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I look at the table before focusing on him. “Stop it,” I whisper fiercely. “What is wrong with you?”

Opening the fridge, I grab a water bottle and shove it at him.

“He needs a push,” he whispers back, leaning close, shoving the water in the crook of his arm.

“No, he doesn’t,” I persist, grateful that Lace is talking loudly, covering our hushed conversation. “He thinks there is something between us.” I frown and hand him more water.

“That was the plan,” he declares, raising his eyebrows. “He doesn’t know I don’t like women. How am I doing?”

“You want praise?” I ask, punching his arm before shutting the door.

“Well, yeah.” He rubs his bare skin. “Jealousy speeds things up.”

“I don’t want him to be jealous,” I state.

“Sure,” he laughs. “He’s hotter when he is.”

“Mateo,” I growl. “I’ll turn your hair green next time.”

“Alright, I’ll stop.” He cradles the bottles like a baby.

“Thank you.” I start to move away, and he nudges my shoulder.

“I’m happy for you.”

“Me too.”

“I forgive you for leaving the color in my hair.” He narrows his eyes.

“You noticed quicker than I thought.” I roll my lips, and he shakes his head.

We share a grin. I love him, and we fight like siblings, yet make up quickly. He means the world to me and Granny. Aria holds a soft spot for him, too. We have been an odd little family, but it works for us.

As we get back to the table and hand out the drinks, I stare at Mateo until he receives the silent message.

“Archer.” He turns toward him. “I’ll apologize. There's nothing between Savy and me except family love. She's my friend, and I respect her. I was trying to annoy you.”

“Why?” Archer asks.

“Savy needs someone who will be dedicated to her and love her as she deserves. You seemed…distant. I wanted to push you,” he admits.

“What makes you think I won’t be dedicated to her?” Archer scowls.

“I was mistaken,” he says quickly, staring at my bond.

“Appreciate it,” Archer says.

Rome clears his throat. “Can you tell us about Aria?”

I resume my seat. “She’s gifted. Granny could see her potential at a young age, but my parents had already left us. Since they weren’t around, they didn’t know what she could do. Granny stressed to us that we needed to hide her spells, especially from them.” I swore I wouldn’t tell anyone outside of our little family, but I trust everyone here. Before, there wasn’t a need to reveal that I had a sister. If something happens, I may need them to help me guard her against my parents. “Aria can stop time.”

No one speaks for a moment.

“Like Rome can freeze humans?” Lace asks.

“No,” I say slowly. “Like stop time from moving. Everything, and everyone would stop.”

“Shit,” Archer mumbles.