2. River

The waitress drops off our turkey club sandwich and sashays away. I eye it suspiciously and look at my brother. "Why are we here again?" I push my sliding tomato back under the bread and bacon before it can make its escape. "Rhet's food is amazing. Why didn't we just stay back at the circus?" I grumble.

Indy kicks me playfully under the table. "Oh, come on, River. You know you love their pie. Plus, don't you remember that popular diner back home, the one with the jukeboxes on the table just like this?"

A small smile tilts my lips. "Yeah, of course I remember. We'd go there all the time and order a club sandwich. We always played Elvis on those rundown machines."

My brother nods eagerly, pulling a quarter seemingly out of thin air and flicking it between his fingers as if he's about to do some magic trick. Indy flips through the jukebox panels as he reads some of the song titles out loud. "Ah ha. Here we go." He places his coin into the machine and presses the buttons for A33.

Not even a minute later, the song Jailhouse Rock plays through the speakers. Indy bounces in his seat across from me. Then he places half of the triple-decker sandwich and a few fries onto my plate.

Memories of a younger version of Indy and I doing this exact thing come rushing back. I was so fucking na?ve back then, and we were so damn young. Well, I was so young.

I frown, studying Indy.

He's oblivious to my change in mood, munching on his sandwich and humming to the song.

Panic hits me when I realize a scenario just like this played out ten years ago. Everything feels so familiar. The food choices, the music, Indy humming. It was the last time I saw my brother. The last time I thought he was alive.

The hardest thing to swallow is that he looks exactly the same. You see when your brother goes missing and is presumed dead, it causes one to grow up quickly. To become suspicious, obsessed, and hell, even a little jaded. Or at least that's what life did to me.

Indy was taken from me so young. And well, they say that your memory of a person doesn't age when you don't see them. Most people will remember that person just as they were. But Indy and I have always had very similar looks, and over the years my imagination took me down a rabbit hole, constantly wondering what my older brother would look like as he aged.

Would Indy still look similar to me? Or maybe he would embrace his pretty side that our uncle always tried to force him to hide. Or maybe he would be the opposite; strong and packed with muscles, ready to protect himself, so no one ever took him again.

I wasn't prepared for the truth.

And when had I accepted the idea of my brother not actually being alive? Yet, despite those thoughts, I kept looking for him, becoming obsessed. All I did was work, search, and eat. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Seeing him for the first time in years looking exactly like he did ten years ago was like a punch to the stomach. While I aged all this time, Indy had not. While I probably looked older than my thirty-one years of life, Indy didn't look like he was even old enough to drink.

"What's that look for?" Indy asks, leaning forward to smooth out my creased brow.

"Did you know I've always looked up to you?" I whisper. "You were my big brother."

Indy must hear the seriousness in my tone, because he places the sandwich he just picked up back on the plate without bothering to take a bite.

He sighs. "I'm still your big brother, River."

"Are you?"

He rears back as if slapped.

"No. No, that's not what I meant." Shit. I wave a hand at him. "I just mean, look at you. You still look like you"re in your early twenties. I'm pretty sure I look old for my age."

"Is this just about looks?" Indy asks, still a little defensive. "Because I might have been cursed into a cat body the last decade, but my mind was still active. I was aging, mentally and emotionally growing, and learning, just like anyone would."

"You were trapped—cursed—all this time. I should have known. Or searched harder. I thought you were dead, Indy." I choke out, hating that I brought this up while Indy was just trying to treat me to a nice dinner. I tilt my head up, willing these angry, painful tears not to fall.

Indy rushes to my side of the booth, placing his arms around me. "Hey, hey. It hasn't even been two full months since we've reunited. You said you were searching for answers all this time. You did your best. If you thought I was dead, you probably didn't expect to find me. That pain, the loss you experienced, isn't going to go away overnight. Give yourself some time to heal."

I think back at the dreams I've had leading up to my finding Indy. I couldn"t exactly explain it, but it almost felt like someone was encouraging me to not give up. To keep looking for my brother.

Indy rubs small circles on my back, and I can't help but give him a watery laugh. His touch is comforting. When the hell was the last time someone even hugged me, platonically or not? "Oh god, you really are the big brother still."

He laughs. "Damn straight. Just because you're more handsome than me doesn't mean you aren't my little brother."

My lips twitch. "I love you, Indy."

This time Indy's eyes fill with tears. "I love you too, baby bro." He pats my thigh, then slides out of my seat and back into his side of the booth.

We munch on our food in a comfortable silence, with me lost in my memories.

From the corner of my eye, I watch as the last person I want to see right now walks through the diner"s door like he owns the place. Akira gives the woman next to him a wide smile. A few people to his right are waiting in line to pay for their food and smile back as if he's made of pure sunshine. It's disturbing.

How does he always do that? He wasn't even smiling at those people, yet these strangers were happy to see him.

Today he's wearing his usual white linen tunic that drops just below his groin and black leather pants. Seriously, does the man own any other clothes, or does he have multiples of the same outfit?

He looks like a freaking pirate who just battled a storm at sea. Yet, somehow, Akira makes it look good. Like he's auditioning to be an upgraded version of Jack Sparrow.

His wavy black hair is pulled up into a messy bun, and for a brief moment, I wonder what it would feel like to run my hands through it. What the fuck? No. That thought did not just run through my head.

I swear, ever since Akira asked me to dance with him at Indy's bonding party, my brain has been all discombobulated. I never even danced with a man before that night. And I don't even count Seven, since we were barely swaying as I was apologizing to him. I might have assumed Seven was the one who kidnapped Indy.

"Oh, shit." I duck in my seat when he glances around the room.

"What's going on?" Indy asks, turning his head to see what has me acting so crazy.

"Shhh. It's him," I hiss.

"Who? Akira? I really don't get why you don't like him. You two seemed to get along just fine the night you met," Indy teases, kicking me under the table.

I scowl at the back of my brother"s head, but he's too focused on Akira and the woman he's with.

"Yeah, well. I'm still convinced the guy was messing with me. And look. He's with that gorgeous woman." Do I sound jealous? I'm totally not jealous. How could I be? I'm straight.

"Wait? You're upset about Rhea?"

Rhea. Why did that name sound so familiar?

"That's Akira's sister."

My mouth falls open, and I sit up a little straighter to get a good look at the two of them. "Are you sure? They don't really look related." Not with Rhea's pretty chestnut curls and Akira's raven-black hair.

"Okay, half-sister. But still, they're family."

Huh. Okay. I didn't realize she was his sister. I vaguely recall Seven telling me about a sibling the night I met Akira, but that was almost two months ago. Plus, I was distracted that night. Then Akira and Seven's brother left the circus to travel for a bit. Yanking my gaze away from Akira, I focus on my brother. "You don't have to live with the guy. Just trust me: he's infuriating."

Indy ignores me, and like the little devil cat he is, waves as soon as Akira spots us.

Akira's smile gets impossibly wider. Rhea waves back and they both make their way to our table.

To my horror, Indy slides over in his booth and pats the seat. "You two should join us."

I kick Indy under the table, but he doesn"t even flinch.

Rhea grins at Indy, eyes sparkling. "We'd love to." She elegantly glides into the vacant spot next to my brother. It's not until I see the smirking Akira stepping closer, do I realize that the only spot left is the one next to me.

He sits down in my side of the booth, and his clean scent surrounds me. It reminds me of a clear cool night with a hint of bergamot. See, discombobulated. Does nighttime even have a scent?

Akira looks over at my brother with his signature charming smile. "Hey there, little cat."

"He's taken, you know," I grumble. "Don"t you remember their bonding party?"

The infuriating man turns his head so that he's fully facing me now. It's like I can feel him grinning. I don't bother to turn and make eye contact. Instead, I ignore him.

"Oh, I remember that night very well."

Both Rhea and Indy giggle from across the table. My cheeks heat as I remember Akira twirling me around the dance floor. It wasn't the basic waddle and sway Seven and I had been doing just minutes before. This was Akira, taking charge and leading me through a dance. I was so shocked that someone—anyone—could take control of me like that. Despite Akira being several inches shorter than me, it felt as if he was taller or bigger, the way he pulled my body to his.

As if tapping into my thoughts, Akira relaxes in his seat and spreads his legs wide, making sure to press his thigh firmly against mine. The move sends a jolt of lust through me before simmering into an exhilarating heat. I would pull away, but I don't want him to think I'm affected. It has nothing to do with his comforting warmth.

"Oh, there's two more of you," the server says as she drops off two slices of apple pie in front of Indy and me, then she places two fresh glasses of ice water in front of Akira and Rhea. "Would you two like to order?"

"Sure. Can I get what he's having?" Akira replies easily, pointing at my plate. "Rhea, what would you like?"

"Can I get a slice of peach pie, please?"

Trying to ignore how good it feels to have someone pressed against me, I jab my fork into my slice and try my first bite. Delicious sugar, apples, and cinnamon coat my tongue and I hold back a moan.

Akira's long fingers stroke his glass of water, playing with the drops of condensation. Somehow, he even makes this look sexy. I get lost in the motion for a moment before I snap out of it.

My eyes bounce to Akira's. Something about his eyes looks different, but I can't pinpoint what it is. Maybe it's that his pupils look larger. His nostrils flare as he takes a deep breath and, for some reason, that makes me blush even harder.

"So, River, have you decided what you might do here with the circus?" Rhea asks. "Do you plan on trying out for an act?"

I choke on my bite of apple pie, immediately grasping for my glass of water and guzzling it down to clear my throat.

Indy laughs. "River in a circus act? No. I think he'd rather read a whole set of old encyclopedias for a living."

It's true. Think of all the information I could learn.

"Ahh. That actually makes sense," Akira replies in a sarcastic tone that grates on me.

I scowl. "What the hell does that mean? I can do a circus act if I wanted to."

Akira smirks, placing his hands up in an ‘I surrender' motion. "Yeah. I know. I just meant that you seem so… organized. I can't imagine you staying in such a lively, colorful place for long."

For some reason, that statement pisses me off even more.

Indy is frowning now, too. He's poking at his pie as if he's lost his appetite. My chest tightens in pain at the realization. I kind of viewed my time with Black Cat Circus as a vacation of sorts, but sitting here now, I know I don't want to leave my brother.

I just got him back.

"Actually," I say slowly. "I was talking to Seven about his books, and the Black Cat Circus could use a new accounting guy."

Indy's head whips up. "Oh my god. Do you mean it?" My brother is beaming now, and something about his smile loosens my heart a little.

"Of course I do. I mean, I have a talent for numbers. Why not apply it to what I do best while I'm here?"

I don't miss the way Akira's grin drops. What the hell is that about? Does he not want me to stay?

Just then, the server returns and places a slice of pie in front of Akira and Rhea. The three of them make small talk while I sit back and watch them, enjoying my dessert.

Eventually, I pull my leg away from Akira's, slightly embarrassed I seemed to like the touch so much. He probably didn't even realize he did it.

Indy nudges my foot from under the table. "Do you wanna go to the carnival with me tonight?"

I'm about to say yes when I feel my phone vibrate in my pocket, followed by my uncle's ringtone. Like a bucket of cold water washing over me, I remember my life outside the circus. I still need to find a way to put in my notice and tell my uncle I'm not interested in his company. The idea of even talking to the man is exhausting. Uncle Harris is toxic, and our relationship is minimal at best. "I think I'm just going to read for a bit and head to bed."

After we pay for our food, we walk out of the diner. Rhea immediately loops her arm through Indy's and turns to face me, eyes sparkling. "Mind if I borrow Indy for a few minutes? We're going to walk ahead since I have a…private matter I need to discuss with him."

Both Indy and Rhea are grinning. Indy's gaze keeps bouncing from my eyes to a spot above my head. He told me that one of his abilities is to see auras. I wonder if he can see how pissed I am that I have to walk alone with Akira.

"Don't worry, little sister," Akira purrs, looping his arm with mine. "I'll keep Mr. Grumpy Pants company."

Rhea giggles and pulls Indy several feet ahead of us, leading the way. I pry myself from Akira's hold and start walking after the giggling pair.

Akira places a hand on my shoulder, and I pause. "Slow down, River. Give those two some space to chat."

I narrow my eyes. Why does it feel like everyone is in on some secret while I'm left in the dark? As we walk, I admire the carnival and circus lights off in the distance. Lights sparkle against the backdrop of the night sky. Is that magic floating in plain sight?

Black Cat Circus is truly a beautiful place; if you can call a traveling circus a place. I definitely see the allure of staying with the group. I get lost in thoughts of traveling the world with BCC. Can I do it? Can I leave my entire existence behind and travel with my brother and his family?

The four of us walk back to the circus grounds, nodding at Farren as we enter. The big security guy, who I"m pretty sure is paranormal, smiles at Akira. At this point, I just have to assume everyone here is some kind of mystical creature or another.

I peek over at Akira. He's graceful, reminding me of an exotic cat. From this angle, I can see his messy bun, sharp cheekbones, and plush lips. God, if I looked like him, I could get anyone I wanted. All the women back at the diner couldn't take their eyes off of him. He's almost otherworldly.

That's when it hits me. Is Akira even human?

Akira must feel me staring at him because he looks down at me and winks. A faint song hums in the distance, echoing in the air. It almost sounds like it's coming from Akira. "Is that your phone?" I ask.

"Hmm? I don't own a phone yet."

"Oh. It just sounds like music. Do you hear it?"

Akira pauses, looking up at me. "I do," he says slowly, still studying me. "What does it sound like to you?"

The faint melody is unlike anything I've ever heard before, but as I try to listen, the notes drift away like a whisper on the wind. I strain to hear the beautiful music but it's replaced with laughter and cheers coming from the circus.

"It's gone," I say. "What did it sound like to you?"

"It had a magical quality to it, like–"

"Hey guys, Indy and I are going to the carnival," Rhea interrupts. "I haven't seen it at night yet."

We dart back apart as if we've been doing something inappropriate. Startled, I didn't even realize we caught up to them.

"Are you sure you don't want to come with us?" Indy asks again.

My gaze bounces over to Akira for some reason. I really am exhausted, and I still need to listen to the voice message my uncle left. Don't get me wrong, I do want to see more of what BCC has to offer, but I'm just not sure if I want to go tonight.

Akira breaks eye contact with me first and faces Indy and Rhea. "Nah, I think we are going to head in." He tilts his head toward our trailer. "We're pretty beat."

For some reason, Akira taking charge and answering as if we're a unit makes me feel better. I don't have to explain things or disappoint my brother.

Instead of saying anything, I nod.

Indy makes his way to me and says goodnight. "I'll catch up with you tomorrow, little bro." He stands on his tiptoes to hug me, and I can't help laughing.

"Of course." I wrap my arms around him, letting the hug linger a little longer than necessary. "I'm so glad you are back in my life, Indy."

"Same."

Once we're inside our travel trailer, I place the keys on a hook by the door and look around at the spacious interior. A trailer shouldn't feel this spacious, right? I make a mental note to ask my brother if the Ringmaster used some type of magic to make our living space bigger.

"Uh, thanks for saving me back there," I say to Akira. "I'm way too tired to go out, let alone walk around."

"Any time." He stands there staring at me, and I don't know what else to say. Something about the man makes me feel like he sees every little thought in my head.

For some reason, I blush. "Uhh, right. Okay. Should we go to bed then?"

My eyes widen in mortification at my words.

"Um, wait. No, that's not what I meant. I'm going to my bed. To read. Over there." I point to the right. Then I point at his foldout bed on the opposite side of the trailer. "And your bed"s over there." Ugh. Can I be any more awkward?

A slow grin covers his face, but he doesn't say anything.

My gaze drops to his plush lips and lingers before I realize what I'm doing. I spin on my heel and take several steps to get to my bedroom.

"Your book," he mumbles. Or hell, maybe he's speaking clearly and I just can't hear him over the rush of blood to my ears.

My movement doesn't slow. I'm too embarrassed. I slide the rolling door closed behind me. It's not much, but at least I can pretend the thin door is some type of barrier between me and the guy who makes my wires cross.

Thank god I have a tiny sink and toilet closet attached to my bedroom. I brush my teeth and strip down to my boxers, ready to relax.

It isn't until I slide under my silk covers with a sigh, do I realize that I left my book I've been reading on the sofa near Akira's bed. Well, damn.

Akira's footsteps sound close as he walks through the tiny kitchen and pauses right in front of my bedroom. "Goodnight, River." His words are followed by a low rumbling chuckle that has me thinking certain thoughts I've never had for a man before.

Fuck.

Even the way he says my name is hot.