Page 54 of Scarred Savages
“Sure thing, Luna,” Oli says softly, his voice suddenly serious. His gaze lingers on me, and the lightness in the room shifts. But it’s gone as fast as it started.
We continue to play, elbows jostling for dominance, but my mind wanders. I glance at Oli and catch him watching me, a soft smile tugging at his lips, his nose twitching slightly.
“What?” I ask, narrowing my eyes in mock suspicion.
He shrugs. “It’s just good to see you like this.”
“Like what?” I prompt, though my heart already knows the answer.
“Laughing. Relaxed. Happy.”
The wordhappylands heavier than I expect, and my smile falters.
Happy. When did that happen?
Sensing the shift, Oli nudges me gently with his elbow. “I can teach you the karate kick, you know. It might help you stop getting your characters killed every five seconds.”
“Maybe not tonight,” I say, still lost in my thoughts.
“We’ve got all the time in the world for rematches. This is your home now, remember?”
The wordhomeechoes in my mind, stirring something deep inside me that I’m not quite ready to face. I look away, swallowing hard, focusing on a random spot on the wall.
“Hey.” Oli’s voice pulls me back. His hand gently grabs mine. “What’s wrong?”
I meet his gaze. “It’s just… It’s been a long time since I’ve had a real home.”
Oli nods. “Well, you’ve got one now, Luna. I promise I’ll fill it with so many Xbox rematches and bad jokes you’ll beg for alone time.”
I laugh. “Is that a threat, Oliver?”
He grins, reaching for his controller again. “You bet, Silver. And just so you know, I’m happy you’re here. The guys all grew up together; they have a special bond. They’re great, but they mostly see me as the younger brother. It’s nice to have someone my age… Not that they’re old or anything.”
“I get it,” I reply, my smile brightening.
“Ready for a rematch?”
I pick up my controller, but the feeling of contentment lingers. For the first time in years, I feel… safe.
“Sure am. The question is, are you ready to lose?” I tease.
As the game begins, I become acutely aware of his thighs. Every time they brush up against mine, my heart flips. It’s been ages since I’ve let someone in, and I’ve definitely let Oli in.
“Ha! Take that!” Oli whoops as his character lands a hit.
I try to focus, but my thoughts are on Oli.
“You’re distracted,” he murmurs, his voice low and playful. “What’s wrong, Luna? Can’t handle the heat?”
I turn to retort, but the words evaporate on my lips. Oli’s face hovers inches from mine, his eyes searching mine.
My heart hammers against my ribs. “Oli…”
“I know I’m just the younger brother.” His hand finds mine, tentative. “But Luna, when I look at you…”
“What?” The word is barely a breath.
“I forget how to breathe properly. I knock things over. I burn food. Hell, I walked into a wall yesterday because you smiled at me.”
