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Zemi nods. “So did we, but whatever your men said to him when he was being horrendous seemed to work because he started to take his healing a lot more seriously. The doctor was impressed and said he healed far quicker than he thought he would.”
“That’s great,” Riot says.
Zemi grins and repeats, “Yeah, he was being an insufferable ass.”
“Hey!” Raid exclaims. “You do realize that despite the fact that you’re pretending that I’m not here, I am, in fact, within hearing distance?”
Zemi looks over her shoulder at him and smirks, “I am aware.”
I chuckle, “No fucks given.” Then ask, “So what’s new?”
Zemi leads us into the huge kitchen, and I know for a fact that Rafe is going to absolutely love it.
“This is absolutely incredible,” he says as if he’s heard my thoughts and wants to prove me right.
“Do you want the proper tour of the kitchen?” Raiden asks him. “There’s more to it than meets the eye. I have to admit that it’s the design that I might be proudest of. At least it is so far.”
“Holy shit, you designed this?” Atlas asks, sounding as impressed as we all feel.
Raid shocks me by looking momentarily uncomfortable and shy as he scrubs a hand over his head and then nods, “Yeah, I did.”
Zemi grins as she leans on the counter and watches him closely. “Raid is an incredible designer. He not only designed it, but he built it all too.”
“Whoa, seriously? I had no idea,” Jensen says.
“It was nothing,” Raid replies, clearly not enjoying this level of attention.
Rafe, as observant and kind as always, says, “I would absolutely love a tour, but I am also more than happy to sit and admire.”
Raid smiles, his shoulders dropping. “Sorry, I’m not used to people seeing what I can do. Apart from Zemi and the guys, it’s a bit nerve-wracking.”
“I get that,” Trick replies. He probably understands better than most since the only people who ever see his art are us.
“It’s okay. Come on, I’ll show you,” Raid replies after a moment, looking more sure of himself.
I think Trick's understanding helped to calm his nerves.
“You guys go ahead. I’m going to stay here with Zemi,” I say, as all of the guys start to follow Raid.
“Where are they going?” I ask, slightly confused since Raiden offered to show them the kitchen, and we’re in the kitchen.
Zemi grins. “He’s probably showing them the pantry and the utility room first. He’s the proudest of those. They have got lots of hidden drawers and cubby holes and all sorts of awesome stuff.
“Oh wow, that’s so cool,” I reply. I am very impressed.
Zemi grins at me. “Yeah, it is. I’ll show you later once they’re done. Coffee?”
“Absolutely,” I reply. “You will not believe what happened last night.”
“Oh, kinky?” She grins as she starts to make the coffee.
I burst out laughing. “I wish.”
Chapter Eight
Ever
“Come on, then spill it!” She exclaims when I don’t say anything for a moment.
