When James left the living room, leaving Ryder and me alone, there was a tense silence between us. It felt like we were sizing each other up. James was the first to break the silence, bidding Ryder goodnight as he announced his intention to go to sleep because he was tired.

As James turned to leave, Ryder couldn't help but wonder why his cousin was tired too. He didn't want to entertain the thought that something might have happened between James and me, but the idea nagged at him.

"James, wait a minute," Ryder called out suddenly, feeling a surge of frustration and jealousy rising within him.

"If you have...