Page 138 of Inside the Sun

So, before I think it through, I approach him.

"Hi, I’m Sun."

No answer. His black eyes bore into me. There’s no visible difference between the iris and pupil. Just a void.

"Listen, I… can I get a drag? I’m not feeling great. Or… do you have a spare?"

Nothing. Cold and indifferent. I can’t get a read on him at all.

His heart doesn’t even speed up. I take a breath and catch his scent. He’s using suppressants, so all I can really smell is strong laundry detergent, soap, and some kind of cool, plant-based fragrance. Something like green tea, maybe mixed with grapefruit. From experience, I know people on suppressants tend to use scent blends that resemble their natural Allure. I do the same.

A few more seconds pass, and I swallow hard. The longer I wait for a reaction, the more uncomfortable he makes me feel.

"Okay. Sorry to bother you…" I mumble, and I’m about to take a step back when he suddenly reaches out and hands me the vape.

Blinking, I take it, flinching a little when our fingers touch. A strange, cold shiver runs through me.

I take a drag. It’s strong. My nerves settle almost immediately, and I remind myself not to overdo it. Bay gave me a few puffs once. It hit me way too hard. I need to be careful.

"Wow. Strong. One drag’s enough for me," I say with a nervous titter, clearing my throat. "My brother Bay uses them all the time, but half that strong. This is some serious shit." I flash an exaggerated grin.

No reaction. Not even a twitch.

I cough quietly, debating whether I should say something else. Not that I expect a response.

Oh, just let him leave already! Why does he have to keep standing there?!

My eyes drift over his face. He really does resemble Anzo, which isn’t exactly comforting.

He does have better lips than his uncle, though. Fuller, more sweetly shaped. Unfortunately, he keeps them tightlypressed together, and their shape only shows when he takes a drag from his vape.

Objectively, his resemblance to Anzo makes him handsome, but in that cold, aloof way. All the Ferros are good-looking, except maybe Rocco, who’s the least attractive of the bunch.

He is also fairly tall for an omega, maybe close to five-nine, so again, similar to Anzo. Ennio’s face is symmetrical and statuesque, but it’s his energy that makes him so standoffish. In a way, it’s even more intense than Anzo’s. Anzo is aloof, sure, but still more socially engaged.

Ennio takes another drag. Then, he turns his head slightly and exhales, presenting me with his elegant profile, a nose with an aristocratic line, almost Roman. But one more thing strikes me.

"You’ve got incredibly thick hair," I say, deciding to try a compliment, maybe it will break the ice? I eye his voluminous ponytail, the lush strands cascading past his back. All the Ferros have great hair, but his is especially noteworthy. It really catches the attention.

But if I thought flattery would help me get on his good side, I’m dead wrong.

Ennio has no reaction whatsoever. He takes one last drag, holds it for a moment, then exhales slowly. Without a word, he slips the vape into his pocket and walks off.

Yep.Solidinteraction.Nice talking to you, strange dude.

It’s such a hot day, but he made sure the temperature dropped a few degrees.

Still, there’s one silver lining: I sort of made him leave the patio, which means I’m now free to head into the garden without raising suspicion.

Wandering around the courtyard during the hottest part of the day without a reason would definitely raise questions. The sun is blinding, the air thick with humidity.

After double-checking Ennio went inside the building, and making sure that no one else is around, I squint through the harsh light and cut across the lawn, heading straight for the gazebo.

I know Ragnar spots me as I pass within view, but he can’t just drop everything and come right away.

About twenty minutes later, after he finishes painting the trees, I hear footsteps. Then he’s standing at the edge of the gazebo.

We stare at each other for a moment.

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