AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’d like to see the house,” I said abruptly. I’d like to find where I could connect to the outside world and make contact with Man, but I also wanted to know the layout.
Dominic and Xander shared a look. I had the feeling they wanted to get to Aiden—especially Dominic—but he quickly relented.
“Let’s do the tour,” Dominic said.
They led me through room after lavish room. There was a library filled with books, a big gym with the boxing ring, even a bowling alley and an indoor gun range. I was eager to explore the gun range, and Dominic noticed my interests. “Do you want to come back here later? With me?”
“I don't think Aiden is going to let you play with me,” I said lightly. Maybe I should have taken any opportunity to get a gun in my hands, no matter how unlikely, but the opportunity to sow a little more discord between Aiden and Dominic seemed more promising.
Dominic grinned and said, “I see what you're up to, little bird.”
I walked on. Dominic and Xander shared a grin as if they were amused, not offended, by my manipulation. The rooms were cozy despite the size of the house, many of them warmed by lit fireplaces and hung with beautiful art warming the colorful walls. I was curious how much of the house reflected their actual style. I would have expected Aiden’s home to be all dark and brooding like he was. Seeing original art prints hanging on brick red or bright blue walls was unexpected.
In the back of the house, enormous windows looked out over the lush green lawn and a shimmering blue pool. The house seemed to have everything. Everything except for any kind of tech. There wasn't even a printer on a LAN or a cord to charge a cell phone; I didn’t see a trace of tech in this house.
“Has Aiden always hated technology?” I asked.
“Pretty much,” Dominic confirmed. “He’s a technophobe. But he definitely went through the house and stripped everything out to welcome you home.” He flashed me a grin.
“I'm touched that he thinks I'm so dangerous,” I said lightly.
“And that's why he needs you,” Xander said.
No matter how pissed Dominic was at Aiden, he still gave Xander a cautioning look. “That's Aiden’s conversation to have with her.”
“And my conversation?” I interjected. “To convince him that he shouldn't lock me up again?”
“No, that'smyconversation to have with him.” Dominic looked grim. There was something about his protectiveness that sent an unexpected flare through my chest. I wasn't used to having someone try to look after me, in any way, and I cautioned myself that this might be Dominic’s manipulation.
I wasn’t excited to see Aiden again after last night’s failure. But I steeled myself to face him anyway.
As we headed toward the dining room, Dominic said, “I’ll just go ahead.”
Xander flashed me a smile and caught my hand before he drew me to a halt. I glanced at Dominic, who carried tension in his massive shoulders, as he stalked ahead of us. Xander gently took my chin in his hand and turned my face to his. “Do you want me to come to your room tonight?”
“Why?” I caught his wrist, pulling his fingers away from my face. His corded muscles worked against my fingers as he dropped his hand, and our touch fell apart.
“To sleep.”
I scoffed. I’d slept so well last night, but I also wasn’t in the business of being needy and vulnerable. “No thanks. You probably hog the bed.”
“I’m good at sharing,” he returned.
The way he’d said it left me wondering what he meant.
But we were at the entrance to the dining room, so I had to let it drop.
Dominic’s voice was loud coming from the dining room. Aiden’s was softer but sharp.
“You’re a real asshole,” Dominic said.
“And?” Aiden returned.
“And you can’t treat her like that. You can’t fucking scare her.”
“I need her to follow the plan. Stealing a cell phone was not following the plan, and she had to be punished.”
“I need her.”Dominic shot back. “You could’ve ended that sentence after those three words instead of being a sanctimonious prick.”
