Page 52 of Tangled Hearts

“I don’t know,” Eli says. “Probably still in bed.”

“Well, go get him up. He’s coming too.”

Something inside me warms. They weren’t planning on leaving me out, but fuck, I almost wish they were. Eli sighs, sounding a little put out.

I’m debating the merits of rushing back to my room when he rounds the corner and slams right into me. He tilts his head back and levels me with a glare. “Of fucking course. We’re back to this. Ugh.” His nose turns up in disgust. “Get dressed. Family adventure.”

“Yes, sir.” I give him a mock salute and turn quickly on my heel so he doesn’t catch the smile on my face.

When I finish getting dressed and step into the living room, Beck and Roman are sitting together on the couch. Roman has his headresting on Beck’s shoulder, eyes closed. “Where’s Eli?” comes out of my mouth against my better judgement.

Roman doesn’t move, but Beck looks at me. “Taking Kas out. Are you ready?”

I nod. “What are we doing?”

Beck shrugs, jostling Roman’s head. Roman sits up and narrows his eyes before leaning back over and taking his place again. My heart pounds, even as I smile, because that one look was so fucking Eli. “Holden didn’t say. Just called this morning, told us to gather the family and get to his house.”

“Sounds good to me.”

Beck hums, settling back against the couch and closing his eyes. “Would have been nice if he hadn’t. I was sleeping pretty damn good when he called at the ass-crack of dawn. Fucking CT. Too much energy.”

I let out a startled laugh. “I’m sorry. What?”

Roman laughs but still doesn’t open his eyes. “You haven’t heard anyone call him CT yet?”

Beck’s eyes pop open. “Oh shit. This is perfect. Call him CT today. Please.”

“That’s a bad idea,” Eli says, stepping up behind me.

“Hush it, kid,” Beck says. “Let me have this.”

Eli laughs. “No. We like Nic, Dad. We want him alive. Don’t get him in trouble so quickly.”

We like Nic.I can’t help but smile. “I’m not scared. What does CT mean?”

Roman cackles. It’s endearing. But I’m so fucking confused.

“Chaos twink,” Beck says, laughing like he just said the funniest thing in the world.

“You—” I stop, looking around, wondering if I’m being punked. “You want me to call my brother a chaos twink?”

Beck shrugs again. “If the shoe fits, you know?”

“Don’t do it,” Eli mumbles. “Just—I’m trying to save you here. Don’t.”

“Please,” Beck says, sticking his lip out at me.

“Are you pouting at me?”

“It works on Roman.”

“I’m sure,” I say, smirking. Not that I have any room to judge. Eli’s pout would work on me.

“Well,” Eli says, walking to the front door. “We better go.”

Beck and Roman peel themselves off the couch and follow Eli to the door. “Do you guys want to ride with us?” Beck asks, sliding his hand into Roman’s.

I glance at Eli. We need to talk. About last night and this morning. Only that’s probably not a good idea, right? “Sure,” he says.