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CHAPTERSEVENTEEN
“Are you hurt?”
Tristan asks, pulling his brows together in a scowl as he and Cyrus take a seat beside me on the bed. He gently grazes his thumb against the red marks on my neck before flicking his eyes back up to me. “They look like they hurt.”
I tilt my chin down as I shake my head. “No.” I say. “Honestly, I’m fine.” And even if I wasn’t, I wouldn’t let them feel sorry for me. The worst of the choking happened the second time, and I literally forced him into it.
Cyrus locks eyes with me. “What the hell happened back there?”
I don’t even really know myself. I think the two of us both got swept up in the moment. I saw the look on Ezra’s face. Once he snapped out of it, I could see the regret on his face. “It’s nothing for you two to concern yourselves with.” I say, making light of the situation. “Things between Ez and I are… complicated.”
They both release a heavy sigh. “He’s our brother, but that doesn’t mean we’re okay with him hurting you.” Tris says, shaking his head.
“You’re right.” I say, nodding my head. “And once he cools down, I promise I’ll have a talk with him about it. But tonight, can we just go to bed?”
Both of their heads snap towards me. “Our own separate beds.” I add hastily, wincing a little at how much more awkward I made it.
Cyrus is the first to respond. “Come on, Tris.” He says, patting his brother’s shoulder as he stands up to his full height. “Let’s let her get some sleep.”
Tristan follows his lead, trailing after him as he heads for the door. “If you need anything,” Tris says, holding my gaze. “We’re s… sleeping right outside your door tonight. Just in case.”
I shake my head. “You guys don’t have to do that.”
“We want to.” Cyrus adds, lingering by the door. “You should always feel safe with us, P.”
“Thanks.” I say, flashing them a lopsided grin as they shut the lights off and quietly shut the door behind them.
It takes some time, but when I finally fall asleep, I rest easy knowing that if anyone tries to hurt me, they’ll have to make it through two tattooed walls of muscle.
* * *
The next morning, I awake to the feeling of intense hunger pains. I was too nervous to eat yesterday, and it’s only now catching up with me.
I take a quick shower and slip into the only clean clothes I have, a pair of black yoga pants, a cream cropped top that’s way too short on me and my favorite furry ice-blue house slippers that I forgot to take with me to Mel’s.
I walk out of my room and before I even take two steps, one of my slippers gets caught on the pile of blankets laying just outside my door and I nearly fall face first to the ground. Luckily, I catch myself, but I still silently curse at the obvious culprits.
Fucking Tristan and Cyrus.
I want to be mad at them for leaving a freaking death trap in front of my door, but I can’t find any real reason to be upset. I’m still not over the fact that they guarded my room all night. It was a really sweet gesture and something I definitely don’t deserve.
I walk down the hallway and the second I pick up the scent of garlic and onions wafting up the stairs, my stomach grumbles.
I make my way downstairs towards the kitchen and when I find all four of them cooking breakfast; I find myself at a loss for words.
“Morning.” Cy says, smirking at me as he snatches a piece of bacon from one of the platters. “Nice outfit.”
I subconsciously pull my shirt down. “I haven’t done laundry,” I shrug. “And for some strange reason, I totally forgot to pack a bag.”
“Funny.” He notes with a laugh. “Take a seat. Breakfast is almost ready.”
“You guys didn’t have to do all this.” I say, suddenly feeling self-conscious about all the work they’re putting in. “I’m fine with just coffee.”
Atlas turns away from the stove to glare at me. “That’s exactly why we’re doing this.” He points out. “Because you won’t do it for yourself.”
I stare at the plethora of options they’ve somehow scrounged up while I was still sleeping. Eggs, toast, potatoes, pancakes, even fresh fruit. They usually order takeout and never keep the fridge this stocked. “How did you guys even get all of this here so fast?”
Tristan and Cyrus give each other a knowing look. “Ezra graciously volunteered to go on a grocery run last night.” At says.
