She shrugged. “All of your girlfriend’s pajamas are a little risqué for a day at my brother’s house.” She rolled her eyes. “Forgive me for choosing the most modest option.”
“Fair enough,” I muttered. I finished placing the last blanket on the couch. I stood up and straight and motioned to it. “Here you go.”
“Thanks. I don’t see myself becoming a permanent guest.”
“All good. It’s been a long few days. We’ll figure out stuff tonight.”
We heard the shower turn on, and suddenly I felt tired. While I had managed to get a lot of the blood off in the bathhouse, I still was filthy and exhausted.
“Blood is in the fridge if you need it. I’m gonna go lay down,” I told Elvie, and she nodded as she climbed onto the couch and covered herself with the blanket.
I went to the bathroom and knocked.
“Yeah?”
I opened the door. “Is there any room for me to join in? Strictly to clean up?” I put up my hand in innocence.
“Sure.”
We were both too tired to even attempt anything sexy. I peeled off my stiff clothes and stepped into the shower. Silently, we shampooed our hair, washed our bodies, and rinsed.
We dried and slipped on comfortable clothes. There was no playful banter, no tangling of our legs to relax. We simply climbed under the covers, and both of us were out in an instant.
When we woke up in the evening, we went out into the living room to see Elvie rummaging through her pink suitcase.
She grabbed some clothes and went to the bathroom, returning in a puffy pink dress. Her normal look relaxed me some. Scout came back from the kitchen holding two glass bottles. She offered Elvie one, and together, they drank.
I smiled, looking at the pair of them. After Ludovica’s planned kidnapping last year, I didn’t think they’d ever be together and smiling.
Scout and Elvie couldn’t be more different. While Elvie, the sin of Sloth, lived her life in pastels and puffy dresses, Scout didn’t own a single pink item. She was more comfortable in black skirts, fishnet tights, and doc martin boots.
A deep knock on the door caused us all to curiously turn and cock our heads.
My happy mood from Scout’s return and her budding friendship with one of my most favorite family members was soured when I realized who was probably at the door.
“Was someone expecting you home?” Scout asked.
“Kind of. Why don’t you go get dressed?” I forced a tight smile.
I watched her cock an eyebrow but turn and do as I requested. I waited until I heard the bedroom door before going to the front and opening it. Sure enough, my fears were correct. Jaime was here and ready to take her.
“Hello,” I started. “Were you watching my apartment?” I snarled. He had his arms crossed over his chest in an almost impatient manner.
“Your neighbor graciously offered to let me stay with her while I wait.”
I glanced behind him at the shut door.
Fucking Amy.
“Where’s the bird?” I snapped.
“Is Julieta taking visitors?”
I flinched at the name. Despite her being born with that name, she would always be Scout to me.
“No, but I feel like you’re not going to give me a choice.” I stared at him. He was easily twice my size. I’d taken down thousands of men like him, but there was no way I’d touch someone that could help Scout learn about herself. He smiled.
“You are correct.”
