Page 126 of Driftwood Daffodil

The party goers weren’t too happy about the way Atlee’s fists were pounding down into that asshole’s face. A few people screamed while others backed away from the fight.

The only people who didn’t move were a couple of football players–who seemed to be pondering whether or not to get involved–and Nova. She just stood there, waving her hand through the air as if she didn’t notice the fight right in front of her.

What the fuck?

“Just so you know,” Darry said, interrupting my thoughts. “It’s okay to want her.”

My eyes snapped to him, “I don’t want her.”

“Lie to yourself all you want, Gio, but you can’t lie to me,” his eyes slid my way. “I’ve seen how you look at her.”

Yeah, like I want to kill her.

“Do you really think Atlas would care who you fucked?”

“Of course he would.” I barked back.

Atlas would want me to make the entire Ford family pay for his murder.

Darry shook his head and muttered, “Whatever you say.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“Let it go.”

“No.” I was not going to let this go. If Darry had something to say about my brother, then he was going to say it.

He sighed and looked up at me. “You really want to do this now?”

I folded my arms over my chest. “Yes, I do.”

“Alright,” Darry turned to face me. “Atlas was a self-centered prick. The only person he gave a shit about was himself.”

“Watch yourself Darry,” I warned. “He was my brother.”

“Yeah, and he would’ve stepped over your body in a heartbeat if he thought it would get him more power.”

“You don’t know what you’re talking about.” Atlas loved me. He protected me and taught me things. He didn’t ignore me like the rest of my family. “And we’re done talking about this.”

“Fine,” Darry huffed. “But sooner or later you’re going to have to snap out of that fuzzy illusion you have of your big brother.”

Fuzzy illusion? Darry had no idea who my brother was, nor did he have any right to talk about him. Who the fuck did he think he was? I would’ve hit him if it wasn’t for Atlee dragging Novalee our way. One look at the smile on her face and my anger was instantly displaced.

Why the fuck should she be so happy? What was she thinking, prancing around in next to nothing, shaking her shit at everyone. Let’s see how long she keeps that goddamn smile on her face after I get my hands on her.

Atlee’s mouth opened and he got out a “Gio…” before I snatched Novalee’s elbow out of his grip.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” I hissed down at her.

She giggled up at me, “You have pretty eyes.”

My brows knit. “What?”

“They sparkle like emeralds.” Her hand flattened on my chest as she leaned in and sighed, “I like emeralds. They smell good.”

What the hell was happening right now? Since when did Novalee snuggle into me? And she was snuggling. Her cheek was rubbing against my shirt while she inhaled deep sniffs. Where was the anger and hatred? Why wasn’t she telling me off. It was creeping me out.

I grabbed her shoulders and pushed her off me. “Stop that.”

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