Page 114 of Vicious Sentiments

“I think letting you move in is the opposite of selfish,” Julian hollers ahead of Cape from the kitchen.

When we round the corner, Julian opens the fridge and starts pulling out things. A package of bacon, a carton of eggs, butter, and bread. He has a pep in his step and seems to be moving to unheard music.

“No, that’s just being good family. It’s selfish that you would expect Hailey to stay in your room.” Cape winks at me and pulls out a chair for me.

Julian raises his brows in exasperation and pulls out a pan from one of the sleek cabinets beneath him. “Well ultimately, it is up to Hailey.”

Cape takes the seat next to me and grabs the bottom of mine, pulling me closer, and I brace against the counter to catch myself from fallingout of my chair. He smiles that cheshire grin of his, and tucks a strand of hair behind my ear.

“Wouldn’t you rather stay in my room?” he asks.

My eyes widen. I can’t make that choice. No matter who I choose, someone’s feelings will get hurt.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to answer that.” Cape purses his lips. “I know it’s mine.”

“Hah!” Julian throws down a piece of bacon into the hot pan. It immediately sizzles and my mouth waters. “I didn’t say you could have a room. You get the couch, and I doubt she wants to sleep on the couch.”

I giggle, and Cape slowly turns to look at his brother, daggers shooting from his eyes.

“I am not sleeping on the couch,” he growls.

Julian’s lip quirks. “I guess you better buy a new house within the next few hours then.” He shrugs theatrically.

“You’re pushing me,” Cape warns.

“You started it.” Julian cracks an egg, unperturbed.

But after a moment of Cape staring him down, Julian looks up and sags. “I’m kidding. I wouldn’t want you leaving a dent in the couch anyway.”

“That’s what I thought.” Cape raises his chin. “I’ll take the left side of the bed, closest to the door.”

“I thought you wanted a room?” Julian sighs. “Now you want a spot on the bed like a guard dog?”

I snort. Oh, my god. I smack a hand over my mouth but another snort breaks through. Julian pauses with the butter in his hand, and Cape slowly twists to gape at me.

“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” I try but the words only come out through giggles.

“Do I seem like a dog to you?” Cape leans back and rests an armover the back of his chair.

I can’t help myself. “I mean, kind of…”

Julian howls, slapping the butter on the counter, and Cape rolls his eyes.

“I think she meansloyal, loving, protective…”Cape emphasizes.

Tears spring at the corners of Julian’s eyes. “Yeah, like a dog!”

Cape grunts, leans over the counter, and smacks Julian on the side of the head.

“What the fuck…” Julian rubs his head but is still smiling and points a finger at Cape. “You get that shit from Ma.”

“If you mean her inability to put up with bullshit, then yeah.”

Julian shakes his head and looks at me, a wry smile at the corner of his mouth. “You want pancakes, baby? I’ll put whatever you want in them if you call him a dog again.”

Cape glares at me with a side eye, and I bite my lip.

“And if I don’t?” I ask.

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