Jealousy...

"Nothing actually, I'm fine. I'm fine, Babe." Ella said carefully, realizing that everyone was staring at us both now. I glanced further at Darius's direction and saw he had concern etched on his face.

I needed to ease this tension--whatever this was! Why did she suddenly overreact like this?

"Okay, let's sit down." I said and she listened to me, slowly taking her seat. "Ella, are you sure you're okay? You don't look too good."

She relaxed a bit, a fake smile appearing on her face. I knew she was about to lie, but what is going on with her? "I'm fine. Really. I just got something on my mind but I'm good now!"

I just nodded, trying to accept her words to be true. She must have been stressing over something but she wouldn't tell me. Ella was a secretive person like that.

"Alright then. Let's eat." I said. She smiled and took a burger from the box. We ate in silence.

Once it was closing hour, I was heading out until I sighted Darius walking over to me. I heaved in a deep sigh, prepared for whatever he had to say now.

"Hey, love. Let's go home." He said, and I saw that the car was parked outside. I nodded. Gladly, that was it. He said nothing out of the ordinary.

I looked around for the others, or at least for Dean, since Duke didn't show up today. "Hey um, what about Duke?" I let my curiosity take over. Suddenly, Darius's face switched to pure rage, thick brows meeting together as his face squeezed in anger.

"You know, it's always Duke Duke Duke! Why aren't you asking about Dean right now, huh?" He seemed so furious that his voice was booming again, making my heart pound in fear. What had I said wrong??

"I was just asking--" I was cut off by his frustrated groan.

"You keep forgetting that we all are your mate, so why are you only interested in Duke all the time! I even said sorry too today. What is wrong with me too, Anaya!"

This was so uncalled for. The boys and their anger...I could never get used to that! I swallowed, thinking of a way to answer his query.

"Calm down, Darius. Please, I don't like when you yell at me."

"Sorry. Okay? I'm just a bit furious." He sniffed in, then took a couple of steps left and right before stopping in front of me again.

"I'm not interested in any of you, okay! I just asked because we live together and you're his brother...and I...I'm just trying to care. But you know what, I want to take a walk so I'm going home!" I heaved in a shaky breath waiting for him to just strangle me for speaking back to him. He hated it when he felt disrespected, but lately, I'd been getting my way around the triplets.

Darius leaned closer until I could feel his breath on my face. "The sun is hot. Come on, Dean is here now." He glanced behind him, then moved away so I could now see Dean approaching us.

He alternated suspicious glances between Darius and I, then back at me. "Hey Ana." And without waiting for my response, he walked away, stepping into the car parked before us.

Darius still gazed at me, sea green eyes observing me so deeply. I flinched, having a silent conversation in my head about how a man could look this gorgeous. His shaggy hair was more in order and not as messy as it used to be. I found myself drawn to his handsome face, watching angry hotheaded Darius look so calm and relaxed, especially at me!

"Let's go." He said at last before turning to leave too. I nodded, reminding myself to get a hold of my stupid self! These boys are your bullies, they're irredeemable!

At home that evening, I helped Freya in the kitchen to prepare dinner. My main aim had been at a different approach. After dinner, I helped out with washing the dirty dishes while she arranged and cleaned. Finally, I closed my eyes and blurted out the question.

"Is Duke alright?"