Page 52 of Beautiful Exile

“ConCon!” Ellie shouted, a smile stretched across her face. Then she halted, her gaze jumping back and forth between Arden and me. “Oops. Did I just ruin my big brother getting some?”

20

ARDEN

The woman standingin my driveway was a picture. She’d obviously just gotten off a plane but looked like she was about to walk a runway. She wore wide-leg, cream pants I would’ve stained in two seconds flat, a thin brown belt with a gold H clasp holding them in place. A figure-hugging, wide-strapped tank was tucked in, and a blue-and-white-striped sweater curled around her shoulders. To complete the outfit, a handful of gold necklaces ringed her neck.

And you couldn’t miss themassivediamond on her ring finger. But the only thing that didn’t fit was the worn, navy blue Yankees cap on her head. It had history. Not the kind of wear artificially put in place by a designer. This wasrealwear. The kind that came from donning the cap countless times for hours on end.

“El Bell,” Linc chastised.

“What?” she asked with mock innocence. “I would never want to be accused of being a cockblock.”

Linc barked out a laugh, and Ellie flew at him. He caught herin the air, swinging her around as she laughed loud and free. The sound hit me square in the chest, making an ache take root there.

Their bond was as clear as day. It was borne of a lifetime of history and deep affection. I wished I had that lifetime with my siblings. Sometimes, I wondered how different I would be if I’d been born into the Colson family instead of placed there at age twelve. Would I have been more normal? Would I have fewer demons? I bet I would sleep a hell of a lot better.

Linc set Ellie on her feet, her chunky-heeled boots kicking up dust. “What are you doing here?”

She grinned up at him, but I saw a hint of shadows in her pale green eyes. “Can’t a girl surprise her big brother?” She glanced at me, her smile still just as warm, and the shadows now hidden. “He wouldn’t shut up about this place. I had to see it for myself.”

“Welcome. I’m Arden.” I glanced down at myself and winced. “And I need to get dressed.”

Ellie giggled. “No need to get out of PJs on my account. Besides, I’m kind of obsessed with your T-shirt.” Her eyes lit. “And your big, beautiful dog. Hello, love of my life,” she cooed.

Brutus’s tale thumped against the patio stone in answer, but he didn’t go to her.

“Freund, Brutus. Freigeben,” I said, releasing him.

Brutus went straight to Ellie, who crouched low, all but throwing her arms around him. “Aren’t you just the most handsome love? And so smart, speaking German.”

Linc glanced from his sister to me. “Ellie loves dogs.”

“Do you have one at home?” I asked.

She glanced up at me, a hint of sadness playing over her features. “Not yet. Maybe when we get a place outside the city.”

Linc’s mouth thinned into a hard line. I guessed he wasn’t a fan of the fiancé, and I couldn’t help but wonder what the story was there.

“Come on in,” I said, heading inside. “I’m just going to change real quick.”

I was already darting for my bedroom, and not just because Iwas in my pajamas. I was unsettled and needed to get my bearings. Linc was throwing my routine existence out of whack, making me realize the palette I’d been painting with was all shades of gray while he splashed a vibrant rainbow across my canvas. It was beautiful but unsettling, and I needed a second to regain my equilibrium.

Grabbing clothes, I ducked into the bathroom to brush my teeth and change. I quickly donned my favorite deep green cargo pants and a gray tank. It would do for taking care of the horses and hauling my painting to The Collective. I pulled on thick socks, even though it was already hot out. I’d need them when I slid my feet into boots.

As I straightened, I stared at the door, the hint of voices filtering through it. I took a deep breath. I couldn’t hide in here forever. My fingers curled around the knob, and I twisted. The voices got louder as I made my way down the hall.

When I stepped into the kitchen, Ellie looked up, a smile still on her face. “I miss the death metal unicorn, but I do love those pants.”

I laughed, surveying the space. “I’d offer you food, but I don’t really have that around here. Your brother tried to force some sort of health drink on me, but you don’t look like someone who favors poison either.”

Ellie laughed, that same full-of-life sound filling the air as she turned to Linc. “I like her.”

His lips twitched. “Glad you approve.”

“You should be. I have impeccable taste,” Ellie said, flicking her light brown hair over her shoulder.

“Yousometimeshave impeccable taste,” Linc challenged.

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