Blaze chuckles, and the noise makes me even more frustrated.
“Don’t look so happy about it,” I snap.
“Ecstatic,” he taunts me.
I huff and grind my teeth. “Can’t believe I was out here dealing with smelly, disgusting trolls while you were what? Fucking her in the shower?”
He shakes his head. “She was spent. I helped her wash and brushed her hair. We sat up and watched movies after.”
“That’s all?” I ask, surprised.
Another laugh leaves him. “Aftercare, brother.”
The sound of my phone vibrating in my pocket grabs my attention. I take it out to look, and a smile I can’t stop graces my lips.
Juniper
Hi.
I blow out a breath.
Who fucking knew one little word could make my chest feel this heavy?
Morning, darling.
Did you sleep well or was cuddling my brother like lying on a skeleton?
I thought we could discuss something other than your brother this morning.
What did you have in mind?
I’m getting back from my walk in about an hour. Do you want to come over?
“Don’t look so eager,” Blaze teases me.
I flinch, having nearly forgotten he was standing in front of me. “This is your fault,” I grunt.
Blaze chuckles, and I send Juniper another text, letting her know I’ll see her then, before shoving my phone in my pocket and looking apprehensively at my brother.
“So. Tell me your plan.”
Chapter 17
North
The books Juniper has on her porch have mildew growing on them. I frown at the pages as I thumb through them, cleaning it off with magic as I do. They’re old, and a part of me wonders if they were out here on the table for decoration at one time and she forgot about them.
I’m doing anything to occupy my time as I wait for her to shower, to get my mind off of Blaze’s big plan—as crazy as it is.
My phone vibrates as I hear Juniper’s shower turn off.
Juniper
What time are you coming?
What if I said I was here?
Wait on the porch. It’s open.
