Ryker and Declan said Kage should say hi to some people, Sienna grabbed my hand. “We just met. Don’t take her away so soon!”

Kage looked reluctant to leave me, but there was no way I was letting his cousin think I was scared of her. “It’s fine. Go enjoy yourself.”

The moment Kage was out of earshot, Sienna’s whole demeanor changed. “I love your outfit,” she said, her voice syrupy sweet. “Did you pick that up at Goodwill?”

I stared at her in disbelief. Was this girl for real? “Actually, Kage bought it for me,” I said.

“How sweet,” she muttered, rolling her icy blue eyes. “I never knew Kage was so passionate about helping the needy. He really is a catch, hey? Dangerous, gorgeous, sexy...rich,” she said, putting emphasis on the last word, making me sound like some kind of gold digger.

Before I could respond, Callum stepped forward and put his arm protectively around me.

“Back off, Sienna,” he told her. “Or I’ll tell Kage what a nasty bitch you’re being to Camille.”

Sienna’s eyes narrowed at her cousin, but then she smiled and flicked her hair over her shoulder. “Relax, Callum. Obviously, I was just joking. It’s not my fault Camille doesn’t have a sense of humor.”

Before Callum or I could say anything, Sienna waved at someone across the room. She flashed us a fake smile and excused herself, disappearing into the crowd. I stared after her in shock.

“What the heck is her problem?” I muttered.

“She’s Team Dahlia,” Callum explained. “Which means I’m pretty sure she hates you by default.”

“Oh,” I whispered, feeling the blood drain from my face.

That made sense. Kage’s ridiculously hot cousin and fiancée were friends. Of course.

“I’ll tell Kage and he’ll bounce her ass.”

I quickly shook my head. “Don’t. It doesn’t matter. It’s not like we’ll be hanging out.”

Callum frowned. “Camille,” he began, and I hated the sound of pity in his voice.

“It’s fine, Callum. Kage and I are together until graduation.” I forced myself to shrug. “I’m not going to let Sienna ruin this night for either of us.”

Callum shook his head. “I get why Kage loves you so much. And for the record, I’m Team Camille.”

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