When I return twenty minutes later, everyone is enjoying a late breakfast outside on the patio. I grab a plate, some silverware, and a coffee and head out to join them. I’m feeling a bit more alive after a shower, a change of clothes, and some Advil. I’m hoping the bike ride will dispense with the rest of my hangover so I’m fully charged for tonight. I already made a restaurant reservation, and I have all day to psych myself up for round two with Emery.
Claiming a seat beside Roman, across from Abby and Kai, I heap bacon, eggs, and toast on my plate, and my mouth waters. “Hey.” I look sideways at my brother, frowning when I notice his glum face. “What’s wrong?”
Kaiden instantly perks up, eyeballing Roman with apparent concern.
“Nothing.” Ro shovels a forkful of eggs into his mouth to avoid further talk, and I decide to drop it until after breakfast when we have privacy to talk. Whatever it is, I’m determined to get it out of him.
“Xavier will be here in an hour,” Abby says, pushing her empty plate away and leaning back in the chair. “Are you still coming with us?”
I nod in between bites.
“Good.” A genuine smile ghosts over her mouth. She tells me about the route we’re following today as I devour my food like I haven’t eaten in weeks.
“Sounds awesome.” I rest my silverware down on my empty plate. “Thanks for breakfast.”
“You’re welcome.”
“We have yet to experience your culinary delights.” Kaiden smirks, stretching his arm around the back of his wife’s chair. Roman has been boasting about my skills in the kitchen and it’s possible he’s more than oversold me.
“I can cook tomorrow if you like?” I say to Abby. “I’ll pick up supplies in the morning.”
“That sounds wonderful.” Abby smiles at me like I’m her favorite person and it’s not difficult to see how my growly brother fell for her.
“Oh, my buddy is coming up from the city later. It’s okay if he crashes with me, yeah?”
“Of course,” Kai says, toying with the ends of Abby’s hair. “I look forward to meeting him.”
“I’ll make up the bed in one of the guest rooms for him,” Abby says.
“Can Everett bring Jarvis with him?” Roman pipes up, and the melancholy expression is gone from his face.
Now, I know why he was looking so down. Still, it doesn’t change my mind. “Fuck no.”
“Why not?” Roman squares up to me, narrowing his eyes to slits.
“Because he’s a scumbag drug-dealing degenerate loser.”
“Zayn.” Kai shoots me a warning look.
“Don’t get involved,” I bark, jabbing my finger in the air in his direction. “I’m Ro’s guardian, and I agreed to come here to keep him away from that manipulative asshole. You don’t get to override my decision.”
“I’ll fucking leave,” Ro shouts, abruptly jumping up, and his chair falls over. “I’ll get emancipated, and I’ll fucking go back to the city. Live with Jarvis like he offered.”
I climb to my feet, barely restraining my anger. “Over my dead fucking body!” I roar.
“Everyone, calm down,” Abby says, nodding at Kai. “Zayn, why don’t you go inside and talk with Kai while I have a word with Roman.”
“No,” I snap. “Ro and I are having this out now.”
“That wasn’t a request.” Abby’s icy gaze matches her cold tone. “Go.” Her expression dares me to challenge her.
“Fuck this shit.” I shove my chair back and charge into the house with Kaiden hot on my tail.
“Zayn, wait up.”
“No.” I stride toward my room to get my keys and get the fuck out of here.
Kai follows me into my bedroom and slams the door behind him. “I agree with you,” he says, and I stall with my hands curled around my keys. “I don’t like the sound of this guy.”
