Page 53 of Lumi
CHAPTER 10
Self-Protection
Lumi
I stayed in the upstairs bathroom for a long time, taking a shower and braiding my hair.
Looking in the mirror, I studied my complexion and features. Damian had called me stunning.
My hand lifted to the baby hairs by my hairline that always annoyed me, and my ears, which I found too large.
I smiled in the mirror, but it felt forced, so I relaxed my mouth and hated that my resting face made me look so severe.
Other people were naturals at having fun, while I felt stuck in a constant feeling of alertness.
There was a tap on the door.
“Yes?”
“Lumi, it’s me.”
I flung the door open. “Nathan.”
“Hey, sis.” Nathan closed his arms around me as I gave him a tight hug.
“What are you doing here?”
“I stopped by with some protein powder for Charles. He’s training to run a marathon with me this fall.”
“Yes, he mentioned that. Are you going to stay with him, or are you going to set a new personal record?”
“I plan on staying with Charles. It’s his first marathon, and I figure he might need a bit of mental support along the way.”
“Damian is here,” I said.
“I know. He’s the one who told me to fetch you. He said that he doesn’t want to lose the seven thousand dollars and that you need to wipe your tush and get back down.”
I snorted. “I’m tempted to pay him seven thousand dollars just for another hour to myself.”
Nathan laughed. “It’s that bad, is it?”
“You try being handcuffed to someone for a week and see how you like it.”
“Probably better than you. I like people.” Nathan grinned and showed off his teeth, which looked white compared to his dark skin.
“What’s with the fussy thing above your lip?”
“This?” Nathan touched his small mustache. “I’m thinking about growing out my beard.”
“Don’t. You look much better without it.”
“Liv said that it suits me.”
“Liv is American. She values politeness over honesty. Trust me. You’re much better looking without it. That thing needs to go.”
“I see what you’re doing. You’re trying to distract me from telling me what’s going on between you and Damian.” Nathan’s smile widened. “Nice try, but I’m not taking the bait.”
I sighed. “There’s nothing to tell, except that Damian and I are allowed to be apart for a shower, and trust me, I needed some alone time.”
