Grey nodded. “You guys must need sleep. I’ll show you to your quarters while we’re here.”
Sami’s eyes were gritty, and the idea of a few hours’ relaxation was too appealing to resist. She fell into step after him as he led the way back into headquarters and through the east wing of the house, using an industrial-sized flashlight to show the way.
“One room or two?” Grey asked.
“Two,” Sami said just as Tace answered, “One.”
Grey sighed, and he turned by a large white door. “All right. I’m in the master bedroom, which is the farthest doorway at the end. Damon is in the one we just passed. There’s an empty bedroom here for one of you that is decorated in butterflies and tiaras.” He turned and pointed down the hallway and toward his bedroom. “There’s another one there that has green carpet and NASCAR decorations. The house is patrolled by armed guards, and I have sentries at each entryway.”
Tace leaned against the wall and crossed his arms. “One room. Butterflies or cars?”
“Not a chance,” Sami snapped.
Greyson rolled his eyes. “This is a Vanguard fight, and I’m too tired to give a shit. Sami, if you kill him, toss his ass outside and one of the guards will dispose of the body.” Greyson handed the flashlight to Tace, and without another word, he strode down the hallway and shut a door none too gently.
She was exhausted, her defenses were down, and she couldn’t go a round with the Texan hottie. “I’m tired, Tace. Let’s get some sleep and figure things out tomorrow.”
“We can sleep all you want, but we’re bunking in the same room.” He glanced down the hallway of the quiet house. “You want to be treated like one of the soldiers, and that’s fine, but if Jax was here, we’d bunk together. We’re in hostile territory, and one room is better defended than two.”
She lifted her chin. “You and Jax would not share a room.” Yet would they? It did seem a lot safer just in case.
“Sure we would. So the question is why you wouldn’t want to share with me? You’ll sleep better.”
That was probably true. Or maybe not. Things had been off between them since the other night, and she didn’t like being confused. She had to remain apart to protect herself. “I don’t know.”
“Why, darlin’?” The Texas twang drawled out in full force. “You don’t trust yourself?”
That stupid accent spread warmth through her entire abdomen. She never could resist a challenge. “Fine. We’re taking butterflies.” She stole the flashlight from him and shoved open the door, only to stop cold. The bed was in the center, all white with flimsy netting wrapped around it. Pink and blue butterfly pillows decorated it and matched the huge butterfly rug on the floor. The walls were a soft yellow with a pink border full of tiaras.
“Sami?” Tace’s warmth heated her back.
“My sister had a girly room like this years ago. I’d forgotten,” she whispered, tears instantly filling her eyes. Jackie hadn’t survived Scorpius. The pain struck so suddenly, Sami sucked in air and tried not to fall.
His breath brushed her hair, and he wrapped an arm around her waist from behind. “Take a moment, baby.”
She nodded and let the feelings soar through her, remembering Jackie, grieving as a good sister should. “I’m okay.”
He gave her several moments, heating her from behind, just supporting her weight. She could feel his heart beating against her shoulder, and she allowed herself one moment of weakness to sink into his strength. “Jackie was so girly.” Sami breathed out, her body settling.
Tace held her tighter, his forearm comforting across her abdomen. “What was your room like?” His breath brushed her ear.
She blinked. “Um, blue and yellow with pictures of fighters.” She shrugged. While she could’ve gone with butterflies, she had liked her room. “I was a tomboy.” It hurt to look at the pretty things. “My sister was all girl. God, I loved her. She was one year younger than me, but we were best friends. When she made cheerleader, I created a huge collage for her room that she had until the day she died.” The last word ended on a sob.
Tace tugged her backward and leaned around her to shut the door. “Let’s sleep with cars.” Gently taking her hand, he led her down the hallway.
She held on to him, allowing him to lead, feeling not so alone. Oh, she couldn’t be vulnerable like this, and yet, she couldn’t stop.
Tace pushed open the door. “Ah, shit.”
A chuckle bubbled through her and sounded like a sob as she swung the light. “Neither one of us will fit in that.” The car-shaped bed would probably fit a toddler. Even the furniture was pint-sized and shaped like cars. “It’s okay.” She swallowed and turned back toward the girly bedroom. “Sometimes it just hits you out of the blue, you know? I can handle the butterflies now.”
He glanced around. “We could sleep on the floor.”
“No. We’re tired. The bed was a queen-size and will fit us both.” Plus, now that the shock had ebbed, it’d be nice to be surrounded by butterflies and tiaras for a night. When was the last time she’d been close to the innocence of the pre-Scorpius days? “Come on.” She kept his hand and pulled him along, entering the room.
Her breath quickened. She was leading Tace Justice into a bedroom, for goodness’ sake. Friends. They were just friends. Although, if she truly felt that way, would she be lying to him like this?
Tace entered and then engaged the lock. After a quick look around, he shoved the creamy white dresser in front of the door. “Just in case we really drop off.” He moved toward the window and made sure it was locked. The man looked as out of place in the sweet room as a wild lion.
