“Hydroponic. It basically means growing plants in nutrient rich water instead of soil. It’s pretty cool. I’m sure she’ll be happy to show you, or I can.”
“Ember did all that?” I asked, surprised.
“She did. She’s grown a lot since you left town. Wait, let me rephrase that. She’s grown a lot since she came to Blackwings. She’s really come out of her shell and she’s done a lot to help the people who suffered at the hands of Octavius, particularly the children. I think that has been her driving force.”
Shit. During this whole mess, I hadn’t even once thought about having to face Ember. What was I going to say to her? She had no idea that I slept with Duke, got pregnant, and ran off to another town to have his baby, never bothering to tell him, or anyone else. On top of that, I’d been a shitty friend to her since I’d been gone. It had to be that way. If I talked to her and leaned on her, like she did with me, I would’ve either caved and told her about James or I would have packed my belongings and moved back to Croftridge. Same thing with Carbon. I had to distance myself. At least until I figured out how to deal with my feelings for Duke.
My feelings for Duke were complicated, to say the least. I wanted Duke. I wanted to be with him and have him be a family with me and James, but I wanted that with the Duke he was before he was stabbed, not the Duke he was after the attack. That Duke was a mean, inconsiderate asshole who didn’t want me or our baby and basically told me to move back to Devil Springs. Thinking back on those last few days with him really got my blood boiling. Why in the hell was he here acting like he didn’t do a damn thing wrong back then?
Clearly, I couldn’t have that discussion with him while my unstable brother was in the car. It would have to wait. I wasn’t interested in engaging in a superficial conversation with Duke now that I recalled what an asshat he had been. I closed my eyes and pretended to sleep, hoping he would leave me be.
Blessedly, the remainder of the ride was silent. I opened my eyes when Duke turned off the engine. Looking around, I didn’t recognize a single thing. “Where exactly are we?”
“The farm,” he replied and shut the door. Carbon must have already gotten out, he was nowhere in sight.
The farm? I don’t think so! Damn that bitch for hitting me with her car. I wanted to storm out of the car and follow him, all the while telling him exactly why he needed to take me and James to Carbon’s condo immediately. But I couldn’t. Because I had a broken arm and a broken ankle. And a baby I couldn’t carry because I couldn’t hold him and walk. Damn. Her.
I sat in my seat seething, waiting for what, I don’t know, but I refused to move to get out of the car. Fifteen minutes later, Duke opened the back door on the right side while Carbon opened the door on the left. “I’m going to get James out and Carbon will help you,” Duke told me.
“Why are we getting out here?” I asked my brother. Screw Duke. I wasn’t talking to him until further notice.
“Duke didn’t tell you?”
I rolled my eyes, “Yes, he did. I just wanted to see if your stories matched.” I huffed when Carbon remained silent, “No! He didn’t tell me.”
“You and James are staying here. It’s…”
“No!” I yelled. “I want to stay with you!”
“You can’t, little sister. I won’t be there all the time to help you with James. It’s safe here and there are plenty of people around who can help you while you heal.”
“I don’t want strangers touching me or my baby!” I shrieked. I was bordering on hysteria.
“Not strangers, Reese. People like Ember, Duke, Dash, Phoenix, people you know,” he explained. He must have sensed my confusion because he continued with his explanation, “Duke works at the stables and has a room out here. Ember and Dash live here and Phoenix comes by almost every day to visit with Ember or check on the property.” He cleared his throat, “They’re still finding things hidden around the property.”
“I don’t want to stay here,” I said softly. “It’s not my home.”
He shook his head. “My home isn’t your home either and you know that. I know what this is about, little sister. No matter where you stay, you’re going to have to face Duke, Ember, and even me sooner rather than later. I can’t speak for Duke, but Ember will be there for you. She’ll be hurt, but she’ll still love you as much as she always has. She’s missed you. You know I’ll always love you, so if it’s just Duke you’re worried about, I’ll go beat his ass right now,” he grinned sardonically at me.
“No, don’t do that. This just took me by surprise. I was expecting to go to your place or the clubhouse. You know how I don’t like things sprung on me at the last minute.”
“I’m sorry for that. I thought Duke told you before we left.”
“Nope. He definitely did not.”
“Well, come on, let’s get you inside.” With that, he scooped me up and carried me to my new room. The room was larger and significantly nicer than I expected. Ember once described the place as very bland and basic. This room looked like it belonged in a five-star hotel, very warm and inviting.
Carbon gently placed me on the bed. “Will you be okay here while I unload your things?”
“I should be. Where’s James?” I asked.
“Right here.” Duke came through a door I hadn’t noticed carrying my smiling James in his arms. Damn, the sight of Duke holding our baby boy made my ovaries spasm.
“What’s through there?” I sounded like a wanton harlot.
Damn dry mouth.
Damn sexy Duke.
