Page 225 of Indulge
I glance at Bella, angled between us like a living vow. The fire in her hasn’t gone out; it’s been sharpened. I slide my hand in hers and squeeze, hard enough to say,“We’re with you.”
We start now.
112
BELLA
“You really are a dickhead sometimes, Theo,” I hiss, brushing past him to grab the salt for the pasta.
“Yes. You’ve told me that since you learned the worddickhead,” he mutters, crossing his arms.
“Why don’t you go sit in the living room with Reggie and Rowan?” I ask, salting the pasta.
He doesn’t move. I can feel his eyes on me, heavy with that big-brother scrutiny.
I spin to face him. “What?”
He smiles. “You’re almost domesticated.”
“I’m not a fucking animal.”
He chuckles. “Better than a houseplant, though?”
I can’t help it—I laugh. He’s right, I’m dramatic as hell.
“I’m not sure. Being a houseplant looks relaxing.”
The sauce starts to bubble, and I rush over to stir it, turning the heat down.
“I don’t know, Theo. I kinda enjoy all this. Sitting with Sassy and the boys. Cooking dinner. Even vacuuming is quite fun.”
“Sassy?”
I roll my eyes. “She’s in with them. My kitten. Or cat now. I don’t know how old she has to be to count as a cat.”
He studies me quietly, then says, “You seem happy.”
I smile. “I am, Theo.”
He nods slowly, running a hand through his jet-black hair. “You really think this can work? Being in a relationship with both of them?”
“I don’t think. Iknowso. It’s the only way it can work.”
He chews on the inside of his cheek, pulling out a packet of cigarettes.
“I’m not judging,” he says, softer now. “I just need to make sure my little sister isn’t about to get her heart broken.”
I step forward and place my hand in his. “They won’t hurt me. But trust me—you’ll be the first to know if they ever do.”
His lips twitch. “What, so I can come hide the bodies for you again?”
I grin. “Exactly that, bro.”
“Now go spend some time with them—they’re really fucking cool. You’ll like them.”
He exhales and pockets the cigarettes. “Lemme have a smoke first.”
I glare. He raises his hands in surrender. “Fine. Fine.”
