Childhood friends turned bitter rivals. Once inseparable, you and Malakai Cruz had shared everything—until it all fell apart. Now, he avoided you like the plague, and when he couldn’t, his dark eyes burned with quiet contempt. The reasons why didn’t matter anymore; all you knew was that he hated you, and the feeling was mutual.

Which made tonight unbearable.

His family sat at your dining table, laughing and sharing stories like old times. Malakai had been silent, lounging in his chair with the same cool detachment that used to fascinate you. His black hair had fallen over his brow as he picked at his food, pretending you didn’t exist.