Page 36 of Anywhere

“My fault? What exactly did I do?”

“You told me that you love him, and then you made me go to that stupid pub. Now I’ve got all these fucked up feelings that I can’t seem to get control of. I mean, what were you doing, anyway?”

“I’m pretty sure we were eating, talking, and laughing, none of which are jealousy-worthy unless, of course, you never want him to speak to anyone ever again,” she said and crossed her arms over her chest.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Of course, I know he’s going to talk to people. It’s just….”

“Ah, it’s because it’s me. Right? That is what you’re saying?” I ground my teeth together as she waited for a response. “Well, Rook, a couple things. First, this is my home. It has been since the day I was born. That man who just walked out the door, and I could’ve run off at any time, and trust me, we’ve been tempted.” It was like she slapped me in the face. I knew how she felt, but to have confirmation that Rhys had the same feelings made my chest tight.

“Do you have something to be jealous about?” She shrugged. “Maybe. I mean, we share a bond that, as of right now, you can’t match, but the keywords there are as of right now. Ya need to work at it with him to have an actual relationship.” My eyes narrowed into a glare, but she only smiled back. “I actually like that you’re this invested. It’s good.”

“Well, at least one of us likes it. I’m already sick of all this connection crap, and it’s only been four-eight hours. My cock won’t chill out, and I’m jealous about everything. And now you’re telling me the two of you wanted to run off? How am I supposed to take that?”

Mari leaned back, her eyes fixed on me like she was staring through me. “I was hoping for more thankful.”

“Thankful? Of what? You admitting you love what’s mine and him feeling the same? Not fucking likely,” I said, rinsing off my hand.

“Rook, let me bring something into focus for you. For twenty years—years, not hours—Rhys and I have been each other’s person. Who do you think he cried to when you rejected him? Who do you think had to listen to him scream in pain night after night while you fucked whoever you wanted?” she said, her voice turning into a snarl.

My eyes snapped to hers. What was she talking about? What pain was she referring to? I wanted to ask but swallowed back the question as her power filled the room.

“Who do you think told him that he should give you a second chance to prove that you’re worthwhile? Who will still be telling him that after this conversation?” She smacked her hand off the table, and not only did I jump, but so did all the plates and bowls.

“I-I…”

“Shut it.” She slowly stood from the table, fury strong in her gaze. “I’ve spent most of my life pining over that man, and I will spend the time I have left breathing doing the same thing while I support your union and train you to make sure that neither of you dies. But what I don’t deserve and will not accept is you walking in here acting like an asshole and accusing me of causing your jealousy issues when you haven’t done shit to build or connect in your relationship other than grace us with your fucking presence.”

“You know what? You’re right. I never wanted to come here in the first place, and all I want is for my life to go back to the way it was. Maybe that could’ve happened if I hadn’t listened to your stupid advice,” a cookbook flew off the shelf and smacked the wall beside Mari with a bang.

Both Mari and I stared at where it lay, the pages fluttering. I hadn’t meant to do that and was as shocked as she looked. Mari turned her head towards me, and the look in her eyes had me wishing I’d swallowed my last sentence. She marched forward, and willpower alone kept me from stepping back. She lifted a finger and poked me in the chest.

“Let’s get something clear, Master Cousin Rook Adair,” she said sarcastically. “You’re actin’ like you’re still suckin’ on yer mama’s tit,” she fumed, her accent coming through. “Ya better be growin’ up and ya better be doin’ it quick, because dat man”—Mari pointed to the open door—“is no’ gonna play yer jealousy game because ya can’t keep yer shit in line.” She poked me again, and I took a step back as her blue eyes flared. I instantly felt how strong she really was. “If ya ever speak ta me like dat again, ya won’t have to worry about consummating a union, cause ya won’t ‘ave a cock to consummate it with. Are we clear?”

My mouth ran dry. “Yes. Crystal.” She went to walk away, and I couldn’t help myself. “I saw you two,” I said. Mari turned to look at me, and I licked my lips. “I saw you two as kids. You were laughing and smiling at one another, and you were talking him into playing a game of catching food you tossed in the air. That’s what set me off.”

She sighed. “I’m sorry. My powers are unstable at the moment. I must have given you the memory. Issues of being a telepath that’s forced to push my powers down.” She shook her head. “That’s all it was: a memory. I’m not his future, Rook, even if we share a past. I don’t know how I’d feel if roles were reversed, but what I do know is that I’d be trying to make things work with Rhys rather than lashing out at him.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I’m sorry.”

“Good, then do yourself a favour and stop blaming me for your issues and look in the mirror. The man staring back at you will have the answers. If you really want Rhys, that is. Now grab a bite and meet me outside,” she said, turning and marching away.

“Do I want to know what you’re planning to do to me?”

Mari looked over her shoulder and smiled, the anger completely gone. How did she do that? I’d be angry for days if one of my brothers got up in my face.

“I prefer to leave it as a surprise, but I’d suggest not pissing me off anymore, or I may decide to kill you and bury your body.”

Well, that was comforting. I’d managed to piss off Rhys, and now he thought I’d fucked Liam, and then I rounded it off by antagonizing my one friend here. I also had a feeling she really would follow through on her threat.

“Good job, Rook. Give yourself a big old pat on the back,” I said. “Does this ever get better?” I asked, then jumped when someone answered.

“Aye, it does,” Gregory said as he walked into the kitchen. I decided that everyone needed squeaky shoes so I could hear them coming. He clamped his large hand onto my shoulder, and the corner of his mouth lifted with a ghost of a smile. “When I be first paired wit Gerrit, it was da same wit us. I was da one, and he was me two, and me emotions were all over da board. I wanted him, and then I hated ‘im. I picked fights wit ‘im over nothin’, and den would throw him over da couch and….” He cleared his throat. “Ya git da idea. Da point is that it’s normal ta feel outta sorts and dis be extra sensitive.”

Walking to the open door, I leaned against the frame and ran my hands through my hair. “What do you mean by extra sensitive?”

“I’ma sorry, I overheard some of da fight ya and Mari were havin’. I’ma gonna say somethin’, and it may be outta line, but I’ma gonna say it, anyway. Dinnie be tryin’ ta make Rhys choose between ya and Mari. He will come around and be yers all on his own, but if ya try ta break up dat friendship, it’s gonna backfire.”

I hated that he was right. If someone had tried to give me an ultimatum or force me to do something, I would dig in my heels on principle. This was a little different, but I understood what he was saying. I would just end up pushing Rhys away.