Page 83 of Hidden

I’d spent the rest of the day—and the night—with Julian lounging on a chair in my room, while Miles flitted about, criticizing the books in my library. Which wasn’t even fair, because I had nothing to do with the current selection.

Eventually—in between times he’d brought me food—he’d stalked off to his own room to bring back a velvet hardcover with elegant gold lettering.

I had no idea what it was, and when I asked, he turned even more secretive. He brought meThe Hobbitinstead, and then took up residence in my window seat.

It was suspicious, but at the same time I really couldn’t be bothered. Despite having had slept an entire day, I was still tired.

So when I wasn’t reading, I slept.

And the next time I woke up, it was morning.

They were still there, and the two of them gave me a similar outfit to yesterday. Which kind of sucked, because it was glaringly obvious Julian’s pants just wouldn’t work for me.

Which brought us to shopping with Bryce.

“You really don’t need to go with him,” Miles said, leading me to the living room. “No one is going to care.”

“Except Bryce,” Julian pointed out.

“Well, yes.” Miles nodded. “But I don’t think Bianca cares.”

Why did they have to say it like that? I wasn’t a terrible person. It wasn’t my life’s goal to hurt Bryce’s feelings.

But I’d only said yes to annoy Damen. And now I was obligated. Besides, I owed him. He was helping me by pretending to be my husband. How could I deny him a measly shopping trip?

Darn it.

“No, I have given my word,” I said, somberly. “I must see it through to the end.”

“You don’t need to sound like you’re going to die.” Julian raised his eyebrow. “And I’ll be with you. Miles has things to do here.”

Bryce, Finn, and Brayden were sitting around Damen’s coffee table talking to Damen and Titus in low voices. But at our entrance, conversation stopped.

Damen’s mouth pressed together as his eyes traced over me. I hadn’t seen him at all since the day before, and he was still wearing the same clothes from yesterday. “You still look sick, baby girl,” he said. “Are you sure you’re up to go—”

“I’m perfectly fine.” There was no way he could talk me out of this. I was still very angry at him. “I’ve been looking forward to thisall night.”

Bryce perked, but I ignored him. I dared Damen to fight me.

Damen sighed, glancing at Julian and nodding toward the mantle. The gesture meant something to Miles and Julian, and Julian leaned down, muttering in my ear. “Go sit with Brayden for a minute. I’ll be right back. Eat something.”

Then the two of them joined Damen and Titus on the other side of the room.

I was still hungry, and there was a plate of pastries on the table between Finn and Brayden. It was tempting to go over there, but my ex-best friend was watching me in a way that made me want to puke. Then there was Brayden. He trained his gaze on me eagerly.

The last I’d seen Brayden was after my freak-out.

Even with the promise of food, I wasn’t sure how to handle them.

So, instead of joining them at the couch, I retreated to an empty corner of the room. It was colder here away from the fireplace, but I didn’t care. Hopefully they’d get the hint and would allow me to fade into obscurity.

Of course, luck was not on my side. And at my weakest moment, Bryce struck. He stepped beside me, hands in his pockets as he nonchalantly leaned against the wall. His presence caused the hair on the back of 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 got the thing.” Bryce lowered his frame toward mine slightly, his pose serious and intimidating. His low voice was barely discernible through the chatter in the room.