Page 15 of Game Change

“I know you didn’t just say that to her,” Ian says. “You’re so damn rude.”

“Is your sister supposed to stay in a gilded cage, only to be looked at and admired but never touched?” Raven asks. “I get it. You’re that sibling who always has to be the center of attention. When the spotlight is not on you, you create some drama.” She tosses her hair and adds, “Boring.”

Malcolm huffs, and I step between him and the girls. He won’t do anything other than talk, but I’m worried they might have enough of him and toss him in the pool.

“That sounds about right,” Ian says.

Malcolm goes toward him, but I snatch his arm and pull him back. He yanks it away from me but makes no more moves toward Ian. From Ian’s stance, I know he’s ready to throw a punch. That would just lead to blood and bruises, which I don’t need right now.

“Should we go?” Honeybee asks as she looks at Ian and Malcolm. “We don’t want to cause any tension.” I want to tell her there was tension long before we met. The tension started when Malcolm caught one of his best friends in bed with his sister.

“Don’t worry. I’m leaving,” Malcolm says as he goes to the sliding glass door.

“Don’t come back,” Ian yells to his retreating back.

Malcolm doesn’t say a word, but he sticks his middle finger on his way inside.

I take Honeybee’s hand and pull her to my side. “So, remember how you wrapped your arms around me while I made coffee this morning? I want some more of that while I mix these drinks.”

She complies, and I sigh in contentment when she starts to kiss my shoulder like she did this morning.

The ladies are still outside with Ian when we return with a tray of drinks. Brody joins us, and no one asks about Malcolm, who I’m sure is staring at his phone or sulking in his room.

After a couple of rounds of drinks, we get in the pool while the resort staff fixes our lunch.

“You feel good,” I say to Honeybee. I push her to the edge of the pool and kiss her. I press into her and her stomach growls. “Let’s go inside and I’ll get you a snack.” I pull myself out of the pool and help her, admiring her backside while she dries off. Once she puts on her sheer dress, I take her hand and lead her inside.

“I’m jealous of that strawberry because it’s so close to your mouth,” I whisper in her ear a few moments later. She puts the fruit to my mouth, and I bite the entire thing, licking her fingers.

“Do you want to go to the beach today after lunch?” I like the idea of swimming in the ocean with her or lounging on a chaise in the shade. Whatever she wants to do.

“That sounds nice.” She tightens her arms around me and presses her face into the middle of my naked back.

I mix a batch of margaritas and piña coladas, and she opens the sliding glass door for me so I can step outside. Everyone is out here talking and laughing. Ian is passing his phone around, and I know he’s showing the girls pictures of Makayla.

“Is Malcolm the only one in her family salty about you guys?” Amira asks.

“Yup,” Ian says. “His parents and extended family love me. He has a younger sister, and she loves me too.”

Malcolm comes out moments later and takes one of the drinks. He then sits away from everyone and opens a book, completely ignoring us.

“He’ll get over it,” Amira whispers.

Chapter 9

Brynne

“Do you want to go to the club with them?” Colin whispers, and I shake my head no.

“I’m not a club person, but Raven and Mimi are ready.” I point to my friends who are chatting with another group of people at the bar.

They notice me and come over. “We’re gonna hit the club with them,” Raven says, pointing at the group. “Ian and Brody want to come. Malcolm can go pout in the corner.”

Malcolm is talking to Brody and ignoring Ian, who looks down at his phone and smiles.

Raven pulls me out of Colin’s arms. “You go spend the last night with him. Don’t worry about us, but remember we have to be on the shuttle to the airport at eight in the morning.” The past two days have flown by, and despite spending almost every moment together, it seems like no time at all.

After hugging, they leave with the group. Malcolm follows behind them without saying a word. Colin takes my hand, and we return to his empty house.

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