Page 14 of Ruin
“You suck at consoling people.”
“You don’t need consoling,” I argue, finishing my beer. I move to the trash and toss the cup in. “I’m going to get another drink.”
I don’t wait long enough for him to respond, and I hope like hell he doesn’t follow me. I’m not in a socializing mood.
I guess I can appreciate my brother having a better understanding of me, but that doesn’t mean we’re ever going to be best friends. Kaison and I have nothing in common outside of the club and our DNA.
I get in line at the table that’s selling beer and wine, waiting my turn to order. I could go around back and grab what I want, but I’m not that much of a dick. We’re doing this to raise money, so I’ll pay for my beer like everyone else.
I feel him before I see him, and the fact I know it’s him makes me angrier than him being here at all. My spine stiffens when he steps behind me. I’m positive it’s him, and if there was an inkling of doubt, it’s smashed the second a breeze rolls through and his scent envelopes me. He better not say a fuckingw—
“You did a good job with this.”
I grit my teeth so hard my jaw aches. I focus on keeping my breathing even, and step forward when the line moves.
Lucian was always so good at praising me. It’s what made me fall for him first, I’m sure of it. But that was then, this is now, and fuck him if he thinks this is going to make me drop to my knees like it used to. I’m not a dumb kid anymore.
“It’s a really good turnout. There are a lot of happy people here. Looks like they’re all having fun.”
“Just more people for you to show off to,” I say loud enough for him to hear me, but refusing to turn around.
“Don’t be like that, Kolton.”
I let out a disbelieving laugh, and my feet move before I can stop them.
“Are you joking?” My words come out strong even though looking into his grey eyes makes me weak. Even after all this time. It’s fucking sickening.
His face is serious, his brow pinched together. He gives a disbelieving shake of his head. “I’m proud of you.”
“Fuck you, Lucian. Seriously, fuckyou.”
I step out of line, and storm over to my brother that somehow already has a beer in his hand. I snatch it from him and guzzle it.
“The fuck, Snapper?”
“Someone better find a way to get me more of these, or you’re all going to see a side of me you won’t like.”
“There’s a side of you we do like?” Grizz asks.
Kaison backhands him in the chest hard enough I hear the slap.
“Not the time, asshole.”
Grizz rolls his eyes and mutters that he’ll be right back.
“He better be paying for these.”
“Make up your mind, Kolton. Either you want beer quickly, or you wanna be a good guy and pay for it. You ain’t having both.”
“Fuck you too.” I finish the last few sips and storm toward the trash to toss the cup.
Kaison is glaring at me when I get back. “What happened?”
“Nothing.”
“Something happened.”
“Nothing I want to talk about with you.”
