I'm still in Bryce's room; I just woke up. I hadn't planned to spend the night here, but I did. After several rounds of sex, I was too tired to return to my own room.
Bryce is getting dressed for work while I watch from the bed. Once he's ready, he turns to me.
"Come down for breakfast," he says before leaving.
A few minutes later, the door opens and Nanny Marlowe comes in.
"How are you, dear?" she asks, walking over to me.
"I'm here. Good morning," I sigh, pushing myself up to a sitting position. "I'm naked. Can you bring me something to wear?"
"Of course." She goes to Bryce's wardrobe, pulls out one of his white shirts, and hands it to me. "I know he won't mind," she says with a gentle smile.
I take the shirt and slip it on. "I need to wash my face and brush my teeth. I can't go down looking like this," I murmur, aware of my disheveled hair and no doubt messy face.
"You can use his bathroom. Don't worry, I'll tidy up here," she assures me.
"Thank you." I head to Bryce's bathroom, grab a fresh toothbrush, and brush my teeth. I wash my face and redo my hair before leaving the room.
"The brothers are already waiting in the dining room," Nanny Marlowe announces, following me down the stairs.
"Thank you," I mouth, quickening my pace. As I reach the entrance to the dining room, I pause when I overhear something unusual.
"The Lucas brothers are in town," Gavin announces. His voice is edged with anger, but I can also sense fear—fear for me, not of the Lucas brothers themselves. The brothers are never scared of anyone. The cops, the government, not even the head Alpha. This is why they are known as the notorious brothers. They're so fearless, it's quite scary.
"Ignore them," Bryce replies. "We already made a deal with their father."
"But what if they attack her again?" Gavin groans.
"They'll do no such thing," Parker interjects, sounding quite confident.
"Yeah, just ignore them. We don't strike first, remember?" Cooper reminds him.
Gavin still looks unconvinced. He used to be close with the Lucas twins, until something happened—because of me—that turned them into enemies.
The Lucas brothers, Peter and Paul, are twins. At an event, Peter touched me inappropriately and Paul covered for him, which led to a big fight. The memory still haunts me—the sight of all that blood terrifies me to this day.
I never want to experience anything like that again. I just hope they handle their business and leave the country quietly.
"What are you doing over there? Come in," Parker calls out after noticing me first.
"Yes," I reply softly, taking my seat beside him. Bryce rings the bell, and the maids serve breakfast: pancakes with syrup and hot chocolate.
A few minutes later, Parker makes an announcement. "I'll be attending the launch ceremony with Amera on Friday."
With me? Why? Does he have to bring me along? Can't I spend a day alone in my room?
"Alright, I need to go. I have an emergency meeting with some board members." Cooper shoves a pancake into his mouth, stands, and leaves. Gavin follows, then Bryce, leaving just Parker and me.
"What are you doing after school today?" Parker asks, looking at me.
"I... I have piano lessons," I reply. I'm also meeting Ruby's boyfriend for the first time today.
"Can you skip that?"
I don't want to.
"It's important. I missed the last one," I mutter.
"Okay," he nods, understanding. "I was hoping to go somewhere with you today."
"Where?" I ask, meeting his gaze.
"Shopping. We need to get ready for the launch event."
"We can go tomorrow."
"I'll be busy tomorrow—you'll have to go alone. I'll call the manager so he can arrange everything for you," he says, holding my gaze.
"Oh," I say, turning my attention back to breakfast. But he stops me, after sliding a finger under my jaw and lifting my face. He wipes syrup from my lips with his thumb, then licks it off—all without breaking eye contact. Then he leaves the room, as if nothing happened, leaving me breathless once again.
"Was that Parker?" Ruby's sudden voice startles me.
"Yes," I exhale, trying to collect myself.
"He looks even more handsome today," she says, sitting beside me and pulling out her phone.
"He always looks good," I reply. They all do.
"He just seems extra handsome today, that's all." She scrolls through her photos and shows me a picture. "This is my boyfriend. He looks good, right?" she says, blushing.
"He's not bad," I shrug, but my simple comment greatly displeases her.
"He's very good-looking," she insists.
"He looks average to me," I murmured.
"You'll stay after school today, right? He's dying to meet you—I've told him so much about you," she says, smiling.
"Yes, I'm a little free today. I have piano lessons, but—"
"You don't enjoy playing piano. You can lie to others, but not to me. We'll go to a restaurant after. Come on, join me," she says, linking arms with me.
She's right. I don't enjoy playing any musical instruments; I only learn because the brothers want me to.
"Okay," I whisper.
"Really? You agree?" Her eyes widen.
"Yes," I say, smiling. She squeals in delight.
"Great! We'll spend the day together, then."
"About your boyfriend—I have a question," I say, turning to face her.
"What is it?"
"What does he do?"
"He... he helps his father at his company. He's preparing to take over one day."
"Oh?"
"Why do you ask? Is something wrong?"
"No, nothing," I say, forcing a smile. "He just looks familiar to me."
"Who does he remind you of?" She presses.
"I can't remember," I admit.
"You'll get your answers when you meet him today. But don't chase him away with too many questions, okay?"
"I won't." After finishing breakfast, we head to school together.