Page 133 of Hell Hath No Fury
“Not technically,” Theo answers as our beers are placed in front of us. “But we might as well share his sister. She tells me what to do as much as she tells him.”
A distinctly curious smile pulls at Rory’s lips. “And do the two of you share often?”
Theo chokes on his beer while I watch with amusement until she turns those hazel eyes back to me. On further inspection, they’re not hazel but instead, a pale green with flecks of gold.
I lift my beer to my lips to avoid this conversation as the bartender leans over the bar. “You doing okay, Aurora?”
“I’m fine, Andrew.” She smiles, but her dimples don’t pop this time, andAndrewseems to notice. He gives Theo and me a hard stare before walking away. “So, how manysistersdo you have?”
“Sister,” I correct her, needing to make sure we’re on the same page. “One sister. Her name is Emerson, and my niece is Elodie.”
She rests her elbow on the ancient wooden bar and purses her lips, contemplating something before her smile reappears and those damn dimples pop again. Yeah, I could get addicted to those.
“You guys must be close. Your entire face just changed when you said their names. Tell me about them.”
“That could take a while.” The words leave my mouth before I can think better of it.
She lifts her glass to those glossy pink lips. “I’m not in any rush.”
And suddenly, neither am I.
CHAPTER THREE
Aurora
“That’s a hell of a year. How’s she doing now?” Damn. It sounds like his sister’s been through hell and back. Something I’m intimately familiar with. But there’s something about watching a man be protective of his family I find incredibly attractive. I sip the remains of my cocktail, then lick the sugar from my lips... And oh my.
Jack’s eyes darken to an even deeper shade of blue, and honestly, I feel a tingle straight down to my core. Wow. This is not normal, at least not for me. We’ve been sitting here for close to two hours, trading family stories. I might have left off the small part of my family tree that makes my sister next in line for the Ellwyn throne. But in all fairness, he didn’t ask, and I haven’t lied.
“Yeah. They’re actually doing great. We were just with them a few weeks ago for Elodie’s first birthday.” He hesitates, appearing to choose his next words carefully. “She’s pretty amazing.” Jack sips his beer, and I watch his Adam’s apple bob, wondering what he would taste like on the tip of my tongue.
Wow.
Is it getting hot in here?
“And back home is... California?” I guess, pretty certain I’m right, judging by his accent.
His leg brushes mine as he spins on his stool, and heat rushes over me.
I’m not sure how much time has passed when Willa approaches and grabs my hand. “Dance with me, Rora.” She looks between Jack and Theo and steps back with a curious grin. “Umm... Who are these two gorgeous men?”
Okay, so subtlety is not one of her strong suits.
“Willa, this is Jack and Theo.” I motion to the guys and watch her eye Theo with an air of curiosity. “Did Asher leave already?” I look around for my brother but don’t see him. Ben, however, is hovering close by.
“He left with that twat, Poppy, a bit a go.” She rolls her eyes, then wraps her arms around my waist and moves her hips against me in time to the music. “Nice to meet you, boys. We’re going to be out on the dance floor, if you want to join us.” She takes my hand and raises it high over her head as she tugs me behind her onto the center of the floor.
“Willa,” I groan once we’re out of earshot. “What are you doing? I was enjoying myself.”
Her hands slide up my sides as I shake my ass in time to the beat of the music. “Oh, I could definitely see you were enjoying yourself, Rora. And I love that for you. But... but, but, but, if you want that fine piece of man for the night, you need to make him work for it.”
“Who says I want him for the night?” I ask, indignant. “Maybe I want him for more than the night.”
Willa laughs—throws her freaking head back and laughs. “Please, Miss Prim and Proper. How long have we been friends? I know you. You. Are. Interested. And since there’s no way he’d pass any of Granny’s tests, you can’t keep him. So, what else were you looking for, if it wasn’t the night?”
Damn it.
I hate when she’s right.
