Page 69 of Reflections of Peonies
“Miles has a point.” Damen stepped back, glancing at Titus as they further insulted me. “And we have plans to make.”
Damen crossed to the door, then paused, turning back to me.
“This is your room from now on.” He waved his hand, and I glanced around at the generic-looking space. “You’re between Julian and me, and Titus and Miles are one floor above. The bathroom’s through that door,” he added, pointing to a side entrance. “We can decorate it however you want, just don’t—”
“Change the bathroom,” I finished.
Yes, I remembered. Damen had an antique fetish, and the building integrity was important or something. I didn’t even know what to do with him anymore. But honestly, none of this hard work would pay off unless he renovated the house’s exterior.
His gaze narrowed. “How do you know that?”
I resisted the urge to look at Miles. From Damen’s reaction, I suspected this might be a sensitive topic. “I know everything,” I told him.
“Real convincing.” Damen frowned, turning his attention to the others. “Someone’s been complaining.”
But when no one offered to take the blame or deny their wrongdoing, Damen sighed. “No matter, we have rules. If you want to hire a decorator to come in and redo the space, feel free to do so. You can put it on the house account.”
I studied my surroundings. Now that the space wasmine, everything had begun to take on new meanings. The canopy bed was my style, but the gray and white fabrics weren’t so much.
But this wasn’t exactly the most opportune moment to be redecorating. “It’s fine. Thanks.”
“Are you sure?” Damen raised his eyebrow. “Don’t you want to paint everything green?”
I frowned at him and picked at my fingers. “I am not a walking stereotype. Green works much better as an accent color. If you do too much, you ruin it.”
“Then what color would you choose?” There was a thread of hope in Damen’s voice. I couldn’t imagine why.
Besides, wasn’t it obvious?
“Pink, maybe some flowers.” I pointed at the windows. “Cream curtains would be nice. Some crystal chandeliers and lamps, a white vanity over there.” I waved toward an empty corner. “Lots of soft things, sheer fabrics, and glittery lights…”
My voice trailed off as Damen’s expression turned into something disturbing. “What?” What was wrong with him now?
“I have things to do.” Damen turned abruptly and left the room. Titus, with a wink to me, followed him.
“What things?” I asked once the door had shut behind them. What was suddenly so important that he had to storm out?
“No idea,” Miles shrugged. “It could be one of two things. The first is not something I want to think about. And the second is something else entirely. In that case, I’d rather not spoil it.”
“What are you talking about?” I asked him.
“It doesn’t matter,” Julian interjected as he patted my thigh. “Now it’s time for you to take a shower. Then medicine and fresh bandages.”
Damen POV
The house had become quiet as the evening progressed. Julian was still with Bianca, monitoring her throughout the night, even though I’d ensured she’d have zero effects from the bond. Miles, who was still struggling with his own anxiety, had stayed with them.
I leaned back in my seat and tapped the point of my fountain pen over my notes while my attention lingered on the cards scattered across the desk. The High Priestess, The Moon, and Ten of Wands stood out among the rest, and I caught myself frowning.
I expected everyone to have secrets, but I couldn’t get past the feeling that this wasn’t something I could overlook.
How were the two related?
“You’re going to hurt her,” Finn said.
I exhaled and looked at my brother as he slipped into the seat across my desk. I hadn’t heard him arrive, but I’d hardly been paying attention. Besides, Finn had always been the best at sneaking around and showing up in unexpected places.
“Shouldn’t you be in your room?” I asked. Because, of course, Finn had demanded to stay now that Bianca would live here.
