Page 185 of Wanna Play A Game?

“Mad?” I glance at the things again. The thoughtfulness makes tears prick behind my eyes.

Miles sits on the bed. “We have to talk.”

I stiffen.

He rubs the back of his neck. “Sawyer and I wanted to…apologize.”

I freeze completely, staring at Miles. Did I just hear him right?

“There are some things about how we met that we’d like to change,” Miles says. “Not taking you, I’m not going to apologize for that.” He looks down, then makes eye contact. “But we never made you feel at home. Didn’t let you have a say.”

I can’t move. I can’t even swallow. This is so beyond what I expected that I’m shocked.

I glance at Sawyer. He looks uncomfortable and glances at the floor when he sees me looking at him.

Miles continues. “This isn’t an excuse because there is no excuse, but I think you should know that I…” He clears his throat. “I overstep sometimes.” He takes a deep breath. “My mom’s boyfriend killed my mom when I was a kid.”

The room is silent, and even Sawyer stiffens.

Miles shifts. “That’s irrelevant, but I don’t want anyone to feel what my mom felt, so I…step in maybe when they don’t want me to.”

My stomach bottoms out. Oh my god. “Miles, I…”

He waves me off. “I didn’t tell you that for your pity. I don’t need your pity. I’m just trying to fill you in. And apologize.”

I close my mouth. I don’t know what to say. My head is swimming in response.

Miles stands. “Don’t say anything. Either of you. I’m just…sorry. I’m going to check on Weiner.”

And he’s gone, leaving me and Sawyer.

I’m still frozen, trying to figure out what is going on. Am I dreaming? They aren’t acting normal. I mean, they are, but I’ve never seen this side of them before.

Sawyer stands there for the longest time, looking uncomfortable and watching me.

There are so many things that I could say, but I’m not sure what. I clear my throat. “I guess I uh…never said thanks for Weiner.”

Sawyer rolls his eyes. “He’s sassy.”

I huff, “Yeah.”

“Fits his owner.” Sawyer raises an eyebrow.

I laugh, turning to check out the dresser. It’s already full of my clothes. “You guys brought my stuff?” I move to the bathroom.

He follows me, leaning on the bathroom door frame. “Yep.”

My hair stuff is on the counter. I check the drawer. I have a toothbrush! That fills me with more excitement than it should.

“You might be missing some panties, though.”

I shoot a glare at Sawyer that has no power behind it. “Pervert.”

He gives me a bored look. “I prefer them used. I left you just enough to fill that order for me.”

I move past him and shoulder-check him as I go. I check out the rest of the room, finding item after item hidden away, and when it becomes too much, I explore the balcony.

Sawyer comes out after me. I lean on the railing, staring at the forest. There aren’t any leaves on the trees, but the moss fills the forest with green.