Page 74 of Reflections of Peonies
Darn it.
“No, I have given my word,” I said somberly. “I must see this deed through to the end.”
“You don’t need to make it sound like a death sentence.” Julian raised his eyebrow. “And I’ll be with you. Don’t worry.”
We entered the living room, where Bryce, Finn, and Brayden sat around Damen’s coffee table. They were speaking to Damen and Titus, but the conversation stopped at our entrance.
Damen’s mouth pressed together as his eyes traced over me. “You look sick, baby girl,” he said. “Are you sure you’re up to—”
“I’m perfectly fine,” I interrupted him as I pulled on my skirt. There was no way he could talk me out of this. I was still angry at him. “I’ve been looking forward to this moment all day.”
Bryce sat up, alert, but I ignored him.
Damen sighed, glancing at Julian, and inclined his head toward the dark mantle. Julian, in response, touched my shoulder. “Go sit with Brayden for a minute. I’ll be right back. Get something to eat.”
Then, Miles and Julian left me to join Damen and Titus on the other side of the room.
A giant platter of various pastries was on the table, and I was tempted to grab some. But my ex-best friend was watching me in a way that made me want to puke. Then, there was something about how Brayden bounced in his seat as he watched me.
I wasn’t sure how to handle the two of them.
So, instead of going to the couch, I retreated to an empty corner of the room. It was far from the fireplace and colder here, but I didn’t care. Hopefully, they’d get the hint.
Of course, luck was not on my side. And at my weakest moment, Bryce struck. He left his seat, hands in his pockets, and stepped beside me as he leaned against the wall. His presence caused the hair on my neck to stand up.
What did he want?
He wasn’t talking, nor did he seem inclined to do so. And he hadn’t even brought a pastry with him!
He sure had a lot of nerve. “Can I help you?” I asked.
“I forgot to tell you earlier. I got the thing.” Bryce lowered his giant frame toward mine, his pose severe and intimidating.
I fought back a shiver. I had no idea what he was talking about.
Then, I recalled his mission. Relief raced through me as warmth flooded my veins once again. The air in the room grew light, and I grabbed the sleeve of his white shirt, meeting his gaze. I was so grateful.
“Thank you!” He might not be so terrible after all. This might work.
“Not a problem,” Bryce said gruffly. “Though I’m not certain why you’d need it.”
The warm feeling vanished, and my hand dropped back to my side. “What do you mean?”
“I can’t imagine you sleep with it.” Bryce’s words werestrange, but his expression was genuinely bewildered. He rubbed the back of his neck. “You’re not a child.”
Heat—a different sort now—washed over me, and my jaw locked. It took everything in me not to stomp on his feet. Only knowing it wouldn’t hurt him—since I had no shoes on—stopped me. “What I sleep with is none of your business.”
“What are you two talking about?” Titus materialized by my side—his body still warm from the fire—and I covered my face in preparation for my shame. This was precisely what I’d been trying to avoid.
Titus moved closer, but his focus remained on Bryce.
“What is Bianca sleeping with?” he asked. His question seemingly echoed through the room.
Silence followed, and everyone’s attention turned to us.
Now, I really wanted to die.
“This is your fault!” I glared at him between my fingers.
