He inclined his head. “I can. I try not to.”
“Why?”
Brooks answered. “His vocal cords have permanent damage. It hurts to talk too much, so he saves it for when he needs it.”
And he thought right now was that moment.
You won’t be safe.
Like changing lenses on a camera, it became clear. His order to move in didn’t come from a place of control. It came from a place of worry and concern. He wanted me to be safe.
Turning back to Bastian, “I still want to think about it. Besides,” I smirked, “I didn’t see a bed in that room.”
He shrugged. “Take mine. I’ll sleep on the couch.”
“I appreciate that. But I’m going to stay with Ocean tonight. Her Alphas have some of the best security in existence, so I’ll be safe.
“Not because I don’t trust you and not because of the bed, but because if I stay tonight, there’s no way anyone isstaying on the couch, and I need to fill out the list before I let you have your way with me. Which is a huge temptation, by the way. And if I’m going to do this list, I’ll need bestie support.”
We all laughed together, breaking the tension. Bastian relaxed, though his hands were still on me, holding me close. He pulled me to him all the way and kissed my cheek. “Okay.”
“You don’t have to fill out the list tonight,” Theo said.
“I know, but all I’m going to do is think about it until it’s done, so Imight as well lean in. That’s the way my brain works, by the way. I’ll get hooked on a thing and not be able to stop until I’m through everything.”
Brooks smirked. “Good to know.”
I texted my group chat with the girls.
Trinity
Are you guys finished with dinner?
Ocean
Almost. What’s up?
Trinity
Any chance I can stay at your house tonight? I’ll tell you more later, but I can’t stay at home tonight.
Ocean
Yeah, of course. We’ll be home soon, but security will let you in if you get there first.
Isolde
Is everything okay?
Trinity
Some things yes, some things no.
Isolde
Does this call for a sleepover?
Trinity
