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Nate

We leave you alone for twelve hours, and you acquire a man?

Maybe… he’s kinda clingy though

Elias

Address.

I press my hand to my mouth, trying to hold it together, because they just make it so easy.

Me: Wow. No “good morning,” no “hope he treats you well.” Just immediate homicide vibes

Nate

Sloane.

Cypress jumps onto the arm of the couch beside me with the dramatic confidence of a mafia boss arriving late to a meeting.

He's so obsessed with me that he follows me into every room, and judges my decisions constantly.

But he’s gorgeous, so it balances out. I mean, look at him, how could I resist?

I snap a picture of Cypress, and send it. No one responds immediately, and I can just imagine the three of them simultaneously exhaling in relief and irritation at being played so well.

Jace’s response comes first, a barrage of Spanish endearments that make my cheeks flush despite being alone in my apartment.

Jace

Mierda, princesa, you can’t do that to us.

I was already halfway to your apartment ready to fight this mystery man.

Nate

Not funny.

I disagree

Jace

That is the largest, most judgmental creature I have ever seen.

It looks like it pays taxes and disapproves of my life choices. I need to meet it immediately.

I laugh, the sound breaking free completely.

Don’t be rude to my kitten, Cypress

Jace

Baby, that is a cryptid.

Elias

You somehow failed to mention owning a small predator, Little Doe

Says the man with biometric security and a sex dungeon