Reese rolls his eyes as he snatches the mop out of his hand. “Painin my ass is more like it. But…yes. He’s family.”
That sends another little warmth through me. Seven years ago, he would never give any straight answers to my questions about his family, and I got the idea that he didn’t actually have any. Even though I believed he was dead this whole time, I’m glad to know he found something he didn’t used to have.
But then he rounds the island, comes to a stop in front of me, and holds out the mop. “That said, you attacked first. Clean up the mess.”
My jaw drops, and I scoff. “You’re kidding.”
He says nothing, just raises a brow.
I huff and take the mop from him, glaring at him and then Sebastian as he pours himself a fresh cup of coffee.
“Actually,”Bazsays casually as he returns the coffee pot to the brewer, “you should be thanking me.”
“For what?”
“Feeding your cat.”
I blink at him before my brain catches up. The half-full food bowl in the kitchen. I knew someone had been there to feed him, so I don’t know why I’m surprised it was this guy with the killer beard and the big muscles.
“Youfed Felix?”
He leans against the counter and takes a sip of his coffee before saying, “Sure did.”
“And planted the cameras,” I assume.
He grins at me. “Wasn’t the first time I was there.”
Reese sighs.
“You.” I point an accusing finger at Sebastian, glaring deathrays at him. “You’re the asshole who kidnapped me!”
He laughs. “This last time anyway.”
“Then you don’t get gratitude points for feeding my cat if you also committed a felony against me!”
Sebastian shrugs. “Felix liked me.”
Ialmostdo it. I almost fuck up and use my power against him again, but I catch myself just in time. Since I can’t defend my own honor, I turn to Reese instead.
“Are you not going to do anything?”
Reese looks between us, expression flat. “I’m not getting involved. Mop the fucking floor.”
Both my jaw and my shoulders slump, and Sebastian smirks behind his cup.
“While you do that,” Reese says, “we all need to talk.”
I groan because I know what he’s referring to. Strategy. The Institute. A war I just enlisted in five fucking minutes ago. I’m aware it was my idea, but…
“Could we at least have breakfast first?” I whine. “No one should jump straight into overthrowing their evil uncle’s entire empire on an empty stomach.”
Bellrose Institute looks exactlythe same as it always has. Pristine and polished. Untouchable.
I pull into the parking garage just before sunrise, find a spot, then get out with my hoodie pulled up, glasses on, and hands shoved in my pockets like I’m just another guy heading into work way too early.
Which, technically, I am.
Just not the kind of work they’d approve of.
