Page 68 of Created in Chaos
Nox is the first to emerge from the closet with Lucian right on his heels. They are both wearing black trunks that reveal a good portion of thigh and a hell of a lot of ink. I get distracted from my concerns about their mom getting brought up when I run my eyes over them.
When I look up from the visible outline in Nox’s shorts, I know I’ve been caught staring. There’s a sly grin curling his sweet lips. Heat works its way up my neck, but it’s not embarrassment I feel. It’s desire combined with a little annoyance that everyone will see what’s mine, but no one can know they belong to me, the one sleeping between them.
“Look at her, eyeing you like she doesn’t know if she wants to eat you up or shove you back in the closet,” Lucian remarks, easily summing up my emotions.
I lift my chin in the air, bothered that I’m so transparent. “I thought we needed to go.”
“We do, but that doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy your discomfort, lamb.” Lucian hooks his arm around my neck and pulls me with him out of the bedroom. He releases his hold once we reach the hall just long enough to capture my hand instead.
He guides us through the house to an area I’ve never been, and we eventually wind up at a set of ornately carved double doors made of black wood with large iron rivets. Lucian looks over his shoulder, finding Nox, then pushes his thumb down on the door handle.
The door swings open soundlessly, revealing a large chamber much like my room at the Umbras’ mansion, but way bigger. I’m sure it’s a full apartment. Heck, maybe it’s what people would call a penthouse, and I can only see a fraction of the place from where I’m standing.
Like the rest of the house, it’s done in shades of black with traces of other colors to highlight the darkness. Deep, rich greens and the occasional gray intersect with the different textures, softening the stone walls and floor.
Lucian takes a deep breath before releasing my hand and entering the room. I hang back, not wanting to invade their space. Something about the way he’s taking in the area leads me to believe he hasn’t come here often, or maybe not at all.
Nox is a little slow to follow his brother. His mouth is curled down in a full frown when he passes me. It makes me wish I had never asked for a bag, but I had no idea that question would lead us here. He trails his fingers over a large, circular dining table, complete with eight chairs around it.
“This is where we ate dinner most nights,” Nox divulges, looking around. I watch as his chest expands when he pulls in a deep breath, prompting me to do the same.
I don’t catch any scents in particular, but it’s clear someone has been caring for the place, as there isn’t a speck of dust on any surface.
Nox turns away from the table quickly. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in here.” He acts as if he needs to explain.
I walk over to him, making my intention and destination clear, then grab his hand. “I’m glad you had that time with them.” It’s the only thing I can think to say that wouldn’t sound contrived.
“Me too,” he agrees.
Lucian emerges from a long hall with a large straw bag. “How’s this?” He extends the handles to me, and I feel a wave of relief. I was worried it was going to be something fancy and expensive.
“It’s perfect, thank you. I’ll return it just as it is.” I hook the sizable handles over my shoulder, and the soft straw of the bag sits comfortably at my side.
“You can keep it. That way, you’ll have it for next time,” Nox informs me while already moving us toward the door. I don’t argue for now. I can tell he’s ready to leave, but I’m not keeping it.
Leaving the room, we take yet another route to exit the house, where we climb into the side-by-side. From there, it’s a short drive to the water’s edge. There’s a large building on the coastline, almost like a big pole barn, but that’s not what has my attention. It’s the boat docked at the shore that has my focus. It’s a lot bigger than a canoe, but to be honest, it’s smaller than what I was expecting. There’s an open front with seating for a few people, including the seat behind the steering wheel as well as a few others. It looks like most of the boats you’d see pulling a tube on a local lake back home, not what I was expecting to ride on the ocean.
I try not to let my nerves show as we board the small boat, but I’m not sure how successful I am when Nox has to steady me the moment both of my feet are on the vessel, which is rocking with the waves.
I also wish I would have brought a hat or some sunscreen, because I’m probably going to burn. My skin hasn’t gotten the memo we’re no longer in Michigan, dealing with winter. “Let’s sit,” Nox says, tipping his chin toward the front of the boat.
“Are you sure this is big enough to go on the ocean?” I ask under my breath as Lucian and another man climb onto the boat as well.
“It’s safe, I promise. Besides, do you think Lucian would let you on if he didn’t deem it safe?”
“He’d probably get a kick out of me peeing my pants,” I scoff, making Nox chuckle.
“You never know with him,” he agrees.
“What’s so funny?” the man in question asks as he takes the seat across from us in the front.
“Your strange proclivities,” Nox answers.
“Can’t stop thinking about me for even a moment, can you, lamb? What odd appetites are you referring to?”
“I was just joking,” I say dismissively and change the subject. “I wish I would have just worn my suit under my clothes. I was thinking we’d be near the beach and there’d be places to change.”
Nox looks down at me. “You can change on the boat.”