At his desolate tone, I cautiously lift my hands up, placing them over his cheeks. He jerks. “I’m a mess—,”
“I don’t care,” I tell him firmly, stopping him from pulling away. “I am safe here. You found me. You came in time, Rafe.”
His breathing is choppy and harsh as he watches me. “I should have been faster.”
I tip one shoulder up in a shrug. “Should have, would have, could have. You got there in time to stop him.”
His lips are a thin line, his green eyes glittering. But his fingers reach up, sliding around my neck as he slowly presseshis forehead to mine. “I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you.”
“You don’t have to,” I say gently. “Because I’m still here. And he’s… swimming with the fishes.”
Rafe draws his head back, his eyebrows raising. And the uncompromising line of his mouth, softens, lifts at the corners. “Swimming with the fishes?”
He sounds… entertained. I flush. “Isn’t that what happens?”
And he snorts with laughter. “Not quite. Although I wasn’t expecting you to sound quite so…well-versed,in the art of body disposal.”
Frowning, I step back and cross my arms. “How do you do it, then?”
He stares at me. “You really want to know?”
I debate it. “Yep.”
He leans in, and I tilt my head. He whispers.
“Pigs?” My eyes feel like saucers. “Seriously?”
He nods, and I can see him trying not to laugh. “Seriously. They’ll eat anything. There’s a farm up the road.”
I don’t know whether to be horrified or intrigued.
“Damn,” I breathe. “I’m never eating pork again.”
Farewell, sweet bacon. It was fun while it lasted.
Silence.
And thenlaughter, both Rafe and Kit bursting out in guffaws that make my cheeks heat in embarrassment, even as I find myself fighting my own smile.
“Where’s Silas?” I ask when they trail off.
Rafe hesitates. “He was… messy. He went straight to clean up.”
Right. I try not to cringe.
Nodding, I twist to look between them. “I should probably get back to bed.”
It’s late, and they both look tired. Rafe carefully places his hand on my back. “We’ll walk you up.”
We have to pass through the hall, and I pause, glancing down at the floor. There’s no sign of any blood, only drying marks as though the floor has been… cleaned.
“Silas,” Rafe offers in explanation. “He didn’t want you to have to see anything.”
“At least I don’t have to clean it tomorrow.” But my quip falls flat, and the twins exchange glances over my head. I look between them. “What?”
“Nothing.” Kit reaches for my door, twisting the handle and pushing it open. He turns back to me, cupping my cheek and leaning in to kiss my forehead. “Try to get some rest. Do you want me to stay?”
I hesitate, torn between wanting him with me and not wanting either of them to think that I’m scared. Finally, I shake my head. “I’ll be fine.”
