Dear Ex Wife Please take me back novel Chapter 59

ATHENA

Without warning, she rushes forward and wraps her arms around Alex in a tight hug.

I stiffen.

My arms cross over my chest, a strange, unwelcome heat crawling up my spine. Who the hell is she?

If she was family I'd probably know because I've been around this family for over three years.

Alex doesn’t hug her back. In fact, he just stands there, his body rigid, his hands shoved deep into his pockets.

His expression is unreadable, his usual glare gracing her presence making a smile almost slip out from my lips.

I'm still mad she's touching him though.

The woman pulls back slightly, tilting her head at him. "Five years, Alex. Five damn years, and you're still too stiff to hug me back? Unbelievable." She shakes her head, letting out an amused scoff before stepping back.

Alex exhales before pulling her off him but shockingly he doesn't look irritated.

He finally turns to me, "Athena, this is my annoying cousin, Sloane."

Cousin?

Oh.

His tone is dry, edged with something close to affection and I know right there and then that he might not show it but he adores her.

“Yeah… Noah's sister.” He points out.

My eyes widen as the realization settles in. No wonder she looked so familiar, she looks so much like Noah.

The tension coiling in my stomach loosens instantly making me feel foolish for assuming I knew everyone in his family. As if reading my mind, she smiles as she pulls me into a hug.

“Athena. I've heard so much about you! You're even more beautiful in person. I must admit though, I loved getting a little rise out of you.” She winks as she pulls back.

So she hugged him to make me have wrong thoughts?

“Hi Sloane, it's a pleasure.” I smile back.

“Likewise. I see why Alexander wants to murder my brother.” She teases.

Alex sighs, running a hand down his face. "Sloane, don't start."

She grins, completely unbothered, before turning to me again. "Relax, I'm just messing with you. Kind of. Because it’s true, you beat Noah up for what? Doing a drinking game?"

“Does Noah share everything with his baby sister?” Alex throws the insult but it bounces back because Sloane doesn't look the least bit offended.

“Why? Are you Jealous?”

“Anyway,” Alex ignores her question, turning his focus on me, “Sloane’s an interior designer,” he explains, “and since I know nothing about decorating, I called her in to help.”

Sloane crosses her arms, tilting her head.

“More like demanded with a bit of threat here and there.”

“I said I'd pay you,” Alex argues.

“Then you said you'd have me blacklisted if I didn't come with that ass friend of yours Lucas. Honestly, Athena, I don't know how you put up with this.”

“Haha.” I laugh awkwardly, not knowing what else I can say.

Sloane walks over to me and holds my hand in hers while she carefully pulls me along. But Alex doesn't seem to approve because he immediately blocks the path,

“Where the fuck are you going?” He growls. “She stays in my sight.”

“If we're going to decorate your home we need supplies.” Sloane rolls her eyes like he's being unreasonable.

Is he?

After someone tried to kill me twice, I've realized I was fine being hidden.