Page 42 of Echoes of Desire

Knox reaches over, placing a comforting hand on mine. “You don’t have to decide everything tonight,” he says gently, his usual playful tone softening. “Just know that they’ve already chosen you. The rest will come when it’s time.”

I nod, forcing a smile that doesn’t quite reach my eyes.

Del and Knox go back to chatting, their voices blending into the buzz of the room. But their words linger, carving deep grooves into my mind.

They’ve already chosen me.

I glance across the room to where I saw them last, my eyes finding them instantly. At least, I think it’s them. They’re standing by the bar, deep in conversation with one of theirbrothers, their presence commanding even in a room filled with strong personalities.

Steel glances over his shoulder, his gaze locking with mine. He taps his chest twice, and I feel my heart stutter.

I lift a hand to my own chest, pressing lightly over my heart in response.

Blaze catches the exchange, and his face softens, a small, almost imperceptible smile tugging at his lips.

They’ve chosen me.

Maybe it’s time I start choosing them back.

Then again, maybe I already have.

“So, darling girl, what do you think about steak?”

I glance at the male who is currently beaming down at me.

“That’s Pops,” Knox says, knowing about my face blindness.

“Oh, uhm, I love them,” I admit. “With a nice baked potato. Gotta keep these curves curving somehow.”

Pops laughs. “A woman after my own heart.”

“Your heart is too old for a new woman,” a female behind him says. “Go grill us steak, you old man.”

“Ma,” Know whispers.

“These boys get it, honestly,” the woman says. “They would flirt with a rock just as long as it smiled back at them.”

Pops shakes his head with a smirk. “And yet, somehow, you fell for me, old woman.”

“Don’t remind me,” she says dryly, rolling her eyes. “Anyway, you must be Raven.”

I nod quickly, feeling the weight of her attention. “Yes, ma’am.”

“Cut the ‘ma’am’ stuff. I’m Ma to you, whether you like it or not.”

“Oh, okay,” I laugh. “That’s something my mom would say, too.”

“Well, you’ll have to bring her around soon. I’d like the company of an older woman.”

“I’m sure she’d love that,” I smile.

“Good. Now, come with me. I want to give you something.”

I glance back to where the guys were, but there are too many people and I’ve lost their faces.

“They’re still standing there,” she says. Does she know about my condition as well? “Come on. It’s not far.”

“So, the twins told me about your prosopagnosia,” she admits, answering my question. “How severe is it?”