Page 85 of Burning Daylight
Alex is the only one of us who really favors her over our father. His brown hair is lighter, almost a golden brown insteadof the black like the rest of us, and it has the perfect amount of wave that makes it look like it’s styled even though he doesn’t do a damn thing to it. His eyes are like honey mixed with green, and his looks are so movie star–esque, it’s a miracle he hasn’t up and left us for Hollywood.
Heisan actor, after all, even if his degree is in philosophy.
“Do you want to talk about it?” he asks.
“About what?” I’m pacing again.
He waves his hand in the air. “Whatever’s got you looking like you’re about to huff and puff and blow this place down.”
I stop and frown at him. “No.”
Footsteps sound from down the hall, and Alex smirks. “Fine, you can talk about it with Dad instead, then.”
“How do you know that’s Dad?” I strain my ears trying to hear, but it could be anyone walking toward us for all I know.
“His steps sound different.”
“That’s such a weird thing to notice.”
Alex shrugs.
Father rounds the corner into the dining room in the next second, and my mouth drops open, glancing back at Alex.
He winks, proud of himself.
My father stares at me, and I remain silent, every second making my skin itch from being under his gaze.
Does he know that I knew Roman? Is he mad at me? Did he hurt him?
The last question pisses me off, because why should I care? Roman hurtme. Even if that’s ridiculous after such a short amount of time knowing each other.
“Everything okay?” I finally ask to gauge the waters. “Who was that?”
His nostrils flare and then he clears his throat. “That was Roman Montgomery.”
Damn, his poker face is good.I’ve never been able to get a read on him.
My mouth grows dry. “And who is that, exactly?”
Dad moves farther into the room, resting his hands on the back of a chair, his knuckles blanching from how tightly he grips it.
“Marcus Montgomery’s son,” he says.
Alex laughs.
I snap my attention to him. “What’s so funny?”
“It’s just impossible, is all. Marcus’s son is dead, don’t you remember it being all over the news? He’s obviously joking, Jules.” He waves his hand toward Dad, who is frowning over at Alex.
“I don’t understand,” I say.
“Well, sweetheart, that would make two of us.” Dad gives me a tight smile.
“He’s really Marcus’s son?” Alex asks, the amusement dropping from his face.
“It would appear that way.” He gives me a sharp look. “Why were you talking to him?”
I stutter, rearing back like he smacked me. “I…I don’t know why?—”
