Page 81 of Hidden

Julian’s frown deepened, “I—”

I’d been following the banter silently but felt obligated to interject. Bullying wasn’t nice, and Miles was definitely being unkind. “I like Julian’s legs.”

The following silence was almost embarrassing. I’d suddenly become the center of attention as Miles and Julian stared at me, unabashed. Their amused—and slightly horrified—expressions left me scrambling, and I hugged the clothes against my chest.

“I thought he might be a model…” I tried to explain, hiding my warming face behind the clothes.

Julian’s face turned from bewilderment to contemplation and he stroked his chin thoughtfully. “You did mention that before.”

“She said that?” Miles turned to Julian, gasping. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“It’s between me and Bianca!” Julian cheeks darkened.

I glanced between them, not sure why Miles seemed so happy. I was simply stating a truth, so I wasn’t sure why I was embarrassed to begin with. “It’s a compliment.”

Julian sighed, getting to his feet, and put his hands on my shoulders, turning me toward the bathroom door. “Go take a shower, Bianca.”

“But…” I started to protest, but quieted as he opened the door and ushered me inside, shutting the door behind me. My questions faded as I glanced around the space.

The bathroom followed the bedroom’s theme. The walls were lined with subway tile, and the floor was a gray damask. A deep tub was nestled under a rose-patterned stained-glass window.

This would do. This would do nicely.

Julian and Miles talked while I bathed. But the tile magnified the sound of the water, and I couldn’t make out their words.

They’d given me black sweats and a navy shirt, and the fabric felt cool against my skin. But even though Julian was the thinnest of the guys, he still towered over me. Which, of course, meant that his clothes were too big.

I frowned at my reflection. I looked ridiculous, with the hem of my pants folded twice over. My sleeves hung below my elbows, but at least the neck was more modest than Titus’s shirt.

It was a sad sight, but at least I was clean again. And until I owned my stuff again, I had no choice but to make the best of it. My hair reached my hips when wet and was generally a hassle. It would take too long to dry it now, so I grabbed a towel before stepping back into the bedroom.

“You’re finally done!” Miles flounced toward me, startling me as he tugged me to the bed. “We’ve been waiting for you.”

“Don’t scare her.” Julian sat cross-legged on my comforter. And he didn’t even glance up from the laid-out medication as he chastised Miles.

Miles made a quick motion back at him but turned back to me. “Sorry.” The smile had faded from his lips. “Did I scare you?”

I’d been startled, and my heart was still slowing. But Miles could never scare me.

“No,” I whispered. “You’re too cuddly. It’s impossible to be scared of you.”

“Cuddly?” Miles released me, touching his stomach. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I blinked at him before glancing at Julian, who was now watching us warily.

What did Imean? Was he looking for some sort of validation? Was he feeling left out because I complimented Julian’s legs?

“You’re cute…” My face warmed at the admission. But I had to help Miles be the best version of himself…apparently. Gentle encouragement and affection were desperately needed. “You’re soft and gentle. It’s adorable.”

“I’msoft?” Miles sounded horrified, lifting his shirt. He poked at his six-pack, frowning deeply. “But—”

“I can’t watch this anymore!” Julian moved elegantly to his feet. He stopped in front of Miles, snatching the edge of his shirt and pulled it back down over his stomach. “She’s not calling you fat. She’s talking about your personality.”

“That doesn’t make it any better!” Miles’s cheeks turned pink, and he seemed unable to meet my eyes. “I’m tough!”

“You’renurturing,” Julian corrected, giving me a pointed look. I nodded.

My heart was pounding now, and my stomach churned with sick. I’d hurt Miles’s feelings, which was the last thing I’d intended.