Page 82 of Point of No Return

The sun is just barely visible now, streaking purple across the sky in its absence. “Did you bring the boy along?”

Aleks?

“Yes.” My voice is clipped. I know she’s only asking because any plans I might’ve had with Skar would definitely be hindered.

“Hmmm…. I don’t think I’ve ever told you how happy I am that everything has worked out so splendidly for you, Lottie. You know, it’s funny. Your husband called me today.” My heart stumbles a beat. “He asked to have dinner when you all get back.”

I set the wine glass down against the dock, my grip on my phone tightening. “Did he, now?”

Skar hasn’t mentioned a single thing.

“You are doing well together, aren’t you? Nothing I need to worry about?” she feigns concern but it’s too forced.

“We’re perfect,” I bite out. “Did you need anything else? We’re just about to go out to dinner actually.”

Whether or not she knows it’s a lie, I’m not sure. She chuckles quietly, and I stand, a sudden nervousness flooding my blood. “Just checking on you, dear girl. Have fun tonight.”

The line disconnects, and my wine is all but forgotten as I pace the stairs back toward the house. I brush the back door open, wincing with every step, but I come to a stop when I find the servants arranging plates at the table.

Aleks tugs a chair out at the end of it, giving a small smile when he sees me. “We came back early tonight. We thought we might catch you in time for dinner.”

Glancing around, I do my best to keep my breathing even as I stop at the table next to him. “Skar’s with you?”

I feel his warm presence, solid and strong, before I hear him. “Miss me, Highness?”

As if, I want to say but when he comes to a stop just behind me, chest brushing my shoulder, the words fall short.

With him standing so close, sweatpants hugging his hips and shirt pulled taught over his chest, it’s hard to concentrate. But then I remember why I came inside in the first place.

He went behind my back with my mother… and I have no idea why.

My nose wrinkles as I glance up at him and frown. They must have just gotten back from the gym. “You smell.”

He huffs a laugh, and the breath stirs the hair at my temple as he leans down, whispering across my neck. “Hi to you too.”

Just as quickly as he came, he’s gone, heading toward the kitchen where the servants are arranging steaming heaps of food. I glare after him, and it must only amuse Aleks because he chuckles.

It’s the first laugh I’ve heard from him in a long time. His golden hair is matted everywhere, and he stinks of sweat. But he looksbetter. The light in his eyes is back again. Seeing it is so startling that for a minute, I just stare.

“You two have the strangest relationship ever,” he smirks as he leans back in his seat, teasing me. But even if he’s just messing with me, I hate that he can see the hot and cold between Skar and I so easily.

I shake off my slight surprise, feeling my temper flare just slightly. “Another word and you die,” I hiss, but he merely flashes that all-white smile.

“Damn. I didn’t know it was such a sore subject.”

I cock a finger at him just as Skar strolls back in and grabs a chair at the table opposite his brother. It leaves an open space between them, and somehow, just seeing it makes the queasiness in my gut kick into high-gear.

Shit. Things between them only seem to be getting better. Things are almostgood, and yet Skar still went behind my back.

I take the seat, surprised when Skar rests his arm over the back of my chair casually, brushing my forearm. I try not to side-eye him as he does it, but dinner is quickly served. My appetite is gone, and I merely fork food around on my plate as a servant pours me another glass of wine.

“I thought that… when we get back, you might consider letting me shadow you,” Aleks starts, glancing at Skar. “I could start with just a temporary job. Learn the ropes.”

Skar chews slowly, watching Aleks curiously as if considering whether he’s actually serious about it. “Might need to start a bit smaller, but yeah.” Aleks deflates, and Skar adds: “I’m thinking of working a couple of days from home. I could teach you a few things. You can follow Crew around when I’m gone.”

“You mean the guy that drugged me?”

“He wouldn’tsedateyou if you’re working together.”

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