Page 131 of The Chaos She Brings

God, I love her.

“Big Mac with a side of nugs,” I reply, enjoying the relief on her face at my words.

“This,” she points at me dramatically, “is why I love you.”

Then she’s gone. Back to her phone to place the order I’m guessing.

I take a moment to breathe while I’m alone.

My eyes squeeze shut, a tremor running through my body as I recall what Nikolai did to her.

She’s clearly using her dramatic personality to cover the hurt and the trauma.

I’ll be here though, when she inevitably crashes again.

“I’ve ordered us both cokes!”

I roll my eyes as I walk through the house to find her. She’s sitting cross legged on my sofa, her wild red hair in a messy bun on top of her head (I won’t tell her that she’s got one big chunk that she’s missed falling down her back). Those big green eyes light up when she sees me, the swirling golds even morevibrant. She looks like she belongs here.

Maybe she does.

The sofa creaks as I sit beside her, offering a reassuring presence.I hope.

“My mother was there,” she states simply, letting the words hang in the air. “When I got home, that is.”

“Your adoptive one?” I ask, although I’m pretty sure I already know the answer.

She shakes her head. “Anastasia.”

“What did she want?” I keep my tone neutral.

Tess laughs bitterly. “A relationship.” Her eyes find mine. “Can you believe that? After everything she’s done?”

I shrug. “At least you have a parent that wants a relationship with you.”

The words are out of my mouth before I can stop them.

Her mouth gapes open.

“I’m sorry. Fuck.” I run a hand through my hair. “I didn’t mean that. Please ignore me.”

“She tried to marry me off, Kai.”

“I know!” I snap, frustrated. I sigh, softening my tone. “I’m just dealing with a lot of shit in my head right now and I didn’t think before speaking.”

“What’s going on in your head?” She places a hand over my arm, squeezing it in quiet reassurance.

I let my head fall back against the sofa cushions. “Just… my dad. All that fun trauma.”

“Want to talk about it? I know I don’t seem like it, but I can be a good listener.”

I chuckle despite myself. “I believe it, Hurricane. I don’t even know where to start.”

“The beginning is usually a good shout.”

I poke her ribs.

“You know how my dad just left me, in the middle of the night?” My voice is hoarse. The memory presses in, a weight on my chest. I roll my shoulders, trying to shake it off.