Page 19 of Queen of The Reapers
“Well, since they all live here too, I’m going to assume yes.” I say, gently turning her around to face me. “What’s going on in that beautiful head of yours?”
She gives me a blank stare as her mouth opens and shuts, almost as if she’s fighting the urge to speak.
“Nothing.” She finally says, pressing her lips firmly together. “Just ready to get this over with.”
She pulls out of my hold and sets off for the house on her own. It only takes a few long strides to catch up with her, and when I do, the icy glare she throws at me is almost enough to give me pause.
She isn’t acting like herself. She hasn’t been since we got here. But I know she’s nervous, and mostly, I get it. There’s a lot riding on this for both of us.
In the three short weeks I’ve known her, Hannah St. Clair has proven herself to be the most amazing girl I’ve ever met. Not only is she fucking stunning, but she’s patient and kind. The calming ying to my bat-shit yang. As much as I didn’t want to, I’ve fallen in love with her and it’s about damn time I brought her home.
As soon as we enter the house, she stops in her tracks and pulls out her cellphone. She scrolls through her social media and shoots off a few lengthy text messages before she looks up at me again. She rolls her eyes at me and an involuntary flash of irritation crosses my face.
“What?” She snaps, noticing my scowl.
“Just expected you to be more present.”
She’s the first girl I’ve brought home. The first stranger any of us have allowed into our house. She knows how important this is to me. To us.
“I’m here aren’t I?” She scoffs, crossing her arms across her chest as she cocks a brow at me. “You’re the one that insisted I meet everyone before staying over. Excuse me if I’m not super excited to be interrogated by your psycho brothers.”
Before I can respond, I hear footsteps approaching and decide to keep my mouth shut. She’s nervous. This isn’t like her.
My brothers appear in front of us within seconds, and by the stony look on each of their faces, I can tell they heard every word.
Trying to make the best of the awkward situation, I push her forward a little and break the uncomfortable silence.
“Everyone, this is Hannah.” I say, offering them a shit-eating grin. “Hannah, this is everyone.”
“Nice to meet you.” She sneers, flashing them a mocking smile. “Is there a restroom I could use?”
“Of course.” Atlas says, gesturing towards the staircase. “Upstairs. Third door on your right.”
Hannah scurries away, and I’m faced with offering my brothers some kind of explanation for her shit attitude.
“She’s nervous.” I say, brushing a hand through my hair. “Give her a second to warm up and you’ll understand why I brought her here.”
I can tell none of them are buying the excuse, but they seem to let it slide. We make our way to the sectional positioned in front of the huge flat screen T.V. Tristan set up. The servers set out a lavish charcuterie board on the oversized walnut coffee table and the four of us decide to dig in while we wait for Hannah to come back.
“I have to say.” Atlas says, clapping me on the back. “I never thought I’d see the day that you’d settle down, little brother.”
I finish chewing my brie topped slice of baguette and grin.
“What can I say?” I say, shrugging my shoulders. “She’s made me a changed man.”
“Happy for you, bro.” Tristan says, giving me a rare smile. “I’m just glad s… she let you out. Feels like we haven’t s… seen you in weeks.”
“Yeah, we’ve been a little busy-”
“What did you say her name was?” Ezra asks, cutting me off with an abrupt question. His brow furrows as if he’s trying to search his mind for some long-lost memory.
“Hannah.” I deadpan, cocking my head. “Why?”
“Where did you meet this girl again?” He asks, cocking a brow.
“Hell’s Tavern... again, why?”
“So this beautiful stranger just strolls into our club and she has no idea who you are? You didn’t find that at all strange?”
