Aveline
I was watching her.
She was sitting beside me, talking to my parents like she owned the table—
Well, she is a CEO.
But me? I was watching her like a total idiot.
And for no reason at all…
I wanted to pinch her.
So I did. Under the table.
That was mistake number one.
Because the second I did, she grabbed my wrist.
Mistake number two.
(Spoiler: it was not the last.)
I smiled at her like the dumbest little fool in love. And she?
She laced her fingers with mine.
Under the damn table.
God, am I stupid?
I looked at Mireline like—help me. Save me. Unchain me from this hand-holding hell.
But she just sat there like she wasn't witnessing a hostage situation.
In fact—she was laughing. Like full-on dead laughing.
Is she really my sister? My blood sibling?
Because she was also taking PICTURES.
Under. The. Table.
I swear I'm gonna kill her.
I whispered to Ruby, "Hey, idiot, let go of my fucking hand."
My voice came out way too sweet. I hated it.
She whispered back:
> "If you want… then kiss me."
I blushed.
She was so close.
Mom and Dad—thank GOD—were too busy talking to Max.
Meanwhile, Mireline? Still cackling like a gremlin.
> "Kiss me, Aveline Vale," she whispered again.
No. Nope. I won't kiss her.
...Okay my body was like: YES MA'AM.
But my brain? My brain was fighting for its life.
And still I did it.
I kissed Ruby Daniel Sun.
...on the cheek, okay!? Not on the lips!! (Yet.)
Mireline gasped. Loudly.
So loud, my parents stopped mid-convo.
> "Why did you gasp?"
"It's nothing. Really. Totally nothing!"
"Are you sure?"
"Yep! Let's eat! Food is great!"
I was blushing SO hard, even my mom noticed.
> "Why are you so red? Do you have a fever? If you're not feeling well we'll head home."
> "No Mom. I'm fine. Let's just… eat, please."
And Ruby?
Sitting there like she didn't just threaten me with a kiss.
Like I didn't just give in.
Like she wasn't a criminal who stole my sanity under a napkin.
I gave her a death glare.
She smiled back—like the little traitor she is.
Then I choked on my food.
She passed me a glass of water.
I still couldn't process what just happened.
Tell me I'm dreaming.
Tell me I didn't just kiss her.
Tell me that didn't feel like the softest cheek in the whole damn world—wait.
NO. NOPE. I did not just think that.
We finished eating. Heading out.
Ruby turned to my parents, greeting them again all formal and sweet like nothing happened.
Then she leaned close. Too close.
Whispered into my ear—no, into my soul probably—her breath tickled.
> "Your lips... they're so fucking soft.
Next time, I'm not stopping at your cheeks."
She walked off like she didn't just destroy me in public.
Max winked. Winked. And followed her.
I stood there. Paralyzed. Processing.
Mireline walked up and hugged me tight.
Then whispered in my ear like she was the devil in disguise:
> "Don't let Mom or Dad find out…
or you're dead, my little rabbit."
WHAT THE—
You're supposed to support me. Not blackmail me!