Discord rolls his eyes. “But do you always have to be pissy?” Then to me, “It’s all good, right, Kerri? What’s a little harmless flirting between friends?”
Nothing about Discord is harmless, but if he considers me his friend, I’ll take it any way I can get it. It sure as hell beats having him as an enemy.
“Yep, friends.” I make it to the bathroom and lock myself in. Collapse against the door, each beat of my heart a painful slam against my sternum as I fight for calm.
I approach the sink with a tight knot in my stomach. Good Lord, I’m a disaster. Literally. Who is this stranger staring back at me? Days ago, I was tidy and tempered. This morning, I’m as primitive as the mountain itself—and I mean that in the best of ways. I never considered myself pretty, but even as a sleepy debacle, I’ve never felt more beautiful. It must be the well water. Or the fresh air. It has to besomething. Because I’m the same woman I was a week ago.
Or perhaps I’m not.
Too much has happened since the shooting. Not that I regret killing that man. I would do it again if I had to. Everything is a mess, and I’ve pulled Havoc into my shitshow. And now, for better or worse, I’m a part of the Unholy’s world. It also means Havoc is a part of mine.
The harsh reality is neither one of us fits in the other’s world.
I make quick work of the toilet before brushing my teeth and washing my face. I do my best to tame my hair, combing it until it’s semi-decent. Still, I hesitate, my hand hovering over the knob. God, I’m acting like such a coward. My mother’s voice screams in my head, reminding me to find my courage as I summon the strength to leave the sanctuary of the bathroom.
Chin high and shoulders square.
I fit my hand around the knob. Take a deep, fortifying breath, and slap on a serene expression. Then I haul open the door.
“There you are.” Discordtsksme. “Thought you flushed yourself.”
“Nope. Still here.” I note their mugs as I walk by the table. “Is there more coffee?”
I can play this situation one of two ways. Dive for the bedroom and toss on pants. Or pretend I’m fine roaming the main room half-naked in the presence of these men. One of which won’t stop ogling me. And it’s not Havoc, because he hasn’t so much as glanced in my direction since I emerged from the bedroom.
He does, however, swing his arm around to point toward the kitchen. “Yeah, and it’s fresh.”
“Wonderful.” I shuffle to the coffeemaker, making my choice. “Would either of you gentlemen like a fresh cup?”
“No,” Havoc practically barks.
Well, fuck you, too.
Discord holds out his mug. “I would love some more coffee.”
“Get it yourself.”
“Why so testy, bro?” Discord snaps his fingers as if genius has struck him. “Oh, wait, I know. Because you’re a cranky bastard. Isn’t he cranky, Kerri?”
“You said it, not me,” I say with a shrug as I pour myself a cup of coffee.
Discord pushes away from the table and strolls over to me. Immediately, gooseflesh crawls over my body. And not in a good way. “Oh, I like you. I like you a lot.”
I wish he’d like me from across the room.
“Thanks,” I mutter as he slips an arm around my shoulders. I tense at the contact. Everything about him is wicked and threatening but shrouded in a deceptively gorgeous package.
“My brother says you killed the dude who tried to murder you.”
I look into Discord’s emotionless brown eyes. For all his charm, there’s nothing in there. No kindness or compassion. Not even hate or rage. His eyes are dead, and it’s the most terrifying thing I’ve ever seen. “I did.”
He gives me a light squeeze. “Good for you, sweetheart. When someone has to die, it’s always smart to make sure it’s not you.”
And on that note…I realize he’s serious. Like, Discord actually believes he’s imparted a profound life lesson on me.
“I’ll do my best.” I shimmy out from beneath his heavy arm and put some distance between us by moving into the living area.
“Well, you crazy kids, I didn’t make the drive all this wayjustbecause I missed my big bro. Although, how can Inotmiss this big ball of sunshine, amirite?” Discord refills his mug with fresh coffee. “Faith was worried you were running low on your medication. She had Jester refresh your prescription. Remind me to give it to you before I leave. We’ve also been doing our due diligence on this Miller dude.” Discord rejoins Havoc at the table. “So far, we’ve got nothing. The guy is spotless. Like, other than not paying taxes on his business, there isn’t a spec of dirt on him. He’ssuper clean. Ha. See what I did there?”
