This Idol pack is hiding something from us.
What’s the secret?
But then, I can’t be cross about it because I’m hiding a huge secret of my own.
Exhibit A: The heist.
I wish that I could tell my new pack, but I can’t risk it because too many people’s lives depend on the heist’s success. Plus, if anything goes wrong, then I won’t implicate these men in something criminal that would have them trapped, when all of them appear to have only recently found freedom.
The thought of the fiercely independent Piper being broken in the Omega Institute or a celebrity like Zero being sent to jail makes me want to hurl.
So, maybe they are hiding something. Right now, however, I need to focus on keeping my own secret safe.
I give a slight nod, and Icarus’ shoulders relax.
“Perhaps, I can make up for my behavior,” Icarus suggests. I already know that he’s plotting again. I have a sense from Lionzio’s calculating expression that he knows it. “We can spend today together on a date with no pressure, and I promise, the only pinning down will be the pleasurable sort.”
“That’s more like it,” Immortal agrees, enthusiastically.
“You can both stay in my nest tonight,” Piper offers, ducking his head.
I glow. “I would love that.”
It’s a big thing for a bonded Omega to offer to share their nest.
“Then tomorrow, Grace should stay in your room with you to keep up the ruse that she is here like a normal HO, while I will need to work for some of the day. It is almost Christmas after all, and I must make sure that everything, including your big musical performance, goes off without a hitch.”
Icarus’ cool gaze meets mine, and I know what he is being careful not to say.
Tomorrow, he will be organizing for my heist and ultimate takeover of this hotel that will be taking place using Zero’s gig as cover.
I may be a Cinderella Omega in this hotel but I have been hiding my true personality my entire life.
This Christmas, I plan to become the bad Cinderella who rises up and takes down my stepfamily, at the same time that I take back this hotel for my dad.
Tomorrow, Icarus and I will prepare both for our freedom and for the greatest risk of our lives.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Room 234, Omega Hotel
“Ichecked in with Michah,” Icarus says. “Zoe is fine. In fact, she is being spoiled by the entire staff who are implementing my plans to give them the best Christmas that I could. Also, the guests with Bird called down for room service: grapes, Gatorade, and Bird’s favorite brand of chocolate. So, there is hope that he is okay. You don’t need to worry.”
Icarus is leaning against the mint green wall of the presidential suite bathroom, which is painted with snowflakes, the Frost’s signature style.
Crescent moonlight shines through the window over the large marble bathroom, lighting the black and white tiled floor, piles of warm towels, and mirrors shaped like fans.
The only other lighting is cathedral style candles, which flicker in clusters of threes on the surfaces.
In the room’s corners stand high vases, which are filled with lilies and orange roses.
I recline in the deep, claw-foot bath, submerged in water, which is silky with intoxicating sandalwood oils. Rose petals float on the surface.
My aching muscles feel better than they have in years.
I relax, allowing myself to enjoy this treat.
This has been an incredible day.
