Page 18 of Tye
Exasperated, I rolled my eyes as she did, and Christian and Aaron gaped.
“We better split them up,” Christian said.
“Yeah,” Aaron agreed. “Come here, brat. I’ll let you beat me at chess.”
Aaron snagged Eddie by her neck and began leading her out. Eddie dug her heels in and glared at me over her shoulder. “You grovel, or I’ll make your life hell.”
Aaron dragged Eddie out of the door, and I sighed. “Wow.”
“That’s an understatement where Eddie is concerned. I’m sorry you’ve had to leave your home because of Fury, but you’re not alone. Many other families are facing the same, and it’s no fault of theirs or yours. But mind your mouth; this is my only warning. My family is tight-knit. I saw your puzzlement earlier, so I’ll give you this. Some of us were street kids who Mom adopted. Some are her birth children, and others Mom discovered in hospitals and homes.
“It doesn’t matter whether we share blood or not, we are family, and our siblings are just that. None of us judge people and do not expect to be judged in return. Remember, my family is putting themselves in danger to protect you, your Pops, and uncles. Don’t spit in our faces or shit on our generosity,” Christian warned.
“I honestly wasn’t aware of your history. Truthfully, I know very little about your family. I don’t read celebrity mags. But I didn’t mean to cause offence to your brother. I’ll find him and apologise,” I replied and meant it.
“You best because crossing Eddie never pays. Eddie owns a wicked mind and a vivid imagination. Before you crawl into bed tonight, pull the sheets back and check it,” Christian warned.
Surprised, my eyes widened as I took in his meaning. “Really?”
“Yup, Demi, won’t be the first time Eddie’s pulled a stunt like that. Won’t be the last either. Tye headed towards the orangery. That’s next door,” Christian said and pointed. “Now, I have got to watch Eddie to make sure she doesn’t start shit. So much for a relaxing evening. When you hear the first gong, that calls thekids to dinner. The second gong is for adults. Tye knows where the dining room is.”
And with that, Christian left.
Fuck, I’d been here four hours and upset half the residents in this house. We’d be lucky not to be kicked out before this evening.
My attitude with Tye had been reflex. Not many were aware of my situation. Realising that Tye knew about it meant I’d used deflection and turned into the aggressor, saving myself from being a victim.
I wasn’t used to strangers knowing the truth of my birth. I refused to be ashamed of it. But people would always have something to say. This time, however, I was out of line.
Upset, I left the room and walked next door, looking for Tye. I found him sitting quietly with Uncle Deke, and I watched them for a few seconds before Uncle Deke opened his eyes.
“Precious girl?” he asked.
“I wanted to talk to Tye,” I said to his unanswered question.
“That’s okay, we’ve spoken enough,” Tye replied.
“Tye, I owe you an apology,” I blurted, and Uncle Deke sat up straight.
“Demi, what did you do?” he demanded.
“Urgh, I got defensive and took it out on Tye,” I answered honestly.
Uncle’s Deke’s eyebrow rose into his hairline.
“My name is Ice, not Tye. Only my siblings use Tye,” Tye—no, Ice stated.
“Sorry on both accounts, then.” I stabbed my toe into the ground and waited.
Ice gazed at me. “Waiting.”
“Huh?”
“For your apology,” Ice said and folded his arm across his broad chest.
Damn, Ice was really going to make me grovel.
“Ice, I’m sorry for jumping the gun and judging you. I’m not used to people knowing about my birth, and I got defensive,” I apologised softly. “Honestly, I hope you can forgive my rudeness.”