Chapter 10

Keith

I want to keep an eye on her - that’s why I invited her to the pool party. Despite everything she told me or how many times she claimed her intentions are innocent, there’s just something I don’t trust.

However, the pool party didn’t go as I expected. I spent the first hour making my rounds - talking to other pack members and dodging forced conversations with other women. Which was quite difficult considering I wore only a swimsuit, catching the attention of any female due to my bare chest and arms being on display. Women love muscles and I planned to use them to my advantage.

I had seen the way that Anya looked at me…when she wasn’t planning to rip my head off. Even with my clothes on, I could tell that she liked what she saw. I thought maybe my physique would help distract her a little so I could get her to absentmindedly give me more information.

But I’d been wrong.

I’d been secretly searching for her the entire time, and eventually I found her. As our eyes met across the pool, she had clearly done a double take before she practically eyefucked me. I have to admit that I did the same to her, taking in that elegant figure as she beautifully filled out her two-piece. But I hadn’t held her attention for long as she soon turned to stare at someone else. And then she wouldn’t stop staring at him.

Ralph had been right at her side, easily drawing her in as they laughed together. I could only watch for a few moments, looking for areas of concern as they were all smiles and pleasantries. However, when I saw Anya’s hand brush his arm and Ralph step closer, I could no longer stand still.

I rounded that pool like my life depended on it, soon stopping at their sides as I forced my way into their conversation. Only, they hardly seemed to care about my presence. Especially Anya as she barely glanced in my direction, no longer interested in my body. It was all about Ralph.

The same was true when I came across them and some scumbags on the street the next day. Once again, I stood by as they all chatted, my interest piqued only when I heard Anya mention they were all going to a bar later that night. It made me want to grab her arm and pull her away so I could question her. I almost did it, too - blind with rage as I imagined Anya and Ralph at the bar, drunkenly grinding against one another.

But I didn’t, knowing it would raise a few eyebrows if I dragged her down the nearest alleyway. Instead, I went another route, improvising as I chose the first thing that came to mind. I invited them - scumbags included - to a concert I was hosting that night, completely intercepting their plans. And although Anya hesitated, Ralph had no choice but to accept. Likely, because he wanted to please me.

But the concert was also a disgrace. Though the music was good, the company was awful. I made sure to sit myself right between Ralph and Anya all night, hoping to keep them away from each other. And yet, they still managed to flirt and progress their little friendship.

But it’s not just a friendship. It can’t be. Not when I’ve seen them galavanting around the town together all week - likely going on secret dates. I just don’t understand it.

I’d done my best to try and turn up my own charm, which is why I wanted Anya to see me shirtless or entice her with my wealth by having her visit my house or attend my private concert. I know it’s cruel, but I want to pull her focus off of Ralph, practically manipulate her so her efforts are steered toward me instead. Then I can just let her down nice and easy once she shows a little interest in me - just like I do with every other female.

But it’s not working. She won't budge - her sights are on Ralph.

It’s maddening. Not because I want her, but because I want to get her away from Ralph. I’m doing it for his sake. Which is why I’ve invited him to lunch today. I need to get him to see that Anya is an immoral, frivolous woman and he needs to run in the opposite direction. Why would she be with Ralph - a married man - if she was a good person?

Ralph and I are nearly halfway through our meal when I drop the bomb.

“You need to stop seeing Anya.”

“What?” Ralph replies, taken aback as he nearly lets his fork slip from his hand.

“She’s up to something,” I insist. “I don’t know what, but I can tell she has ulterior motives.”

Despite my seriousness, Ralph still laughs. He laughs right in my face.

“You’re crazy,” he states, shaking his head.

“I mean it, Ralph,” I say between my teeth. “Something is going on.”

Again, he merely laughs at my words, not at all amused. “Why? Because she’s interested in me and not you?”

“What?” I ask. This time, I’m the one left stunned as I gape at him.

“You’re just jealous,” Ralph continues, disgust falling on his features. “You only think there’s something wrong because - for once - a girl didn’t go running to you and chose me instead.”

“No, that’s -“

“You just can’t accept it,” he continues, not at all interested in what I have to say. “Maybe wake up a little and realize that not everything is about you.”

I have to bite the side of my tongue to suppress my rising anger. I want to yell, to grab Ralph by the collar and shake him so I can get through to him. This isn’t some high school drama and I’m jealous he got the girl. This is his life on the line.

“Ralph, it has nothing to do with that,” I say, denying everything. “What you’re doing is childish and a huge risk.”

But Ralph won’t listen.

“Whatever,” he bites out, swiftly standing from his chair as he reaches for his wallet. “I would have never expected this from you. You know, all Anya does is say nice things about you -“

She does?

“And yet you just keep talking shit about her and warn me to stay away,” he continues, finally throwing some cash down on the table. But then he freezes, frustration written all over him as he stares at me.

“Lay off,” he warns. “She likes me - really likes me - and I like her. I know what I’m doing and I need you to respect that. Or else I guess you’re not as good of a friend as I thought you were.”

Following his words, Ralph stomps away from the table, not looking back once even as I call out his name. Once I see him officially storm out the door, I finally lean back in my chair, suppressing the need to release a tired grunt.

I’m left restless…almost shaken as I ball up my fists in my lap. Air rattles in my lungs as I try to take a breath, but I can’t calm down. But I know it’s not only from Ralph’s outburst, but rather just the thought of Anya.

Was she really singing my praises behind the scenes? I find that hard to believe considering the scowls she shot my way whenever Ralph wasn’t looking. And has she really made her feelings for Ralph so apparent? He’d said she liked him…really liked him. If that was true then her feelings had certainly come on fast, and there was a chance that they could grow just as quickly.

At some point - some point soon - she may even love him. Maybe she already does.

The thought hits me like lead in my stomach. It’s a possibility that I struggle to digest.

Could it be possible that Anya loves Ralph?