Page 13 of Reaper’s Wrath

The secrecy was a fun game at first—like we were doing something we weren’t supposed to by sneaking around behind everyone’s backs. No one would have been upset if we told them. And we would have, except … the more I fell for Isa, the more I wanted to keep her to myself a little longer.

I love my brother.

He and I share everything.

Everything.

I knew that the minute Isa officially entered the equation, I’d have to share her with DiAngelo. Not in some kinky sexual way. D would just be there all the time, and while I love sharing my life with him, I wanted this new thing I had with Isa to be about her and me and no one else.

Somehow, ten months flew by in a flash, and now secrecy is more a burden than a novelty because I love her so damn much that I want the world to know. I want to tell DiAngelo the funny things she says or the adorable way she snorts when she’s especially tickled. As I sit with her finishing up our picnic dinner on one of our regular rooftop hideaways, my heart swells with pride, and I know it’s time.

“Hey, Ees?”

“Yeah?” She licks the juicy remnants of strawberries off her fingers, the suctioning pop of her lips causing a rising situation in my pants.

I clear my throat as I adjust myself. “I’ve been thinking about it, and I’d like to tell everyone about us, if you’re good with it.”

Her sky-blue eyes flick to mine, sunshine beaming from her stare. “Yeah?” she asks excitedly.

“Yeah.” I scoot a little closer and take her hand in mine. “Sorry I made you sneak around for so long.”

“You know I’ve enjoyed our secret dates. There’s nothing to be sorry about.”

“I appreciate that, but you deserve better. I’ve been selfish, but not anymore. I want everyone in the world to know you’re mine.”

The blush that blossoms on her porcelain cheeks can be seen even in the dim glow of the city lights. We’re tucked away in an alcove for privacy, but a good bit of ambient light sets a perfect romantic scene.

“Have I told you how epically beautiful you are?” I ask with a grin.

“Twice already tonight, I believe.” She grins back at me.

“Maybe it’s the dress. The yellow reminds me of a flower.”

“A yellow rose.” She preens playfully.

“No, those are too formal for you. What are those little yellow wildflowers that bloom in big clusters in spring?” I try to think back to times I’ve seen them while driving outside the city.

“You mean buttercups?”

“Yeah! That’s what you remind me of in this dress. A buttercup—light and airy and vibrant. Like my very own ray of sunshine.”

“Well, you look rather handsome yourself. The preppy polo look suits you.” She bites her bottom lip as she peers up at me through her dark lashes.

“I borrowed it from my brother.” I raise a devilish brow. “Or maybe I’m really DiAngelo playing a trick on you. What would you say to that?”

She never flinches. “I’d laugh because I know the difference. I’d know you anywhere.”

“How?” I challenge.

“It’s hard to put into words.” She scrunches her face in concentration. “Like a feeling—it’s tons of little things. I just … know. Intuition, I guess.”

I weave my fingers through her hair at the nape of her neck and pull her close for a kiss. “Good to know you won’t be accidentally kissing the wrong brother,” I tease lightly.

“Never.” She grins. “If I kiss D, I’ll know exactly what I’m doing.”

“Oh, really?” I snap my teeth at her, making her squeal and squirm with giggles.

Invisible wings launch my heart soaring into the sky. She does that to me, and I never want it to end.