Craving The Wrong Brother (Sloane and Knox)

CHAPTER 023: I Believe In Rules

~~KNOX~~

It's approximately twenty minutes before Hunter and Delilah's rehearsal dinner. I'm in their hotel suite watching Delilah complain about her outfit to Hunter.

"I look like a balloon in this dress,” she says, blinking so many times that you'd think actual tears would be falling by now.

"Honey, you look as glamorous as ever. Absolutely breathtaking."

"You're only saying that to make me happy. You know it's not the truth."

This is me wondering why I ever agreed to drive them to the venue.

Hunter and I had both shipped our cars here from New York last week-air- freighted. But Hunter, in all his matrimonial perfectionism, insists his car has to remain untouched until tomorrow. "Ceremonial reasons," he said. Whatever that means. So I'm the designated chauffeur. Which means I have to sit here, on this goddamn couch, watching Delilah glide out from behind the sliding bedroom door, then listen to her complain about her dress like I wouldn't rather be driving my skull into a wall.

They are both sitting on the couch opposite mine, whispering to themselves even though they know I can hear them clearly. "I would never lie to you," Hunter says. "If you looked like a balloon, I'd say it."

Delilah chuckles. "You mean that?"

"I do. You're the most beautiful woman I've ever seen in my life, and you'd look good in anything. But if you're not comfortable with the dress and want a different one, just say the word and I'll ask Knox to take us shopping."

No fucking way.

If they include that in my list of things to do today, I'd just swerve us all off a bridge.

Delilah smiles, running her manicured nails across Hunter's shoulder. "It's fine, baby. I'll wear a potato sack if you think I look good in it."

"Are you sure? We could get a sack right now."

She giggles and lightly punches his chest. "Stop playing. You wouldn't really delay our event to buy me a new dress, would you?"

"I would," he says, completely serious. "Anything for you, my angel."

She softens and takes his chin in her hand. "You're the best thing that has ever happened to me, Hunter. I wouldn't know what I am without you in my life. You ground me. You spoil me. You see me even when I don't want to be seen. I never thought I'd have something this good. You're kind, steady, selfless. You make me feel like I can be a better person just by loving you. I love you so much, Hunter."

Anyone else would be tearing up watching this. And Hunter is. His eyes are wet, his throat tight. But he hasn't been in the same room with Delilah when she said those exact words, keeping that exact face too. It's a shame she didn't consider a Hollywood career. Those movie stars would have nothing on Delilah Crestfield.

"I love you too, honey," Hunter whispers. "But you might want to save some of those lines for tomorrow. I'm worried you've already peaked."

"My love for you, Hunter, will always manifest in sweet words. So don't worry about my wedding vows. They're in my head and my heart."

She digs into her purse, pulls out a tissue, and dabs his eyes with it like a mother comforting a toddler. He takes it, sniffles, and kisses her hand.

I roll my eyes.

Any more of this and I'm going to develop a brain aneurysm.

Delilah pulls Hunter to her chest, letting him sob. Her hand rubs soothing circles on his back.

Now that Hunter's not looking, she lifts her gaze and locks eyes with me across the room.

A satisfied smile spreads across her lips.

Smile all you want, Delilah.

You won't be smiling tomorrow,

Successfully unlocked!

This dinner tonight is just a formality. The real rehearsal happened earlier-all the aisle pacing and bouquet clutching already done. Dramatic. Exhausting. If I ever get married, it won't be like this. Hell no.

CHAPTER 023: 1 Believe In Rules

While waiting for Hunter to regain composure so we can all be on our way, I glance down at my phone, searching for the only thing I'm interested in right now. One message.

Sloane: Tonight. See you there.

Simple. Direct. Oddly stimulating.

I hadn't expected her to cave, at least not yet, not after what happened at the club. She seemed like someone who held a grudge for a long time and would need a lot of groveling to convince. But maybe I don't know her at all. But I plan to. There are several ways-and positions-I'm going to use to find out.

Someone clears their throat.

I look up. Hunter and Delilah are both standing just a few steps in front of me. "What's up with you, Knox?" Hunter asks.

"Me?"noveldrama

"I've never seen you this checked out. You're always spatially aware. But you didn't even notice us standing here."

"Reports from the club."

"Right. So your club managers make you smile at your phone with a smitten look?"

"Smitten? You're so nosy, Hunt. Let's go."

I get up and grab my keys, heading for the door.

"Who's the girl, Knox?" Hunter practically sings behind me.

I don't even turn. "Do you want me to drive you and your bride safely or not? If

you do, stop asking silly questions."

I swing the door open and walk out. Delilah and Hunter are right behind me, whispering to themselves as they always do.

By the time we're in the elevator, Delilah's arms are latched onto Hunter's left arm. Her head is on his shoulder, smiling up at her beau.

But Hunter's eyes are on me.

"At least tell me it's not your brother's best friend," he says.

"What?"

"The girl that made you smile at your phone. Please tell me it's not the one from the club."

Delilah lifts her head, alert now.

"You're really nosy today," I mutter.

"And you're being really secretive."

"Don't you have a wedding to worry about?"

"It's going to be perfect. But Knox, as your friend, let me say this: it's never a good idea to date or have sexual relations with someone who's affiliated with your relative, especially your brother. I know you'll say they're just friends, but he was angry when he punched you at that club yesterday. He has feelings for that girl, and you dating her is going to get very messy." The elevator stops to pick up someone else. We fall silent.

Delilah looks like she wants to chip in but can't bring herself to. After all, it would seem weird to remind your fiancé about your ex, who you were still screwing while in a relationship with him.

"It's a free world, Hunter,” I say. "I don't believe in those sentimental rules you all attach to dating or sex. If I want something or someone, nothing stops me from taking them. Brother's best friend or not."

The stranger in the elevator shifts uncomfortably.

"To each their own, I guess," Hunter says. "We're adults. But I believe in rules. If I ever find out that someone I'm in love with has a history with my relative or a very good friend, I'll end the relationship immediately. No question. Things like that never end well."

The elevator dings. Ground floor.

As the doors slide open and we step out, I glance at Delilah. The color has drained from her face.