I sit in my chair, trying to focus on work, but I’m also used to having the guys on. I blow out a breath and focus. When I finish, Mom knocks on my doorframe.
“No Luke?” She rests against the doorjamb.
I shake my head. “Found out Penny is his half-sister and staying with her dad for the remainder of the year. He wants to make sure she gets situated.”
And not hurt.
Mom frowns and nods. “There’s a lot in that statement. Is Luke okay with everything?”
I shrug and roll my pen on my desk. “He doesn’t really have a choice. None of us do.”
“You always have a choice, Harper. But sometimes there’s only one that makes sense.” Mom looks at my unmade bed. “Guess we’ll tidy up the guest bedroom since it will be unoccupied for the foreseeable future.”
I nod and swallow. What I really want to do is tell her that the guys have me covered, but I don’t think she’ll appreciate a rotation of guys without their parents’ permission staying at her house.
“Don’t work too late. You need to catch up on your sleep.” She gives me a smile.
“You too. Night, Mom.”
“Goodnight.” She closes my door and turns out the hallway light.
I have no idea what time Jack will arrive. My veins buzz with nerves. It’s weird, but Jack and I haven’t spent a lot of time alone. We’ve had moments, but we’ve never slept alone. I shake off the weird creeping feeling.
I’m used to having Luke here or Caden. It’s too quiet without the webcam on. Without seeing them working beside me. I understand Caden wanting to go to college together. To have a space for all of us.
I wash my face and braid my hair before changing into pajamas. Everything I’ve done for years without entertaining anyone else, but now it feels wrong. Empty.
I grab my phone.
Me:
Is this still secure?
Pestilence (Eli):
Yes, kitten. Did you get your homework done?
I settle on my bed and tuck my feet under the blanket.
Me:
Yes
War (Caden):
Could have used a new dance video, little nympho
Smiling, I text back.
Not happening
Apocalypse (Nico):
I didn’t get to see the original videos
It’s nothing
Death (Luke):
