Page 45 of Game of Hell
He turns to us. His eyes roaming over me before they flicker to Sophie. He barely glances at her, his eyes finding mine once more. His eyes darken as he takes me in and a wicked smirk lifts the corners of his lips.
I grab Sophie’s arm, pulling her back into the foyer.
I awkwardly laugh as she turns to me with a pointed gaze. “Well—uh, I kind of met him at Hallows Inn. We’re dating or something now. His name is Ronan.”
Her eyes widen the more I talk and her mouth sags open in surprise.
“Him?” She peeks around the corner. “Holy shit, you’ve got good taste.”
“You’re not mad at me?” I squint my eyes and her head snaps back to me.
“Oh, I’m mad but you’ve picked the hottest of them all, so I’m not too mad.” We both giggle and I lightly bump my shoulder into hers.
“He’s taken ma’am.” I say with a smirk.
“I can tell. His eyes found you instantly and that look he gave you. I’m hot just thinking about it.”
A blush warms my cheeks.
“Oh, where’s Emerson?” She asks and I look up the stairs behind her.
“Mom said he’s still upstairs asleep. I’m going to go get him.” She nods and walks into the living room.
I can hear her greeting my dad and Ronan as she walks into the kitchen with my mom.
“I’m going to wake Emerson.” I walk over to the living room and stare at my dad and Ronan. My dad nods, lost in the conversation with Ronan.
Fuck, this is so weird. I never thought it’d be this easy, considering how dangerous Ronan looks but I guess everyone falls into his charm.
As I reach the bottom of the staircase, Emerson begins walking down them. His hair a mess and a hoodie thrown over his lean body.
“Ember!” His strides are quick as he stumbles down the steps. His arms engulf me before I can say anything and his arms tighten around me with brutal force as he lifts me.
I beat his back as I flail around. “I’m ok, Emerson. Put me down, I can't breathe.” I mumble.
“Oh, sorry. I just got so excited.” He lets me down slowly, my feet softly touching the ground.
“I was so scared you weren’t going to make it out. We both know how dumb you are.” I say as I grind my knuckles into his head.
“Hey, not the hair.” He pushes me back softly as we both giggle.
He steps around me and into the living room. His eyes settle on Ronan and his head snaps back to me, suspicion swirling around sharp and protective.
“Who the fuck is that?” He whispers to me as we approach both my dad and Ronan.
“His name is Ronan. He’s really nice, I promise.” I whisper back.
“He better hope so.” He walks up to Ronan and a huge fake smile spreads across his chiseled jaw.
“Emerson, nice to meet you.” He pats Ronan's shoulder and the sound of his hand smacking Ronan’s skin has me cringing.
“Ronan Grieves.” Ronan muses as he looks up at my brother from his position on the couch. “Nice to meet you, I’ve heard lots. You’re the center of Ember’s life.”
Ronan’s eyes flicker to mine and I shake my head rapidly. A smirk lifts the corner of his mouth as he faces my brother again.
My brother's eyebrows lift with surprise as he drops his hand from Ronan's shoulder.
I’m not surprised anymore as everyone falls in love with Ronan. He knows how to play people, flipping a switch with the flutter of his beautiful eyes. Knowing he could do that frightens me because what if he’s played me this entire time, but it also makes me sigh as relief washes through me. My family likes him.
