Chapter 3: Motives

Waking up felt wonderful.

Rhys didn’t hurry from the sleep-warm, soft haze his mind had settled into; a contentment like this was hard to come by, these days, as was such a feeling of relaxation. It had been difficult to find such happiness ever since Maggie went away...

Maggie.

It was the thought of her that finally brought him to some form of consciousness. The memories of the night before came flooding back; the surprise and shock of finding her small, warm body curled up next to his. His confusion about what to do ... then heartache to find her crying.

Having her body tucked into his had still felt so natural, even after all the time apart, that he hadn’t fully registered that this was why the morning felt so good. So comfortable and right. Gently pushing himself up onto one elbow, he gazed down at his sister’s sweet, sleeping face. The familiar messy brown curls he’d missed so much.

If only it wasn’t so damned confusing.

Rubbing his face in frustration, and sighing, Rhys receded against the pillows again.

Had she just been sad, the night before? Is that what it was, climbing into her brother’s bed again? Seeking comfort from the only family she had left, the person (he thought) she was closest to in the world?

Or, perhaps, a different motive. Dare he hope the absence of that fucktard Jared, and the way Rhys had run him off like a lust-possessed stag protecting his doe during mating season ... somehow, strangely changed Maggie’s mind, and convinced her to ... return to him? The day before, she’d been so angry that such an abrupt about-face seemed highly unlikely.

Despite her tears, Rhys wondered about one last reason. ‘

Maggie, although rarely having occasion to show it, and never to him, had a sparking temper. Long burning, like a good coal, and tempered with hate, she could fan the flame of a grudge for years. Oh, and she was smart, too, clever as a whip, conniving and mean when she felt attacked and hurt. Found the very best way to become the viper curled around your heart, even if it meant biding her time patiently. As long as she felt the invisible ‘score’ had been settled eventually.

In short ... it wasn’t exactly hidden by any means as to what would hurt him the most. Rhys’ want and longing was still so plainly raw on his face every time he looked at her. It didn’t matter what he did to try and push the feelings away. The intensity of the emotion.

It was painful to even consider it. That Maggie would try to ... twist and warp something so beautiful they had once shared, that she could even participate in it unfeelingly, made his stomach churn. That she might let him love her, pretend to reciprocate, and then pull the rug from under his feet to settle a fucking score...

No. It wasn’t possible. Maggie wouldn’t.

She’d been there for comfort, that was it.

It had to be.