“What?No. I just need something to wear for that dinner. Otherwise, I’m fine, Dove.”
I frown, realizing his nickname feels strange after our blow-up yesterday. He doesn’t seem mad anymore, but there’s still a nagging doubt in the back of my mind. Maybe he’s looking for an excuse to buy me something ridiculous out of spite.
Iwouldn’t put it past him.
Crossing my arms over my chest as a last line of defense, I sigh. “I’ll wear the black dress from your birthday again.”
Koen raises an eyebrow. “That’s way too much for a simple dinner, even if it is a nice restaurant.”
“Oh, nowyou’recritiquingmywardrobe?” I shoot back. “Big talk coming from you.”
Koen chuckles at my sass, and damn if it doesn’t do things to my heart. “Let him get you a dress. He’s good at it.” He turns his pretty face to his brother with a pointed look. “And one dress, Dove. Justone.”
“Perfect!” Levi claps his hands excitedly, waking Pebble up before standing and grabbing Ezra’s wrist, pulling him to his feet. “Come on, Ezy baby, we’re going shopping.”
Ezra looks at me with a mixture of dread and pleading, and I have to suppress a laugh at the sheer misery in his eyes as Levi drags him toward the door.
I’m still watching them go when Sylus catches my face in his hands and kisses me. It’s playful at first with light brushes against my lips, then it suddenly deepens into something that sends sparks racing through me. When he finally pulls back, I’m a little breathless, and his grin is utterly smug as he asks, “Anything else you need?”
I blink, taking a moment to recover and process his question. “I don’t know… casual stuff.” I look down at the sweatpants and a shirt I’m wearing of his again. “And if you’re okay with me wearing your stuff to sleep?—”
“Baby,” Sylus chuckles, cutting me off. “You can have all of my stuff, but honestly, sleep naked. Makes shit easier.”
Koen makes a disgruntled noise as he shoots Sylus a look full of silent reprimand.
“Ha-ha, fucker,” I mutter, making Sylus laugh harder.
“I’ll bring a little of everything,” he promises, stepping back. “And if I miss something, I’ll go again.”
“I can go get my stuff,” I protest. “I’m not bedridden or anything.”
Sylus shakes his head. “Nope. But you are hurt.”
“It’s agraze,” I argue. “It’s not that bad.”
He leans in again, brushing his lips against my forehead this time. “You stay here and relax for today, okay? I’ll be back, Sparkle.” There’s so much care wrapped in his words that it’s hard to keep arguing with him.
I watch him leave, then I turn to Koen. “And you?” I ask, raising a brow. “Are you going to mother hen me too?”
Koen leans back in his chair, a small, knowing smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Of course I am.” I groan dramatically in response as he stands up from his seat. “We should go have a nap.”
“I just woke up. I’m not tired.”
“How about we go to my room and hang out for a bit? Listen to some music?”
I hesitate, the idea tempting but not quite enough to help with my anxiety. “Talking strategy for tomorrow’s dinner would be nice,” I admit. “I have no idea what the hell we’re doing.”
“Course,” he agrees as he holds out his hand. “Let’s do that.”
His brown eyes hold me hostage as I slide off the chair. Then he smiles, and I return it automatically as he tugs on my hand and guides me upstairs.
Koen’s room smells like him—warm spices, vanilla, and safety, all of it wrapping around me the moment I step inside. The space is calm, tidy, and composed. There’s also a quiet elegance to it, the dark tones, black and deep grays, so different from the chaotic mess of my apartment. There’s a computer set up in one corner, shelves packed with books, cookbooks mostly, and picture frames arranged thoughtfully on surfaces. It’s cozy in a way I wasn’t expecting.
Just like him.
One of the frames on his bookshelf catches my attention, and I brush past him and pick it up. A beautiful girl with dark hair and eyes stands between two younger versions of the twins. They’re identical here—no blond hair or piercings to set Leviapart, no beard on Koen to distinguish him. They all look so happy, and it makes my heart constrict painfully.
“This is Rose?”
