Page 64 of Origins
Julian and Titus seemed surprised at Damen’s statement, and I wondered why. But I had known about Finn’s childhood dream—so at least that hadn’t been a lie. But it wasn’t as if it was important if it changed; people’s interests changed all the time…
“He’s majoring in electrical engineering,” I interjected.
Julian shot me a critical look, and Titus grew more displeased. “Then he shouldn’t have the knowledge on how to program this kind of technology. That is a completely different field. Does he know information technology or web development on the side?”
I could see the pieces falling into place.
“Not that I’m aware of, but who knows now.” I glanced away from Julian and returned my gaze to my fists. Another piece was being pulled out from under me—but it was the only thing that made sense. “My adoptive father would know how to create something like that. He’s a senior web security engineer for the Department of Information Technology.”
A consoling weight landed on my leg, and I glanced up to meet Julian’s eyes. Something fierce swam within their depths, but when he spoke his voice was as calm as ever. “I know your adoptive parents sent you away before, and that was wrong. No matter how misguided their reasons. So we haven’t gotten the best impression of them.”
He paused briefly, then continued as if he couldn’t believe he was asking this. “But do you think that your father would have created that kind of program for Finn?”
I swallowed hard, the question not a surprise at this point, but difficult nonetheless. Somehow, I knew that by admitting this—out loud and to myself—everything would change.
But I had to be honest anyway. “Yes.”
“Can’t you sleep?” Titus asked. Even though his voice was low, it rang loud through the silence of the room.
I rolled over on the couch and looked at him. He had been working at the table for a while, and was now turned toward the room—and me. The dim light of the monitors illuminated his face, and I could see that he was looking directly at me.
The others had gone to bed already. The coffee table had been pushed aside, creating a large space on the floor in between the couch and the two armchairs. Julian and Damen lay tucked among the mountain of blankets and pillows in that square-shaped space.
They must have been tired—I already knew Julian had been—because Julian and Damen fell asleep almost right away.
I ignored Titus’ question, and my eyes remained at the two men on the floor. “Do you think we should tell them? Should I wake them up?” I whispered, referencing the cuddling between the other men. I didn’t think either swung that way, considering their flirtatious behavior. But who knew…
“No,” Titus chuckled, “they’d hate it. Don’t ruin my fun. This doesn’t happen very often, beautiful.”
I wasn’t sure what he meant by that, but then he slowly got to his feet and walked toward the head of the couch. I turned onto my stomach and pushed my arms under my chest, watching him now. “What are you doing?”
Titus didn’t respond, but pulled out his phone instead. It took me a moment to figure out his intentions.
“Titus!” I scolded, still trying not to wake up the others. “The flash will—”
“Shh,” he shushed as he held out his phone in front of him. “It won’t wake them. Julian and Damen are deep sleepers. This is just too precious to pass up.”
No one was that deep of a sleeper, and I was about to tell Titus so, when it happened. My heart jerked as the light from the camera flashed a handful of times throughout the room.
But still—despite what I expected—Julian and Damen remained wrapped up in each other’s arms.
“Why did you take pictures?” I asked as Titus sat crossed legged on the floor by my head. He was so close now, and his nearness made it even more difficult for my mind to quiet. “Are they going to be angry?”
“Probably.” Titus was grinning at his phone. “But I won’t tell if you don’t.”
Miles, who had been sleeping on one of the chairs, groggily opened his eyes. “Why are you guys talking? We have classes in the morning.”
Titus frowned at Miles briefly, whose eyes were already closed. Then he turned his attention to me. “Can’t sleep?” he repeated his earlier question.
I still didn’t understand. “How did you know that I was awake?”
Titus—instead of responding—inclined his head toward the entryway. Then, without another word, he got up and left the room—only pausing to glance back, indicating that I should follow. Which I did, after a moment of indecision. It was either that or lay around wide awake with a myriad of thoughts swirling around my head.
Titus was standing at the refrigerator, looking inside, when I finally caught up.
“Are you hungry?” He must be—possibly even starving. After all, who raided a refrigerator that was not their own unless they had a serious hunger situation to attend to? He had eaten so much Chinese food, though. I didn’t know how it was possible for him to have room for more food.
Titus closed the door, the gallon of milk in his hand, and gave me a strange look.
