We can't leave her here alone though. Her father's house is right fucking there, we're practically neighbours. Once this trial's over, we need to leave. Something tells me Rory's father's not done yet. That fucker will be dead when we get our hands on him.
I was surprised when she had no problem showing her scars. Luc is like that though. He wears his battle scars like a badge of honour. It's good Rory does too.
"Where were you going to go when you left?" Dominic breaks the silence.
I look around confused before realising he’s talking to Rory.
She shrugs. "Anywhere but here. I tried to plan it but I never found the right place so I just thought I'd know when I got there. It happened a lot sooner than I thought," she jokes. We all laugh and it lightens the mood.
"Steaks are done!" Luc announces. We wait for Luc to put them all in the container before heading back inside.
When we get in there, Mase and I start making a salad. Apparently Helen, Jace’s mum, has taught Rory more than how to make spaghetti because she whips up a homemade salad dressing.
Jace scowls the whole time she’s making it.
Helen doesn't tell anyone her recipes but apparently Rory is an exception.
We sit down at the table. Rory takes a seat between Mase and I. Seeing her empty glass, I get up and retrieve the bottle of wine for her. When I’m finished pouring her a glass, I hand the bottle to Jace.
It seems he still doesn't trust himself because he puts the bottle down on the table, out of his reach before sitting down. It’s probably for the best.
He’s managed to restrain himself for six months now. Rory’s here now, but I think we’d all rather not risk it. Jace would hate if he went of the rails around Rory.
“Thanks,” Rory murmurs, giving me a soft smile. I resist the urge to capture those sinfully sweet lips as she gazes across at me in adoration.
“Oh!” Mase exclaims. “Did Helen teach you her chocolate cake recipe?”
Rory looks at Jace before grinning. “Yeah.”
Jace throws his hands up in mock outrage.
“Can you make it for us?” I beg. Helen’s chocolate cake is a masterpiece.
“Tomorrow’s her birthday,” Luc reminds us.
Mirth sparkes in her mismatched eyes when my brother and I pout silently.
“You can help me make it,” Rory tells us. Mase punches the air.
“I need to talk to my mother,” Jace shakes his head.
“Devon taught you his famous rib sauce recipe,” Rory shoots back. “Helen doesn’t even know it.”
“That’s different,” Jace argues.
“How?” Alec chimes in, laughing.
"I don't know!" Jace groans. I snicker at his expression.
"Dude, we don't have to go without Helen's food. I'd stop complaining," Dom tells him between laughs.
We finish eating and I snag Rory before she can attempt to help clean up. She puts up a half-hearted fight before following me and Mase as we back out of the room.
I lay down on the couch, stretching myself out with a groan. Rory sits at my feet and I decide this won't do.
I wrap an arm around her waist, pulling her on top of me, careful not to gostle her ribs too much. She makes a quiet 'ooft' sound.
Mase objects loudly, causing Luc to pop his head in the door.
