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“Thanks for telling me something I already know. Can you help me?”
Jupiter sat on the corner of the bed and the smile that appeared spelled trouble in damn capital letters. “I’ve got you covered.”
This was far from covered. This was so far from covered that Kodi could see way too much for his own liking.
He hadn’t noticed the others getting on the jet and it was Laken nudging him sharply in the ribs that got him out of his trance.
“What?” he snapped, rubbing at his side, darting a daggered look at Laken.
“You’re standing in the middle of the aisle.” Laken shoved past to make his point, taking the seat that blocked Kodi from sitting anywhere near Lennon throughout the flight.
It was a struggle to keep his frustration in. Had Lennon brought a paddle with him? Kodi hoped like hell he had because if things continued as they were, he wouldn’t be fit company for anyone.
The thought lingered throughout the long flight. Kodi had buried his head in his iPad after hour two of glowering at Jupiter, doing his ultimate best to not look in Lennon’s direction. Liar.
He grunted at his animal.
“What’s eating you?” Laken asked in a hushed tone.
“Nothing,” he ground out.
When Laken had moved halfway through the flight to use the bathroom, Isley had taken the seat he’d been using before Kodi could.
“Please yourself.”
“Why does he have to be so fucking charming,” Kodi hissed when he couldn’t keep hold of his frustration, despite being the one who had created this situation by speaking to Jupiter in the first place. What game was he playing?
“No clue, it comes natural to some fuckers.”
“You got that right.” He hated when he came across as maudlin, but fucked if he could stop it.
The conversation lapsed into silence and at some point, Kodi must have dosed off because when he opened his eyes and looked out the window, he was met with bright sunshine and Milan stretched out below. It wasn’t his favorite Italian city to visit, but the consolation was amazing food. Kodi believed the pizza at Glory Pop was unrivalled globally.
Lennon had been twice before to Milan, had he visited Glory Pop? Kodi had discovered it while roaming the streets alone one night, looking for a place to eat. He’d visited every time he came to Milan since. Maybe he could offer to take Lennon?
The landing and going through customs didn’t take long, and they were met by Taylin, who had flown out the day before with Hollis, Booker, and Frey. They all came to fashion week in Milan because it was one of the most prominent fashion events in the calendar year. The success or failure affected all their departments, so they came to support Jupiter, who was a maniac during this week and the few months of build up to it.
Kodi found himself in a car with Laken and Isley, while Lennon and Jupiter had gone in the other one with Taylin. The desire to grumble and complain was barely reined in. He kept his gaze on the window and the passing cars driving at crazy speeds. Tyres skidded and squealed around corners and down narrow streets, and Kodi clung to the door. He had never quite gotten used to the way Italians drove.
His top lip was sweaty and his hair stuck to his shirt collar by the time they pulled up to the Four Seasons hotel. It was early evening and the city, after the afternoon siesta, was coming alive. The hotel was in the heart of the fashion district. They also held the main event on the last day in the courtyard in the center of the hotel. The entire hotel was beautiful, inside and out. He’d never considered the romance of the place until now.
He inhaled a scent of autumn heat exiting the car, his gaze on the one in front. Lennon got out and Kodi was struck by his beauty. His head was slightly titled back while he laughed at something. A happiness radiated from him that Kodi wanted to bask in.
“Looks like Jupiter has stolen your PA.”
Laken’s comment got Kodi swinging around and jabbing a finger into Laken’s chest. “No one is stealing my PA.” He stomped off into the hotel, no longer seeing any of its beauty.
They checked in and as the hotel didn’t have suites, they all got their own rooms. Kodi found himself on a different floor to Lennon. Had Jupiter done that on purpose? He didn’t think about the fact that they booked the hotel a year in advance; he was too busy seething over everything.
He dumped his bags in his room and didn’t bother unpacking, heading straight back out to head to Lennon’s room four floors below. He stepped out of the elevator to see Jupiter hook his arm through Lennon’s. Seeing they were heading his way, Kodi jabbed at the buttons to get the doors to shut before he was seen.
He wasn’t sure what floor he ended up on as he stomped to find the stairs and follow his brother to see what the hell he was up to. I’ve got you covered. It ran on repeat as he lurked in the foyer, then held back, watching Jupiter lead Lennon out of the hotel.
Whatever you’re up to Jupiter, you better not touch Lennon or you’re gonna find out what it’s like to smile without teeth.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Delicious & Vicious
