Page 30 of Justyce
I walk to my room on autopilot and barely register shucking out of my clothes, turning on the waterfall shower and stepping in. Hot water sears my skin and stings the laceration, but I ignore it. My mind catapults to everything that occurred earlier tonight.
Is my father trying to kill me or is there something I’m missing? The Charmed Brother’s seem as curious as me and that’s saying something. If one thing came from tonight’s meeting, it’s that the brothers decided to trust me and not my father. I could see it in Rodriguez’ eyes that he was conflicted as to why my father had set the meet up the way he did. He’s not the only one.
I stand in the shower for god knows how long, reflecting on the occurrences of the night before finally switching the water off and stepping out of the shower. I reach for my towel off the heated rack and welcome the warmth under my feet from the heated tiles before my feet find the mat.
With the towel slung low on my hips. I start brushing my teeth. That’s when the thought hits me like a damn wrecking ball to a debilitated building. Maybe I should give Kenzi a toothbrush, as well, but I’m not sold on the fact she deserves it right now. Afterall, I’m still waiting for her to crawl to me. Finishing up, I spit the toothpaste into the sink, gargle some water and wash the toothpaste down the drain.
Pulling some supplies from the medicine cabinet, I dab some betadine on my gash, hissing when the liquid hits my wound. Fucking thing stings like a bitch. Once I’ve cleaned myself up, I take one last look in the mirror at my jaded reflection before turning off the light and heading to bed.
Flinging the towel from my waist, I draw down the covers and sigh when my back hits the memory foam mattress. What a fucking day.
Chirping birds and the sun streaming into my room draws me from my slumber, and I groan. Not only is my arm stinging like a fucking colony of bees took to it, but my head is thumping like a damn metal concert is inside.
My feet find the plush carpet and I cradle my head in my hands, knowing what I have to do today,whoI have to face today. The door flies wide, hitting the wall and snaps me from my pity party.
“Why so glum, brother?”
I don’t even bother looking up. “What do you want, Raine?”
“Ooooohh someone has his panties in a twist, and seeing you’re not wearing any clothes right now,” she giggles and I throw the blanket over my junk.
Slowly my head rises and I’m met with cheeky dancing cobalt eyes. “Is there a reason for this visit,” I pause looking down at the clock on the bedside table before continuing, “at eight o’clock in the morning?”
She skips toward me, literally skips as her red dress flares around her. Raine pushes my hair out of my faces and smirks, “You need to get laid.”
I’m not willing to add fuel to her already burning shit stirring fire. I’m not entertaining her today, no fucking way. “Your point, Rainey?”
Her face morphs from playful to slightly pissed. “Don’t call me that. I’m not twelve, Justyce. Sheesh.”
This is coming from the grown ass woman who just skipped across my room. I roll my eyes waiting for her to continue.
Raine scoffs, “Anyway, I figured we’d have breakfast before you need to go see daddy dearest. I have some things I want to run by you regarding Arcane.”
My lids fall closed and I sigh. “Give me ten minutes and I’ll be down.”
“Okie!” She leaves the exact same way she came, skipping. I fight another eye roll and start to get ready for the day.
A short time later while descending the stairs, I roll up the sleeves of my emerald dress shirt. When I reach the bottom, my vision lingers toward the right where Kenzi is located. I push the thought aside and head to the dining area.
“Really?”
“What?”
I bypass Raine sitting at the head of my cherry oak dining table and proceed to the cupboard to grab something for my headache. Popping two Tylenol, I fill up a glass of water and swallow them down.
I drum my fingers over the marbled red granite counter and look to Raine. She pops a slice of maple bacon in her mouth and grins.
Raising an eyebrow, I ask, “Are you going to tell me what’s up or are you just going to eat all my food?”
Feet smacking behind me fills the room before the familiar Croatian accent filters through the kitchen. “Leave her alone. She needs some meat on her,” Olga demands.
Once she’s by my side, I wrap my burly arm around her and squeeze. “Morning, Olga. Thank you for breakfast.” I offer her a warm smile then head toward the coffee machine to fill my mug.
Canting my head over my shoulder, I look to Raine and say, “Talk.”
Returning my gaze to the machine, I watch as the liquid gold drips into my mug and the bitter smelling aroma hits my nostrils, making my mouth water.
Raine still hasn’t uttered a word by the time my cup is filled. I pick it up and swing around to lean against the bench with my feet crossed at the ankles,. I grab a piece of fruit toast and sip my coffee. My eyebrows pop and Raine releases a heavy sigh.
