Page 46 of Fueled Hate

“Levi, come eat.”

“Not hungry,” Levi says shortly before I hear his bedroom door slam.

“Excuse me for one second.” Dad stands from the table, taking the same route that Levi just had.

Great. It really is going to be a complete family supper if Dad and Levi start a yelling match. Or Levi could decide to tell me exactly how he feels about me. Again. The thought makes my stomach lurch as the food that was just appealing turns nauseating. Does he really hate me, or is he just angry? I can understand both, but one I can’t come back from.

Surprisingly, less than two minutes goes by before Dad returns to the table, Levi behind him, taking a seat across from me. I guess it’s a start, even if he won’t look at me.

“Dinner looks great,” Dad says, glancing around at the to-go containers filled with cheeseburgers and fries from the local diner. It’s not like there’s much of a choice in town, but I wasn’t expecting to get takeout. It was Dylan who’d insisted (as usual), but I can’t complain this time because there really wasn’t much in the house in the way of groceries. With only Dad and Levi living here, I doubt they ever sit down and have an actual home-cooked meal.

“Dylan bought it,” I blurt out, as Dad hesitates then continues reaching over for a to-go container.

A chuckle leaves Levi’s mouth, earning a glare from dad, but he reaches across the table, nonetheless, grabbing a meal for himself.

“Well, thanks, Dylan,” Dad says.

“No problem,” Dylan replies, keeping his eyes on Levi. I don’t like the tension that radiates between them when their eyes lock in what can only be described as a death stare.

“So, Dylan. Tell me a little more about yourself. Have you lived in Sunland long?”

“No sir. I just started at Haine this semester,” Dylan responds, earning another chuckle from Levi. “Care to share what’s so humorous with the rest of us?”

Oh shit. I know that tone. Dylan isn’t going to find anything comical in the slightest no matter what Levi’s response is.

Levi doesn’t seem the least bit concerned as he replies, “I was just thinking how funny it is that my big sis managed to sink her claws into another one so quickly.”

“Levi,” Dad scolds but my attention is on Levi’s sadistic expression, the same one he had when he told me I was responsible for our mother’s death. He really does hate me.

Leaning back in his chair, Levi goes in for another blow as he asks, “So, how is Kyle doing, sis?”

The question throws me because Levi couldn’t stand Kyle—so why is he concerned about his well-being now? It’s doubtful he gives a rat’s ass about Kyle, more likely, he just wants to taunt me. Or maybe he’s friends with Kyle now. I still don’t know if Levi is in on the whole thing with Dad and Kyle. He’s clearly found some of their product because he looks high even now.

“I’m sure Kyle is fine Levi, but this isn’t the time or place to discuss it. I’m sure he and Sadie will work on things in their own time.”

“There’s nothing to work on, Dad. I told you—Kyle and I aren’t together anymore.” Is that why Dad keeps pushing me to Kyle? Because of their sketchy arrangement? It’s not like Dad can admit it or that I can imply I know anything, but I have to ask. “Why do you want us to work it out so bad?”

“Y’all just been close for so long …”

Levi takes it upon himself to keep the conversation going. “Eh. Dad’s just making sure Kyle gets a return on his investment.”

“What?” My heart races. There’s no way Levi is admitting what is going on, but from his reclined position, he looks like he isn’t concerned about whatever bombshell he’s about to drop.

“Levi,” Dad growls out a warning.

But my brother is zoned in on me. Once again, dead set on inflicting more torment. “You know, for all of that financial investing Kyle has done in you.”

“Shut your mouth, Levi,” Dad commands. Levi’s satisfaction grows at seeing my horror increase.

Why do I get the feeling this has nothing to do with my father and Kyle smuggling pills? “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Kyle’s investment in your education. Tuition at that uni isn’t cheap, ya know?” Levi trails his eyes over to Dylan before returning to mine. “Guess you found someone else to milk dry now. Hope you’re loaded, pretty boy, because she requires a lot of upkeep.”

Dylan leans forward, fixating on Levi. “I’d suggest you follow your father’s instructions and shut your fucking mouth. Now.”

“Damn.” Levi laughs. “It didn’t take her long to train you too.”

I leap out of my chair, anticipating Dylan’s move as he stands, heading towards Levi. I block his path. Levi does need to stop, but I don’t want Dylan and him fighting in the middle of the kitchen.