Page 25 of Tarnished Hands

“Yes. Are you hungry?” She holds up the coffee in her hand. “That’s not food. Sit. I’ll cook.”

“I only allow you to tell me what to do in the bedroom,” she grumbles, but then does as I say. I smirk as I turn back and put the bacon in the pan. “Did you see my note?”

“I did. You need better etiquette on how to host guests,” I reply.

“I hate guests.” I look over my shoulder at her to see that she’s watching me like a hawk. Her leg is pouncing up and down as if she’s nervous.

“Is this annoying you?” I ask, nodding to what I’m doing.

“Yes, a little.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve been on my own for a while, and I like it that way.”

“Who are the people on the fridge door?” I ask, motioning to the picture of the two men.

“My brother and my father. My brother is dead.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, he brought it on himself. Turned his back on the family, so he died.” She shrugs.

“He was still your brother.”

Something passes over her face before she looks away. “The kids are Keir’s kids. They are the best.” She smiles softly.

“I take it you don’t invite them over often?” I chuckle and continue cooking.

“No. I’d rather go there. I like their place. Sailor is clean, and she’s my best friend.”

“She seems nice,” I say.

Mental note—I must remember to thank Sailor the next time I see her for telling me Piper’s address.

“She is. When I came back into this world, Sailor was the first to accept me. She knew how badly I wanted to prove myself and was my cheerleader in every sense of the word.”

“Sounds like a good friend.”

“Yeah, she was until she betrayed me.” I remove the bacon and crack an egg into the pan.

“Betrayed you?” I ask, confused.

She waves a hand at me. “Yes, she gave you information on me. I consider that a betrayal,” Piper says grumpily, causing me to smile. And if I’m not mistaken, there’s a hint of one ghosting her lips, too.

“How do you like your eggs?” I ask.

“Running. Something you should do.”

“I’m content not to.”

“Of course you are.”

I find the plates, dish up her food, and place hers in front of her. “I can say my dinner was delicious, and I hope breakfast is as good.”

“Dinner?”

“Yes, you.” I wink at her, and she looks away, shaking her head. I watch as she stares at her food.

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