Page 69 of Reaper Released

“Ray’s rubbing off on you!” I point out.

And she shrugs. “Maybe!” She smiles.

“It suits you! …Anyway, I want us to be closer. I want to be a proper big brother. I want what they have. I want that with you. Can we start again?”

Her lip quivers, and her eyes glaze over, and I step forward, pick her up, and hold her to my chest.

She sobs out. “I’ve felt so alone for so long!”

“I know. I’m sorry!”

“I love you, Colby Steel!”

I sigh as she uses my full name. No one calls me that. It’s strange but nice strange.

“I love you too, Demi Jones.”

She grins up at me, sniffling. “I think you’re gonna be a great big brother!”

I wipe the tears from her cheeks with my thumbs. “Well, I can’t get any worse!” And we both laugh. “Now go keep my delinquent fiancée out of trouble for one night, and I will see you at the wedding!” She nods as she goes to walk away.

“Demi!” She gazes back over her shoulder. “Save me a dance, yeah!”

And with a grin that I want to see more often, she kisses me. “You can count on it, big bro!” And she skips inside, and my heart skips a little, sad at the sister I have missed out on, but a little happy at this new relationship we’re gonna be able to forge. I head to the lodges where the guys will be and text Scar.

Steel: Just dropped them off

Scar: K.

Steel: Keep her out of trouble. It’s only for one night!

Scar: If you think I have any more control over her than you do, then you’ve no idea who the fuck you’re marrying.

Steel: Fair point. At least try for me.

Scar: I will do my best, have a good time. Don’t get shit-faced.

Steel: You too! Thanks, Scar.

Ray

I grab the handle of our room. It’s locked, so I waggle it again. It’s never locked. What the fuck? Ares’s door bursts open.

“In here, dipshit!” Scar laughs out into the corridor.

“What the fuck are we doing in there?” Demi comes down the corridor, all puffy-eyed but smiling.

“What the fuck happened to you?” I toss her a confused look.

She throws her arms around me. “You broke my brother, and it’s the best thing ever!”

“Erm… you’re welcome!” Laughing, we both turn to Scar, and she’s hugging us both. Jesus, these emotions will be the death of me. Who knew finding the man of your dreams and the place you belong, with most of the people you love, would be so emotional? But then I feel a slight pang of sorrow knowing my pas won’t be here tomorrow, which then makes me realise my dad won’t be here either tomorrow.

As if sensing my shift, Scar squeezes us both tighter. “You’ve got us, Ray, Always!”

“I know, it’s just—”

“I know,” she replies.

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