Onyx and Orlando are still causing the most tension. They have been engaging in some sort of silent standoffs that don’t go anywhere, but both of them seem to understand what’s going on.They put me on edge every time they do it, just waiting for one of them to throw a punch or pull a gun from somewhere.
Romeo and Reef are more relaxed, and I have no idea what went on between the twins when they were in the den earlier, but it has seemed to simmer Romeo’s anger toward his brother, and I’m glad.
I’m feeling nicely buzzed after enjoying the better part of a bottle of whiskey with the boys, the fear of knowing the twins’ papa is after me subsiding a little. From my place sitting on the plush rug, I stare up at Reef relaxing on the armchair with a full tumbler in hand, taking him in. He’s so damn gorgeous. I smile back at him. I’m just so happy to have them here with me. This past week it felt like part of me was missing.
Reef laces his fingers with mine and pulls me in for a quick kiss. They don’t hold back because Orlando is around. Everything between us has already fallen back into the same routine as it was at the safe house. But tonight scares me. What happens when Orlando demands I stay with him like I have been? Maybe I just get so drunk I pass out on the sofa and don’t have to go through the pissing match of who gets to share a bed with me.
Romeo’s hand brushes my arm, pulling my attention to him. “You’re cold.”
“I’m fine, it’s just chilled down a bit since the storm hit.”
He stands, finds a throw blanket, and brings it back to me, wrapping it over my shoulders. “Thank you.” I snuggle into it, leaning into his leg. “How are you going to deal with your papa? I’m worried, Romeo. What does Orlando meanknock the king off his throne?”
His finger tilts my chin up as his thumb brushes my bottom lip. “Don’t let it worry you. Orlando has a plan.”
I stare up at him. “And you trust it?”
“Yeah, I do,” he responds, and I see the sincerity in his features.
My eyes narrow in on him. Why is he so quick to trust the brother who hid the fact he was even alive until he had me in his grasp? I feel like I’m missing something. “What happened when you two disappeared into the den together?”
He runs a hand through his stubble. “We worked out a few differences.”
“Oh yeah? And what, now you’re family again, years of animosity gone just like that.” I click my fingers.
His lips turn up at the sides. “Now we have a truce to save you. The rest we work out later.”
I nod, that making more sense. It’s kind of sweet that they are willing to set aside their differences for me. I thought after all the shit Orlando did this week to bait them, there would be no chance. “What if something happens while you’re both gone?” I ask, fear creeping up my spine. In truth I don’t know either of them all that well, but I already know I don’t want to live without them in my life.
A cocky smile plays on his lips, and his eyes light up, knowing I’m worried about him. “It won’t. This is what we’re trained to do. Our papa should know, he made sure of it.”
Onyx finally comes to sit on the sofa with us.
“You convinced now this place is safe?” Romeo asks him, his voice a little more serious.
I didn’t know it was a question, but I guess it makes sense. That’s what Onyx was doing, his security checks. Guess he will be in charge while Orlando is away.
“Orlando has a solid set-up. No one is getting into this place unless we let them,” he mutters. Taking one of the tumblers and filling it with a couple of fingers of whiskey, he relaxes back into the recliner.
I offer him a silly smile, happy he’s finally putting his feet up and relaxing with us.
Orlando strolls back into the room. I feel him watching us together and wonder what he must be thinking. He doesn’t join us, and instead he lights the fire and goes about lighting candles, placing them strategically around the room.
“We going to have a seance?” I tease playfully, trying to include him. I want the others to see what I do in Orlando. He’s not the monster they all think. And I know I have a mammoth task on my hands trying to make that happen while this truce is in place, but it has to. Because something has started between us, and I know it’s selfish, but I’m not willing to give any of them up without a fight.
“I just got a call. Looks like we might lose power tonight. The wind is expected to get up, and this rain isn’t going to ease anytime soon. It’s best we prepare for the worst.”
Right as he says it, another loud boom shakes the house and the lights flicker off. I scream like the girl I am, my heart leaping into my throat. Reef and Romeo’s hands are on me immediately. I know it’s nothing to stress about, it’s just from the storm, but having the lights go out hasn’t worked out well for me in the past. And while I’m not scared of the dark, I don’t enjoy it either.
Orlando moves in front of us to place a candle on the coffee table, illuminating the boys’ faces. “I got you, treasure.” He winks at me, but it’s not in a cocky way, it’s in anI know what you needkind of way that makes my heart melt a little.
“Thank you,” I say, relaxing back against the sofa again, my heart settling. “Come have a drink with us. You can’t work now anyway,” I offer, needing him to be part of this.
He assesses me, Reef, and Romeo all cozy together, then looks over to Onyx. “You’re a little drunk already, aren’t you.”
I shrug. “Is there a problem with that?” I tilt my head up defiantly, not remembering any rule about getting drunk.
“No.” He looks back at Onyx as if he’s surprised he’s letting me drink so much. Onyx raises a brow, but he hasn’t even tried to stop me. I’m a little astonished myself but grateful. The lights flicker back on, and I see the way he’s watching us all. He looks a little lost, and part of me feels bad for him. “The guest rooms are all made up, upstairs, so make yourselves at home. I’ll send my cook in with hot chocolates and desserts to help you sober up a bit.” That part he says to me.
