Page 49

She nods. “I washed them when I did laundry the other day. If you really need more time, you know I’m happy to have you stay with me—”

“Nope. You already said I was cock blocking you. You can’t take it back now.” I stand up, stretching my arms over my head before jerking my head away when I realize just how bad I smell. “Yeah. Fuck. I’m getting in the shower now.”

Diana’s laughter follows me all the way to the bathroom, where I take a long, hot shower.

I feel like a new woman when I step out and head home. I still don’t want to deal with any of the shit I ran away from, but Diana’s right. It’s time to stop hiding from my problems.

I thank Diana for her support and apologize profusely for cock blocking her before shadow walking home. I stop in front of the house, staring up at it for a moment before trudging inside.

I’m greeted by screaming from the living room.

Fuck. Here we go.

This is not what I wanted to come back to, but I’m not that surprised.

I stomp into the living room to find Cassian and Wraith in each other’s faces, yelling about something or another. Honestly, I don’t care what the fuck they’re arguing about. It just needs to stop.

Sticking my fingers in my mouth, I let out a shrill whistle that has both men falling silent. All attention turns to me, and that’s when I notice that Donovan and Brenden are on the couch, sharing popcorn.

Idiots.

“That’s enough. Do I need to leave again for another two weeks?” I ask, waving my hand between them. “I said I wanted this shit to stop. You both promised me it would, and yet, here we are. I walked in on you arguing again.”

“Trouble—”

“No.” I shake my head. “I’m the one speaking right now. Not you. In fact, all four of you can keep your mouths shut. Donovan and Brenden, I don’t want to have to point this out to either of you again. Watching Cassian and Wraith fighting is not entertainment. If you see them fighting, you break it up or you let me know it’s happening, and I’ll come break it up. No more eating popcorn like it’s a live theater or some bullshit. Do you understand me?”

They both nod, and Donovan sets aside the popcorn.

“Now, for the two of you.” I stalk over, jabbing Wraith and Cassian in the chest. “I’ve had enough. It’s time to stop fucking fighting. No, I don’t care what either of you has to say right now. The two of you need to earn my forgiveness for breaking a promise to me.”

“Little mate,” Cassian starts but smartly shuts his mouth when I glare at him.

I point to the stairs. “I want both of you upstairs in the main bedroom. Take your fucking clothes off and wait for me.”

They both stare at me like I’m stupid, and I suck in a lungful of air. “Are you deaf or dumb? Because I can think of no other reason why you’re still standing here.”

“That’s hot, firecracker. You can boss me around in the bedroom any time you want.” Brenden squeezes his dick through his pants as Cassian and Wraith glance at one another before hurrying up the stairs.

Donovan snickers. “I doubt either one of them is going to allow you to be in charge for long.”

“Oh, yes, they will—if they want me to stop being pissed at them.” I shake my head. “I’m serious. The two of you need to break them up if you see them fighting anymore. Until Wraith is willing to listen to Cassian, I don’t see it getting any better—as much as I’d like to think me taking them to bed will make it all better, I know it won’t. I need to know I can count on the two of you.”

Brenden nods. “Of course you can. I promise we won’t just watch them fight anymore. I’m sorry.”

Donovan runs a hand through his messy hair. “Yeah, I’m sorry, too. Whatever you need us to do, you can count on us.”

“That’s all I need you to do right now. Well, and maybe see if you can talk some sense into Nex.” Sighing, I start toward the stairs. “Also, please don’t come upstairs and watch. This needs to happen with just the three of us.”

Both nod solemnly, and I leave them to it as I trudge up the stairs.

How sad is it I’m not even looking forward to what’s coming? This isn’t how I wanted my first time with Cassian to be.

I guess that’s what I get for waiting so long. It’s just hard because I know sleeping with him will only make me fall harder for him, and I don’t want that when he might never be mine.

That might make me a coward, but nothing is looking like it’s going in my favor when it comes to Nex and Cassian. Until I can get everyone on the same page, I just didn’t want to take that next step. But who knows? Maybe this will teach the two of them how to work together.

Or it’s all going to blow up in my face. I’m not sure which yet.