Page 26 of Slay King

“I don’t think we should leave Rumor here alone.”

I opened my mouth to tell them I’d go to the room and read, but Storm’s gaze locked on me again. He seemed to be studying me hard or thinking it through.

Finally, he sighed. “Yeah. Probably not a good idea.”

He walked over to the sofa and sat back down with his drink.

“You’re not going?” Sebastian asked him.

Storm glanced back at him. “And leave you here alone with Rumor? No. I think I’ll stay.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Sebastian demanded, sounding angry.

Storm picked up the remote control. “It means that I would like to keep you alive.”

“Whatever,” Sebastian said with annoyance thick in his tone.

I took that moment to interrupt whatever was going to be said next. “I can go upstairs and read. I have several new books.”

“Not necessary,” Sebastian replied.

“Good idea,” Storm said at the exact same time.

Now, this was uncomfortable.

I stepped back and glanced nervously at Sebastian. “I think I should go.”

Sebastian shot Storm an annoyed glare. “No. You shouldn’t have to stay locked up in that room. He’s being dramatic.”

“No, I’m not,” Storm said with his eyes glued to the screen.

“Yes, he is. Let me make you a drink, and we can find a movie to watch.”

I glanced warily over at Storm, who didn’t look at either of us.

“Ignore him,” Sebastian urged.

I was torn. I didn’t want to let my friend down, but then I also didn’t want to be somewhere I wasn’t welcome. Chewing on my lower lip, I tried to think of a good excuse to leave so that Sebastian was okay with it.

“It’s fine. I’m staying. Pop some popcorn or some shit, and I’ll find a movie,” Storm said, glancing our way once again.

“See,” Sebastian said, nudging my arm. “He was just being pissy because he’s got a thing for a new dancer at the club and he thinks he can’t go because King will be mad if I’m here with you alone.”

“I don’t have a thing for her,” he snapped.

“Yeah, you do.”

“If I go read, then you can both go.”

“No,” they both said in unison.

Confused, I looked at Storm.

He gave me a small smile, as if understanding my confusion. “We leave you alone here, and that would be just as bad as you being here alone with Sebastian.”

King hadn’t explained this all to me. He hadn’t said that my being here was going to make it hard on the others. I should have asked more questions. Thought about the situation.

“Take me to Maeme’s,” I told them.

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