35

GARETH “Join us!” I sidestep Niko’s hand as he tries to drag me into the pool. “What a killjoy.” He narrows his eyes as he floats on his back, kicking Jeremy, who’s chilling in the water by the edge, hyperfocused on his phone. He doesn’t even pay attention to Niko’s attempts to start a fight. Jeremy’s been more wound up than usual, which I would’ve paid better attention to if I weren’t stuck in my own head. I walk to Glyn’s side and offer her a glass of her favorite pink grapefruit soda that my brother stocks in the mansion for her. She beams up at me, her features softening. Glyn is Killian’s new obsession. His only obsession, really. I’ve never seen anyone have such a deep effect on him—until her. She’s pretty, I guess. Delicate, round face, long chestnut hair with blonde strands, and those inquisitive eyes. But that’s not special, not for Kill, anyway. He’s had countless people, of all genders, throwing themselves at him, and he never gave a single one the time of day—especially Che