Page 38 of Ruined

He grinned. "No, but I can play the triangle. And believe it or not, I'm not too bad on the flute." He mimed playing one, his lips pursed as he blew into an invisible instrument. "You never heard this from me, but Damon is pretty good on the saxophone."

"Don't tell me, Reuben is secretly an accomplished drummer?" I asked.

Gianni chuckled. "I don't think Reuben would be caught dead playing a musical instrument. Besides, I think he's more the bass player type." He mimed playing one of the four stringed instruments, leaning backwards as though he was rocking out to an audience.

A laugh slipped out from between my lips. "That's an interesting visual image. I'm not sure I'll be able to get that out of my head."

"You're welcome," Gianni quipped. "Maybe you can work on him to learn to play. He could use another outlet to let himself relax."

"I might start by getting my own guitar first," I said. He was right, I should give myself the chance to enjoy my life. As much fun as killing and reading were, I enjoyed making music. Even if I was the only one who ever heard it.

"Do you need help packing?" I pulled out my phone and glanced at the time.

I had no reason to believe Reuben wasn't completely serious when he said we'd had an hour. If that was the case, we used up half of that already.

"I'm still packed from when we went to Dusk Bay," Gianni admitted. "Never got around to unpacking. You're going to love the house there. It overlooks the beach. There are stairs that lead right down to it. It's the only way to get there by land. The view is absolutely fucking beautiful."

He grabbed the handle of my suitcase and led me out the door.

CHAPTER 15

MINA

Gianni was right about the house in Dusk Bay. From the moment we stepped through the front door, the house opened up to the expansive view of the Pacific Ocean.

Easily three or four times the size of the house in Sydney, it was just as tastefully decorated, with light wood, creams and blue-greys. Coastal without looking cliché. Decadent and elegant, but comfortable at the same time.

The rear of the house was a bank of windows that framed the sunlight glittering on the waves.

"This is incredible," I breathed.

I felt as though if I spoke too loud, I'd disturb the peace in this place. "Do you come here a lot?" I stepped over to look out at the water.

Reuben stopped beside me and placed a hand on my shoulder. "A couple of times a year. Not enough."

"It's empty the rest of the time?" I asked.

"Except for the staff, yes." He shrugged. "They keep it clean and well-maintained."

I pictured the expression on his face if he found dust in his house and held back a smile. "It's amazing."

"It's a waste not to be here more often," he said. "Sometimes I consider letting someone else watch over things in Sydney while I live here." He looked contemplative. "There are several rooms for you to choose from, unless you're ready to share."

I expected him to bring that up at some point, but it still knocked the breath out of me for a few moments. Was I ready? Could I do more than share a room, or a bed? I knew what all three of them wanted. I wanted that too, but the idea still left me in a cold sweat.

"You know I won't pressure you—" he started.

"I know," I said quickly. "I think I'd like to share a room. Being by myself at night is lonely and I get into my own head. If someone else was there, it might help." I held my lower lip with my teeth.

"It doesn't have to be me," he said reluctantly. He clearly wanted it to be.

"It's not that," I said. I glanced around to see we were alone. Gianni and Damon must have taken their bags and mine upstairs. I appreciated them giving us some space. "Damon…"

"Cares about you too." A faint frown creased his brow, uncertain as to whether we were on the same page.

Honestly, I wasn't sure we were in the same book.

I cleared my throat. "He cares about you too."

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