Page 24 of Steel

She’s going to make me lose my mind.

“I need some fucking coffee.” I cross the kitchen and grab a mug, filling it up.

The first sip burns my tongue, but I take another right after. I’m running on zero sleep, and this girl won’t stop talking.

Last night, I crashed in Chaos’s room but couldn’t sleep. There was too much going through my mind between the Trojan horse standing in my kitchen and the brawl with the Iron Sinners at Sapphire Rise.

Between exhaustion and upheaval, I can’t think clearly.

Tempe could be putting on this act to save her ass, but with her brother involved, would she really risk it?

He’s just a kid caught in the middle. A kid who’s seen too much for his age. A kid who wouldn’t talk to anyone but his sister last night because he probably doesn’t trust us any more than the men who stormed his house.

Still, when she carried him to my room, he stared at me over her shoulder.

Watching me.

Seeing me.

They’re both going to be the death of me if I’m not careful.

Taking another sip of coffee, my tastebuds numb as I swallow it down and turn to face Tempe. I sort through everything she just said and do what I do best: make a list in my head and take action.

“Ghost is looking into the guys who sent you here. We’ll take care of that so you don’t have to worry about it when you get home.”

“And my job?” Her voice quivers, and it slices something inside me.

“I’ll have a couple of guys get you to work tonight so you don’t lose your job. They’ll hang out and keep an eye on you, then bring you back here when your shift’s over. That part’s nonnegotiable.”

I’m starting to believe her, but I’ve been wrong before, and I can’t risk it.

“Here?” She glances around, taking in the kitchen.

“Something wrong with your accommodations, princess?”

“It’s fine,” she says, even as her pursed lips contradict it.

She opens her mouth like she’s going to say more when the kitchen door flies open, and a superhero runs in.

Whatever smart comment she was about to say falls from her tongue the moment she sees her brother. She squats down, catching him and wrapping him in a hug. The girl is pure fire, but the second Austin is around, he puts it out.

“Hey, Prez,” Ghost says, propping his forearm on the doorframe while Austin runs over to Tempe. “Sonny caught this guy sneaking out of your room.”

“Austin.” Tempe grips his shoulders, frowning. “I told you to stay put.”

“He wasn’t supposed to catch me. I’m wearing my invisibility cloak.” Austin waves his cape around his legs. “I was careful.”

“I’m sure you were.” Tempe frowns. “Still, just because you’re wearing an invisibility cloak doesn’t mean you don’t have to listen.”

“Sorry, Tempe.” He frowns, dropping his chin.

Invisibility cloak?

I can’t figure out why this kid is always dressed like a superhero or what to make of it. And when I look up at Ghost, and he shrugs, I’m guessing he thinks the same.

“Can we eat yet?” Austin asks Tempe. “I’m hungry.”

“Yes, I was just bringing these back to you.”

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