Page 46 of The Betrothal

“Come on, Killer, I’ve got something to show you in my room.”

I barked a laugh. “I don’t think we are there yet, Seb.”

He beamed. “I didn’t mean that, but good to know it’s in our future.”

He dragged me upstairs to the threshold of Ben’s room, where I stalled. I’d already invaded at least one of his personal spaces today; a second was a step too far.

“Be right back.” Seb dipped inside and came back, brandishing two large chocolate bars. One was a luxury milk chocolate, the second was a brand adored by children, full of jelly sweets and popping candy.

I pointed to the candy one and utter joy lit his face. “Good, it’s Benji’s favourite too.”

I smirked at the thought. “Not Alex’s?”

Seb’s happiness swelled. “He won’t admit it, but he loves it.” He winked. “We can save him a bit. If you think he deserves it.” His tongue peeked between his lips and it served as a distraction.

Throwing the spare bar back onto what I figured was the bed, he pulled the door closed and gripped me, backing me towards the stairs. “Uh-uh, Killer. That look you’re giving me, this close to bedrooms, well, you’re getting me there now.” He echoed my earlier sentiment, and I stifled my happiness at the very thought.

He was a bad influence, and maybe what I needed.

Frog-marched into the lounge where a fire already blazed in the hearth. Ben was sitting opposite, staring into the flames, a forlorn irritation radiating from his oil-slicked form.

“Benji.” Seb collapsed onto the sofa right beside him, jostling Ben slightly. He blinked out of his haze. “You’re doing a brilliant job out there. Alex said the generator was ready to run?”

Ben sighed, sucking his lip into his mouth. His glasses shifted slightly as he frowned deeply. “If we turn it back on now, it will fail again in days.”

“Okay…?” Seb’s hand landed on Ben’s knee, and I watched it curiously. His fingers flexed fractionally on Ben’s thigh, the action drawing Ben’s focus up to him.

Seb tenderly removed Ben’s glasses. He didn’t look frustrated. He was upset.

“Benji,” Seb coaxed. Ben remained quiet. “I know it’s an open loop. And I know you are frustrated that you can’t switch off until it’s done. But we can’t carry on tonight.”

Ben squeezed his eyes closed.

“So, we regulate and we go again fresh in the morning.”

Ben nodded jerkily.

“Shower?”

He nodded again.

“Need me?”

Ben looked from Seb to me, where I still stood between the lounge and kitchen, then back to Seb. Before he could reply, I jumped in.

“I can leave you both to it. Alex gave me some books, so…”

Seb didn’t look up but spoke clearly. “Good to know Alex finally located his hosting manners, but stay exactly where you are.”

I halted. Why did I stop?

“Benji?” he continued. Ben’s attention was back on Seb, and he shrugged, then nodded.

Seb rose, Ben following suit.

“Killer.” He closed the distance between us, Ben on his heels, until the three of us stood, Seb sandwiched in between us. He pressed the chocolate into my chest. “Get comfortable. I expect a sizeable dent in our evening snack when Benji and I return.”

I opened my mouth to argue, but the look Seb gave me had me clamping it shut. This side of Seb didn’t brook an argument. I dipped my head in acceptance, and he smirked. “Good girl.”