22. SOUR DESIRE.

ANASTASIA’S POV. The rest of the housewarming felt like it was happening under a magnifying glass. Every laugh, every clink of glass, every glance seemed hotter and sharper. Especially Vanessa’s stare. Her eyes tracked me like a hunter who’d just found her prey. And Isaac, God, Isaac. I blamed him for everything. Even after we were caught in the kitchen, even after her eyes burned holes into our backs, he dared to lean in and brush a kiss against my lips before letting me go. A soft, possessive peck that said we’re not just cousins anymore. My breath had nearly vanished from my lungs when I spotted them a moment later, walking out of the kitchen side by side. I wanted to bury myself under the floorboards but at the same time, a dark thrill pulsed through me. I loved the way he marked me as his, like he didn’t care who pointed fingers. Like I was the only one who mattered. I wrapped my fingers around my drink, taking gentle sips as my eyes flicked across the room. Vanessa had slid into