I get everything set up on the TV and pull her back into me. We both drift off at some point and stay in that position for the rest of the night.
The next morning, I’m making Hattie breakfast—one of the few meals I can make—when Jeffery calls up.
“Sir, I have your sister here to see you.”
I squeeze my eyes shut. What is Ariana doing here? I said I’d call her last night with an update about Dad, but she couldn’t wait for me to touch base with her? She had to fly out here? What the hell?
“That’s fine, send her up.”
Now I’m going to have to explain Hattie’s presence here, which isn’t a huge deal given that I plan on Hattie being by my side forever, though I haven’t told her that. Nor have I told her about my past and how I grew up. Let’s hope Ariana still understands my nonverbal signs for don’t fuck this up.
I walk to the couch where Hattie’s cuddled up, reading a book. She seems more herself this morning. Some of the haunted look has disappeared from her eyes, but I’d be an idiot to think it doesn’t still linger there.
“My sister is here.”
Hattie’s gaze snaps up from her book, eyes wide. “What?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure why, but Jeffery just called. She’s on her way up.”
“Oh my god, Bast, look at me. I can’t meet your sister.” She looks down at her oversized T-shirt and pajama shorts.
I lean forward, bracing my hands on the back of the couch and caging her in. “You always look exceptional, plus you were trapped in a fire last night. I think Ari will forgive you for not having a cocktail dress and full-face makeup on.” I kiss her lips.
Before I can really get into the kiss I want to have with her, there’s a knock at the door. With a sigh, I straighten and walk across the expansive living area to the foyer and open the door.
I don’t even have a chance to greet her before Ari’s arms are wrapped around my waist and she’s squeezing me tightly. “Thank God, you’re all right.”
I return the hug and run a hand down her back over her long red hair. I’m not sure how, but she obviously knows about the fire. This must be the reason for her visit.
“I’m fine.”
She pulls away and smacks my upper arm, glaring at me. “I called you a million times last night, and when you didn’t answer, I thought the worst.”
I cringe. “Sorry, I ditched the phone when I got home, and I haven’t looked at it since.” My full attention has been on the woman behind me.
My sister pushes past me, stomping in through the foyer. “Do you have any idea of the things that were running through my head? I made Obsidian call the pilot in the middle of the night and drag him out of bed to fly me out here.” She comes to an abrupt stop, obviously just having clocked Hattie sitting on the couch. “Oh.” She glances over her shoulder at me. “I didn’t realize you had company.”
Walking past her, I gesture toward Hattie. “Ari, this is Hattie. Hattie, this is my overbearing sister, Ariana.”
Ariana glares and sticks her tongue out at me before walking over to the couch.
Hattie stands with her hand extended. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well.” Ari takes her hand and gives Hattie the once-over.
I know it for what it is—just sibling curiosity because I’ve never had any other woman here when my sister’s around—but Hattie must take it differently.
She tugs on the hem of her T-shirt. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming or I would have dressed differently.”
“No one did, hence the overbearing part.” I walk over to Hattie and place a kiss on her temple. “You look beautiful as always.” When I turn my gaze to my sister, her perfectly shaped eyebrows are bunched up and she’s staring at us quizzically, but her face quickly morphs to delight. “I’m just getting breakfast started. Do you want some?”
She waves me off, not taking her eyes off Hattie. “No, I ate on the plane.”
“Of course you did. You got a private chef on that private plane of yours?” I chuckle and dart out of the way when she goes to smack me again. “My sister married a billionaire, babe.”
Ari scowls at me for mocking her. “All right, that’s enough.” She shakes her head at me and turns back to Hattie. “It’s true, but that’s not why I married him.”
Ariana takes Hattie’s hand and gestures for her to sit again, obviously using the opportunity to grill Hattie while I’m cooking. She better not make Hattie uncomfortable.
