"Every step you take away from me only drives you closer to the brink of my madness. You belong to me, Winter. Any alternative reality or illusion you hope for- I will destroy them until your very existence is entwined with mine."
...
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I V A N
"The food is on the stall next to the barbecue station."
My eyes sweep shut at the incessant swirl of Damien’s voice , an annoying jabber cutting through the crashing waves and holiday laughter. Not that I enjoyed the atmosphere on its own- but it was tolerable without the existence of Hughes in crack on the picture.
I pinch the bridge of my nose, trying to suppress a glare that I know would fuel his antics, and finally swing my gaze to the beach chair where he sprawls, a hired masseuse in uniform applies sunscreen on his shoulders, he wiggled his brows at my response- the very brows that looked like it'd fly away if raised it any more.
"What?" I snap. He grins, adjusting the waistband of his brightly colored swimming trunks that offends my eyes with an exaggerated flourish.
"It’s so cute how you get so grumpy when you’re hungry. Should I order a plate of sunshine for you?" he suggests sliding on a sun shade. I raise my book to block his nonsense, the spine creaks in protest. "I ask so because It's not polite to look at a fellow human being like they are a prime-time buffet. I’m pretty sure that’s what psychopaths or cannibals do—"
I peek at him over the edge of my paperback, and he stops mid-sentence, holding out the tube of sunscreen with an insufferable smirk.
"It helps with burns," He winks. I drop the splayed book on my chest- crossing my ankles over the chaise I let out a sigh that barely conceals my irritation.
"Does it help with burns caused by jealousy, Damien? Because I could use some of that healing." I snatch the tube from his lax grip, watching as his playful expression hinder, a hint of confusion marrs his features in dramatics.
"You can’t do that?"
"Do what, brother?"
"Play along with me. Now I don’t know how to get back at you—wait, did you just call me brother?"
"I certainly didn’t call you a Mother."
I cross my arms, resting my head back against the warm sun, soaking in the heat that I don't need. I look good with or without the tan.. And also for that reason, Unlike Damien, who basks in his swim trunks, I wore a white linen shirt and full beach trousers, comfortable yet feeling out of place. I’ve never liked the seaside, but sharing a cramped house with six other boys has made me realise that I have the patience of an elderly person.
And when it comes to winter- i was basically a monk.
But still i tolerate the ruckus that goes around and behind the forewalls of that damned villa because it was the closest residence to where winter currently stayed at. I have options. I own a whole individual estate in this island. But right now- somehow- Damien was my roommate and I have no say in it.
