Chapter 86 Questionable Motives
548words
Rake was sitting by the table with Mom while Kayn was busy mixing the pancake batter beside the sink.
I scoffed. "Mom, I thought you were making the pancakes?"
"Kayn offered to make us some. Isn't that nice of him?" Mom was oblivious. Clearly, those two were up to something. I trusted them as far as I could throw them—and I couldn't. So there was that.
Kayn peeked over his shoulder and winked at me.
You've got to be kidding me.
"How nice." The tone in my voice was bitter. I headed for the other side of the table, pinning Rake with a glare. My hand barely touched the chair when heat pooled by my side, and a hand reached out to pull out the chair for me.
With an arched brow, I peered up at Kayn. "Are you sure you're feeling well today? You're acting all strange."
"It's called manners," he grinned.
A flutter tumbled inside my chest, and I forced it away. I sputtered a laugh. "Since when are you capable of any?"
"Carly!" Mom scoffed, offering Kayn an apologetic look. "She's had a rough week. I'm sorry. I know you're just trying to be helpful." Mom threw me a warning glare before reaching for the pitcher of pink lemonade on the table.
I rolled my eyes, sitting down. Kayn lingered a moment longer, his presence heavier than a room full of elephants.
I didn't miss the inquisitive look Rake was giving us. "What?" I snapped at him.
"For heaven's sake, Carly," Mom spoke dismissively. She got up from her seat and rounded the table, planting a palm against my forehead. "You feel a bit warm. Are you coming down with something?"
"I—"
"Are you feeling hot, Carly?" Kayn quipped innocently, but the intention behind the question was obvious.
Rake snorted a laugh. "Well, now. I'm so glad I chose today to come over for a visit."
I was going to kill them both.
"Do you have any pain? Sore throat? Stomach—" Mom started, but I cut her in.
"I'm fine, Mom. I'm just tired," I insisted, pushing away her hand. "Really, I'm okay."
"Dreaming about me?" Kayn supplied.
For goodness sake...I sighed, stretching out my legs under the table.
"Probably nightmares of you," Rake mused, taking a sip of his lemonade and pulling a face. No doubt Mom added too much lemon and too little sugar again.
I bit down a smile, turning to Mom, who eyed me like I sprouted three heads. "I'm fine, Mom. I promise."
"I've been worried about you since the accident. You haven't been yourself," she said.
"I just have a lot going on," I replied. "You know, school and everything else. But nothing you should be worried about."
"Promise me you'll tell me if something's wrong?" Concerned marred her features.
Guilt twisted inside my belly. "Sure," I lied.
She leaned in and planted a quick kiss on my forehead before returning to her seat. I found Rake grinning at me.
"Is there something you'd like to share with us?" I asked, trying my best to mask the venom in my voice.
"Nope," he shrugged. "I'm as happy as a clam right now."
"Hmmm." I didn't trust that look.
