Page 48 of Reflections of Peonies
Spotting the cause of my clumsiness, I glared at the small pile of clothing.
These boys…
Still, Titus’s thoughtfulness brushed away my annoyance, and I pulled the items to me, curious what he might have chosen for me to wear.
There was a plain white V-neck long-sleeved tee and... My face began to warm as I held up theHello Kittyboxers. I had no idea they even madeSan-xin someone Titus’s size. I would have to shower before changing, though.
Miles walked into the room before I could lower the underwear.
“Oh,” he said as he abruptly stopped. Surprise flashed across his face. “You’re awake!”
“The sun.” My voice was scratchy. “Make it go away!”
Miles’s lips quirked, and he closed the door before stepping toward a panel on the wall.
“I would do almost anything for you,mon rêve,” he said. Theroom darkened as heavy blinds lowered over the glass. “But this is as far as I can go to stop the sun from shining.”
I could see again!
I looked back to Miles, and my breath caught. Despite his playful words, his face was severe. Now he stood, bracing himself against the wall, his expression cautious.
I hadn’t forgotten last night. I’d yelled at Damen, Julian, and, by extension, him. Titus and I had already spoken, but was Miles angry?
I held the red-bowed kitten-patterned underwear in front of my face. I was so embarrassed.
“Don’t hide from me,” Miles said, moving closer. “And especially not behindthose.” He grabbed the boxers out of my hand and tossed them to the side.
I tracked their path and the shirt that followed an instant later.
“I would rather not see Titus’s undergarments between us. Are you going to talk to me?” Miles asked as he crouched in front of me. He seemed wary and, if I wasn’t mistaken, afraid.
“Talk to you about what?” I asked. Was he bringing it up already? “What’s wrong?”
“About Bryce.” His mouth thinned. “It was my idea. And I know how much you dislike—”
“I’m not angry about Bryce,” I interrupted, meaning it. “It was a brilliant plan. Thank you, Miles.” My stomach twisted painfully, and I found it difficult to believe his biggest worry was Bryce.
Why wasn’t he looking at me with pity or asking questions?
He blinked, his cheeks darkening. “Are you sure? Because I’d rather you yell at me now—”
I touched his mouth, cutting off his statement. “I’m sure. I’m not going to yell at you.”
Relief entered his expression, and his tense shoulders relaxed.
“Besides, I don’t usually shout,” I said. “I’m not sure why you think so little of me. I’m a calm and rational person.”
Miles’s eyebrow rose, amusement dancing in his eyes. “You’re so self-aware.”
“I know. It’s a mark of maturity.” I nodded, moving to my feet and reaching for Titus’s clothes. He could learn so much from me. “It’s a talent that takes time to cultivate. Last night was a rare exception. Besides, I don’t get angry.”
No, there was no point in getting angry. Only uncivilized ruffians would let their anger control them. I was different. I got even.
It wasn’t the same.
Like my eventual showdown with Finn, we would finally be even after I pushed him through a wall and crushed him under my heel. Only then could I move on with my life.
Who knew, maybe we might be friends again one day? He hadn’t been terrible when Daniel Cole imprisoned us.
