Page 73 of Deliver us from Evil

“Aw, leave the kid alone,” Cass says.

I turn and scowl at Cass over my shoulder. “Kid?” I’m almost two years older than him.

He smirks at me from where he’s lounging in the hot tub. He practically lives in the thing. I’m surprised he hasn’t sprouted scales yet.

I put my ear back to the crack in the sliding door. Rube pulled it closed when he came back a few minutes ago, and then scolded me when I tried to open it.

Zach and Trinity are talking so quietly, I can barely make out more than a word or two. It’s driving me nuts.

“Apollo, chill,” Cass calls out.

“Shh!” I hiss.

There’s a splash, and the slap of wet feet on the deck. The balcony is covered in slats of wood that stretch all the way to the eight-seat hot tub. A yard away, the balcony ends with a glass railing so you can soak up the bubbles while staring out at the ocean.

I fucking love this house.

I’ve never loved anything as much in my life…

Okay, that’s a lie.

“...forgive you, Trinity Malone. I don’t think...”

I strain to hear more.

Screw this.

I grab the sliding door. “I need the—” I begin.

Rube lets out a low, “Not a chance,” a second before Cass grabs the door and slides it closed all the way.

Right in my face.

“Come on, man. I won’t bug them.”

“Let them talk,” Rube says. He’s standing by the railing, leaning on crossed arms as he stares out at the ocean. He faces forward again as Cass splashes back into the hot tub.

“Come and get in,” Cass says. “Knowing those two, this could take hours.”

Hours?

I sigh, and stand for a few more seconds by the door. I guess Zach will tell us everything anyway when they’re done…but how am I supposed to wait that long?

As I’m about to turn around, I hear something.

I’m right up against the door a second later.

“What?” Cass demands behind me. “What is it?”

I love you. But I won’t ever...

I turn wide eyes to Cass, then to Rube, who’s facing me now.

I creep away from the door like Zach and Trinity are the ones listening to us, and beckon Rube over when I reach the hot tub.

He frowns, but walks over anyway.

Cass glances up at him and then shields his eyes with a flat hand. “Dude, can you put on some shorts or something?”

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