Page 23 of A Hurt So Good

Harlon and Denz were both asleep when I got up, so I opted to go myself. I park my car in the round driveway and jog up the steps. The door opens and Ezra stands there smiling at me.

“Hey, Ezra,” I say as I walk up and lean down to hug her.

“Warren. What are you doing here so early?”

“It’s two in the afternoon,” I remind her. She laughs, throwing her head back.

“I know, and that’s early for you. Where are your brothers?”

“At home sleeping. Is dad around?” I ask her.

“No. He had a meeting. He should be back in a few hours. Your new sister is here, though,” she informs me as if I give a shit about her. Then, I decided differently. I should give a shit because she’s hot as hell. I could fuck with her. Play a few games with her.

“Where is she?”

“In the pool,” she replies before turning and walking away. I head through the house and out the back door, heading straight for the pool. I pull out a cigarette and light it up when I see her. She’s in the shallow end, her head tipped back, eyes closed. The more I look at her, the more I notice. Is she wearing a T-shirt in the pool? What kind of person does that?

I stride down the walkway and drop into one of the lounge chairs, just taking her in. I blow smoke circles into the air, but she doesn’t even notice me. When she finally lifts her head, she opens her eyes and startles a little.

“Why the fuck are you staring at me?” she snaps her me. I smile at her.

“Why not?”

“Because it’s weird for one.”

“And two?”

“You’re a prick.” That gets a laugh out of me. I shove out my chair and put my cigarette out before pulling my shirt over my head and kicking my shoes off. I strip my pants off and walk to the deep end, diving in. I stay underwater before popping back up when I see her starting to climb out. She’s in shorts, too? What the hell?

“Where are you going?”

“Away. I don’t know how to swim anyway.”

“Don’t want to have some family bonding time?” She sighs before climbing out of the pool and turning to sit on the step.

“What do you want?”

“Is that any way to talk to your brother?” I tease her.

“I don’t have a brother. What do you want, War?”

“For one, why are you wearing clothes in the pool? I’m pretty sure your wardrobe includes a swimsuit.” She narrows her eyes at me but doesn’t answer. I take that for what it is; she isn’t going to. “How’s work?”

“Why are you asking? Why are we sitting here pretending like we’re friends or family?” she asks, sounding pissed at the thought.

“I figured if you’re going to be around, I should get to know you,” I grin at her.

“Well, don’t. There’s nothing to know. I’m only here until I make a little money, and then I’m out,” she says in a hurry.

“Your mom is loaded. Why not just ask her for money?” I ask, but I see the look in her eyes. She’s like us. She doesn’t want to ask her parents for money. She wants to make it herself.

“She isn’t my bank.”

“I get it. I don’t like taking money from my dad either.” I hear his voice, my eyes not leaving her face. Arya looks first, her lips parting slightly when she sees him coming. Oh, now this is interesting. Dad walks our way in his swim trunks and glasses, but that’s it.

“Thought you had a meeting?” I call out.

“I did. I canceled it.” I watch as he takes off his glasses and tosses them onto the table before coming closer. Then I turn back to Arya. She’s almost salivating at the sight of him. Wonder if she has a daddy kink.

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