As we stepped out of the shower and began to dry off, his phone buzzed from the counter. He checked it, a small smile playing at his lips. “Speak of the devil.” He showed me the screen. “The guys are outside your common room asking where I am.”
I laughed, wrapping a towel around my body. “They’re early.”
“Orwelost track of time. They’re going to be in for quite a surprise when I open the door.”
I raised an eyebrow. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”
“Immensely,” he admitted, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
I finished drying my hair and pulled on a simple t-shirt and shorts, my mind already turning to the conversation we were about to have. What exactly did the Stardust Shield want to discuss with me? I have several theories.
Phoenix dressed quickly, running a hand through his damp hair. “Ready?”
I took a deep breath, nodding. “As ready as I’ll ever be.”
22
Jamie
I shiftedmy weight from one foot to the other as we stood outside Jupiter’s common room door, my stomach doing somersaults that would make an Olympic gymnast proud. The others were equally on edge. Lucas kept adjusting his collar, Rowan was pacing in small circles, and Theo kept running his hand through his hair until it tangled.
“Where the bloody hell is Phoenix?” I muttered, checking my phone for the fifth time in as many minutes. “He said he’d meet us here at six.”
“Knowing him, he’s probably talking to his plants and lost track of time,” Theo said, checking his own phone. “I still think this a risky plan, just for the record.”
Lucas sighed. “We’ve put this off long enough. It’s time she knew the truth.”
I nodded, though my throat had gone dry. Tonight was the night. After weeks of dancing around the subject, we’d finally agreed to tell Jupiter about the Order of Ophiuchus. About howour families had been waiting for her for centuries. About the prophecy that foretold her arrival.
And I was absolutely terrified.
What if she thought we’d been using her? What if she felt betrayed that we’d kept this from her? What if she walked away and never looked back?
“Let’s just fucking knock,” Rowan said, raising his fist to the door. “Phoenix will catch up.”
Before he could knock, the door swung open. Phoenix stood there, looking suspiciously pleased with himself. His locs were damp, water droplets still clinging to the ends, and he smelled distinctly of sweet pears, rose soap and... something else. Something that made my stomach clench with both jealousy and excitement.
“About time you lot showed up,” he said, a smug grin spreading across his face.
I rolled my eyes, exchanging a knowing look with Rowan. “Let me guess. You’ve been here a while?”
Phoenix’s grin widened. “Long enough.”
“Of course you have,” Theo said, smirking. None of us were actually jealous, how could we be when we’d all crossed the line already? The fact that she seemed to care for all of us equally made this whole situation delicate. If we fucked up, this could go badly for us all.
“Come in,” Phoenix said, stepping aside. “She’s just getting dressed.”
We filed into the common room. It was actually cozy and clean. Plants lined the windowsills, their leaves reaching toward the fading sunlight. Books were stacked on every available surface, many of them open to marked pages. A soft throw blanket was draped across one of the armchairs. There were only ten Scorpios in attendance right now, so all was quiet and calm.
There were voices coming from the hallway, telling me we weren’t alone. This wasn’t a conversation for anyone’s ears but ours.
“Why don’t we go to her room, actually. I think we’re intruding…”
Phoenix glanced in the direction of the voices and nodded. “Yeah, come on.”
We reached the top of the stairs, and Phoenix poked his head in the room, letting her know we were coming in. We filed into the sitting area, and the entire room smelled like pears. I really wanted to know where the hell that scent came from because it made my mouth water.
“Tea?” Theo offered, already moving toward the small kitchenette. “I’ll make some of that Earl Grey with honey you like, Jupiter!”
