Page 117 of Submission

Her eyes blink rapidly.

I think she’s nervous.

But why?

“I’m just saying that he’s been the one who’s been taking care of her the most. She trusts him.”

“And she doesn’t trust me?”

“That’s not what I meant, Hunter.”

“Megan, is there something you’re not telling me?”

“No, babe.” She checks her texts and scurries away. “We’ll talk later. The DJ needs me, okay?”

Neon lights flash, casting colorful reflections on the sleek surfaces of the club. A special section stands out, lavishly adorned with silver and gold balloons, twinkling fairy lights, and a banner boldly proclaiming, "Happy 19th, Lena!". Megan did a great job planning this.

Lena looks happy, surrounded by many of the employees I gave the night off. It’s nice that they chose to spend their evening here to celebrate with her. I’ll never know if it’s becausethey genuinely like her or if they’re trying to impress me, but it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad that she doesn’t have to spend the entire evening surrounded by people she doesn’t know besides my immediate circle.

It warms something inside of my cold chest to see her laughing and chatting animatedly with a few of the servers. I can't help but smile. She’s dressed in a tasteful black mini dress with spaghetti straps that I’ve recently discovered, much to my horror, she thrifted from a local consignment shop. I’m not even mad, though. She looks lovely.

Yeah, my little sister's growing up.

While the evening has been a roaring success, I can’t forget the exchange Megan and I shared earlier in the evening, which is why I’ve had my eyes on Christian all night.

The man has been staying in my house, he works for me, he’s one of my only friends. Is there a connection he has with Lena that’s impeding my ability to connect with her? Would she rather Christian be her big brother instead of me? Am I too aloof? Too cold?

I watch proudly as she dances to the thumping bass of the music in the center of the club with Megan, Naomi, and some of the servers who normally work here.

When the female DJ smoothly transitions into a popular tune, the crowd erupts in cheers, and the girls form a circle around Lena, egging her on to keep dancing.

From the corner of my eye, I notice Christian's gaze fixed on Lena, and I feel a twinge of unease. Immediately, I approach him. I’m not one for beating around the bush.

“You're staring, man.”

“Was I? Damn, I just... got lost in the vibe.”

But as the night wears on, I can't ignore the magnetic pull between Lena and Christian. It's in their stolen glances, thecasual brush of hands, and the way she smiles when he speaks to her.

This is very fucking wrong.

Vaughn approaches me with two highball glasses of whiskey in either hand.

“Here.”

I accept it but keep my eyes on Christian and how he is now actively avoiding any eye contact with Lena.

“You've noticed, haven't you?” Vaughn says to me.

“How long has this shit been going on?”

“Nothing is going on,” he tries reassuring me. “I promise you.”

“So what is it that I’m noticing, Vaughn?”

“Your sweet sister has a crush on our boy and for very good reason. Christian has been her rock since your world turned to shit. Let’s not make a federal case out of it.”

“She’s nineteen.”

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