“Hang out a little longer. We could hit the gym and come back here to play pool,” J says.
“I’m going biking with Abby and Xavier, and I want to check in on Ro.”
“Then come back tonight. You haven’t attended one of my legendary Saturday night parties yet.”
“Maybe.” Emery has her first shift at the restaurant, and I’m considering enjoying a French meal tonight. I meant what I told J last night. Giving a girl space can backfire in a major way. I have learned that lesson the hard way, so now I’m going on an all-out offensive to get my girl back. “My buddy is coming to town, and we have plans.”
J looks a little hurt, so I add, “We could swing by later though. I’d like you to meet Everett.”
“Cool. Jude will be here too.”
“It’s a date.” I toss him a smirk. “Thanks for the coffee, Hannah.” I squeeze Harley’s shoulder. “Later, dude.”
“Where did you sleep last night?” Kaiden demands the second I step foot in the kitchen of their home.
“Hey ho to you too.” I flip him the bird. “You’re not my dad, and it’s none of your fucking business.”
“If I find you were out corrupting sweet girls?—”
“Woah.” I hold up my hands. “What the hell does that mean?”
“Kaiden. Don’t be a hypocrite.” Abby levels her husband with one of her warning stares, and he shuts up.
“That’s a special talent, Abby.”
“Don’t think you’re off the hook.” Now she turns that dark lens on me. “I know you’re an adult, but while you’re living in this house, you can at least send us a courtesy text to let us know if you’re not coming home.”
“Why?”
“Why?” Kaiden grabs handfuls of his hair. “Why? Seriously?”
I shrug, enjoying winding him up.
“In case you missed the memo, Hamilton and some of his elite fuckhead friends want our heads on silver platters. You might not be on their kill list, but they plan to use you and Ro somehow. That means it’s dangerous, and if you don’t come home, I freak the fuck out.”
J’s words from last night resurface in my mind, and I decide to cut Kaiden some slack. “Okay, okay. I’ll text in the future, and for the record, I crashed at the house with J and Harley.”
I can practically see the stress leaving my older brother’s shoulders and his face relaxing. It does something funny to my insides. I don’t like it.
“Alone?” he asks.
“What?” My forehead scrunches up.
“Were you alone or with someone?”
“Caveman.” Abby’s tone cautions her husband.
“Now that definitely is none of your fucking business.” I eye him curiously. “What’s with the sudden interest in my sex life?”
“I’d just like to be a part of your life. You tell me nothing, and anytime I try to talk to you, you clam up.”
“Maybe you should take the hint.”
“Zayn, quit with the attitude and give your brother a break,” Abby eyeballs me with all the ferocity she brings to every aspect of her life. I’m not surprised she wears the pants in this house. “Kai is trying to give you space to acclimate, but you give him nothing. Would it really kill you to open up a little?”
“I’m going to shower,” I say, spinning on my heel and walking off.
“Let him go,” I hear Abby say.
