CHAPTER 42

God, he is so barbaric. What tree has he fallen from?

Eleanor rolls her eyes, which makes me laugh for real, and Malik only shrugs. I love the way he never gets offended by Liam's disturbing remarks. Such a lovely friendship they share.

"Who wants to go swimming in Miami?" Malik makes a dramatic inquiry.

"I do." Sam raises her hand immediately.

And I . . . well, I follow suit.

Malik smiles triumphantly. "See, brother? Winner takes all," he rubs it in, and Liam frowns.

"You should loosen up a bit, honey. What's the point of taking a leave if you're only going to confine yourself in this country house?" Eleanor says in a motherly way, but someone doesn't flinch a muscle.

"Don't worry, Aunt," Malik says. "I'll just cancel his ticket."

I don't know why, but I always find them like two little boys who love bickering to one another.

And it's kind of cute.

Watching Mr. Intense sulking is as if I'm seeing the younger version of himself that I wish I knew. I