Page 33 of Our Darkest Summer

“Alright,” Connor lifted his hands in defense. “But someone could’ve still stolen it from her.”

“If someone would have stolen her key, again, they wouldn’t have used the window.”

Connor rubbed his eyes. “Right. Then I think we should invest in some security cameras,” he proposed, biting into the popsicle.

I tapped my fingers on the surface of the counter.

“What happened?” Kinsley ran down the stairs and Connor jolted.

“Shit, you scared me.”

“I heard someone scream,” she said, and I snorted, glancing pointedly at my brother.

“I did not,” he resisted, dropping the empty ice-cream stick into the trash. “I was just saying that I think we should get security cameras.”

“One, I already called the shop in town. They’re out of stock, and apparently it could take up to two weeks for a restock. And two,” I turned to Kinsley, “I told you to stay in your room.”

“Two words, two and six.” She crossed her arms over her chest. “MandF. Hint: you’re still not that,” she bit back. I narrowed my eyes.

My father. Funny.

“I’m sorry, two weeks?” Connor cut in, and we both turned to look at him. “I forgot how slow small towns are.”

He wasn’t wrong. This would never happen in the city. I emptied the glass and set it down on the counter. “We should lay some ground rules.”

Kinsley tilted her head, revealing the smooth curve of her neck. Jesus.

I swallowed. “Windows and doors stay locked,” I started. “Even if you’re only stepping out for a minute. No wandering outside after dark. Especially not alone.” My gaze moved between the two of them, my tone leaving no room for argument. “And no one turns off their location sharing until we’re here.”

Connor raised his hand. “Aye-aye, Captain.” Then he sent Kinsley a mischievous grin. “Rules are hot to break.”

Kinsley snorted, and I fought the urge to raise my eyes at the ceiling. “I’m serious,” I said, locking eyes with them both. “We’re not taking any chances. And you—” I turned to Connor just as he tried to suppress a yawn. “A moment ago you nearly pissed yourself. Don’t do anything stupid. And get some sleep.” He sucked in a breath, about to argue, but Kinsley beat him to it. Not that she had anything kind to say. Though, her voice was at least nice to hear.

“How can you think about sleeping when this just happened?” she asked, gesturing toward the stairs.

“Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise, Sage,” I said without thinking, and she made an unimpressed face, scrunching her nose.

“Benjamin Franklin,” she said without a beat, and I nodded, biting back the smile pulling at my lips. God, I loved how fast her brain worked.

“You guys are weird,” Connor mumbled, as he stood and stretched. Kinsley and I exchanged a glance before she turned and headed up the stairs.

Connor lingered next to me once she was out of earshot. “Do you want me to stay with her?” he asked. “You know, for the night.”

“No,” I answered, a little too fast, and a laugh escaped him.

“Just asked.” He poked me on the side, which made my eye twitch before he made his way up the stairs as well.

I made sure the front door was locked before I followed him.

“I just thought you were still in your keep-her-at-an-arm’s-length era.” He glanced back over his shoulder with a cocky smile.

The weight on my chest grew, making it hard to breathe.

I was, wasn’t I?

We parted ways in the hallway, and I waited until I heard Connor lock his door from the inside before I walked into my own bedroom. I planned to rest, as I had said, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to, so instead I took out my chess set and set it up on the mattress. Playing against myself had become a habit of mine, and it was useful when I wanted to keep my attention away from something orsomeonein most cases. I sat down onto the chair beside the bed and made my opening move.

???