Page 11 of Ruined

"Why are you here?" I asked her.

"Taking care of a few things for Ric and Daze," she said vaguely.

I decided not to press the issue. I had some idea of what my sister got up to. I didn't need too many details.

"It's just as well I was here," she continued. "If I wasn't, who knows when I would have seen you and found out what happened. As it is, I was only supposed to be here for a few hours before heading back to Melbourne. I don't suppose I can convince you to come with me? Now I've seen you, I don't know if I can let you go again."

"I have things to take care of in Sydney," I said. "But now you know about me, maybe you can come and visit?"

I felt as though I barely knew her. She was my older sister, by six years as it was, and we'd missed so much time. She must have changed during the last five years.

Did she like any of the things she used to like? I had a feeling she'd want the answers to the same questions and I didn't have them.

Apart from reading, I hadn't paid much attention to the world outside Reuben's house. I hadn't watched TV, listened to music or touched a device that wasn't my phone. None of that interested me. Right then, I was focused on taking things one day at a time.

"Of course I will," Rose said. "Are you sure I can't say anything to Dane or Asher? They'd really want to?—"

"No," I said firmly. "You never saw me. As far as you know, I'm off living my best life. When I'm ready, I'll tell them everything." I exhaled softly. "Do you see much of them?"

She shook her head. "I see Dane once in a while and Asher a few times a year. We always get together when he's in town for a gig. Or when I'm in Sydney."

"Is he happy?" I asked in a whisper.

She smiled softly. "He's Asher, he's always happy. He's living the high life doing what he does with his closest friends. Sometimes I envy him. Only sometimes. What I do is fun too. In its own way."

"I'm sure it is," I agreed. In the corner of my eye, I caught the expression on Daze's face. She was looking at me speculatively. I could almost hear her thinking.

"Is there any chance Mina and I could have a few moments?" Daze asked. "It's almost time for dinner. We could meet you in the dining room."

They all hesitated, Rose and Gianni looking at me, Ric looking at Daze.

"It's okay," I said. "We won't be long." If Reuben thought she was a threat to me, he wouldn't have let Gianni bring me here. I was certain I could hold my own if I needed to anyway. Daze wasn't that much bigger than me.

Gianni gave me a long look, but reluctantly herded the others out of the room and closed the door behind us.

I turned to Daze and gave her an eyebrow arch worthy of Reuben. "I'm guessing they won't give us long."

She snorted. "Probably not." Her tongue slid over her lips. "I saw the Sparrow is active again."

"I heard the same thing," I said.

"Interesting coincidence they disappeared right around the time you did," she said.

"It's very strange," I agreed. "What are the chances?"

She smiled. "No one is going to hear about it from me, but I have to tell you I'm a big fan. I've heard so many stories about the Sparrow."

"You can't have a selfie with me," I said deadpan. "At least, not in that capacity."

She laughed. "Of course not. The boys should watch out though. You, me and Rose, and a couple of others, could take over the world."

"The Sisterhood of Queens," I said.

She grinned. "I prefer goddesses, but sisterhood works. Lucky for them, we need some muscle once in a while. And some cock."

"We have to keep them around for something," I said with a slight smile.

Hers faded when she realised what she said. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to…"