One of my own was dead, and I was wrapped in hotel sheets worth more than a week’s wage while the girls of my Nest probably slept on the floor, huddled in fear of another occurrence, praying I reached a deal with Silas.
My arms stretched out under the pillow, burying my face as I lay on my stomach. A clink of a cup beside the bed sounded.
I peeked at the disturbance. Silas placed a cup of tea on the nightstand. He was fully dressed already, freshly ironed and starched. He looked like he had been up for hours, the scent of fresh cologne invading my morning senses.
I hid my face back into the pillow and groaned.
“Good morning to you as well.” His voice was a low rumble, a sensitive sound to my ears. The bed dipped beside me as he sat down, his fingers brushing my ear.
“It’samorning.” My words were muffled by the pillow.
The door to the room slapped against the wall as it flung open. “Phoebe telephoned this morning—” Luka stopped. “Who is that?”
“You should learn to knock,” Silas scolded, getting up to shove him out the door, the door closing behind them. Even then, I could still hear their bickering.
“She asked if I had seen Alina; apparently she phoned a few times,” Luka spoke lower. “I suppose I’m a bit late to the news.”
“I told reception no messages.”
“Right, then can I assure her everything is all right? You wouldn’t believe the threats that come from that pretty mouth of hers.”
“Tell her to get the girls packed; we are going to move to the building downtown.”
“So Alina—” Luka whispered.
“Yes, pack your bag, as well.”
“Mine? Are we moving with them?”
“Yes, the girls felt better having extra bodies there.” Silas paused. “Behave yourself, or I will personally make sure you starve.”
“Why do you always think I will do something?” Luka tutted. “Always assuming the worst.”
“That is because youarethe worst,” Silas nearly hissed. “I will speak with you later.”
There was no reply, and the door clicked when it shut again.
The bed dipped again; his palm smoothed down my back. I peeked at him again before turning to my side.
“I had the hotel wash your clothes, they are on the chair when you are ready.”
“Are you not staying?”
“I have errands to run.”
“What errands? You do not run errands.”
“We have an entire tenement to furnish, remember?” He smoothed stray strands away from my face. “I would say you can come with me, but I assumed there were some things at home you needed to tie up. I can call you a coach.”
My heart squeezed tightly in my chest, remembering. I was quite literally avoiding the skeletons piling up in the closet. I dreaded looking them in the eye after losing the girls.
“Call it now. I will only be a minute.” I exhaled before slipping out of the bed and sheepishly approaching the chair with my garments.
Silas approached me from behind, smoothing his hands over my shoulders before pushing down gently. The tension thawed slightly. I stretched my neck to either side before I propped my leg up on the chair to pull up my stockings.
Though last night was calm, this morning was especially sober, painfully so. There was an itch, a settling discomfort.
“I will meet you at the downtown property. Do you have any special requests before I go?”
