Page 26 of Princes of Hollywood

Chapter 7

I’ve Got No Roots

GREER

Roarke actually leaves me alone to unpack my bags. I’m not sure he won’t tell the others what happened at the apartment. The orgasm or the crying. But their offer was no strings attached. So it shouldn’t matter?

When I finish unpacking and separating out what needs to be cleaned, I don’t have any other reason to stay in here. It feels odd to even have a room. I leave my flip-flops and decide it’s okay to wander barefoot. After all, this is where I live now.

Fuck, I live here. In this gorgeous house with gorgeous men. I can’t fuck this up.

I need a purpose, so I figure I’ll go check what’s available in the kitchen. If I’m going to cook, I’ll need to know what I’m working with. Maybe I’ll even go outside and put my toes in the grass. Or walk on the pier that leads to the ocean. A little tingle of joy races through me.

Quietly, I move through the house. It’s been a while, but I’m used to feeling like a stranger in a new home. Usually someone watches me, at least the first day. One of the kids or even one of the adults. So it surprised me when Roarke set my bags down and kissed the top of my head before wandering off.

I don’t know where the others are. I’m not sure if anything is off limits. Anxiety winds around me, just waiting for something to happen. I may be used to starting over, but it’s never a comfortable feeling.

When I get to the kitchen, movement outside draws my attention. Someone is swimming laps in the sparkling pool. I step toward the open doors but stay in the shadows of the house to avoid being seen.

Aiden’s long arms cut through the water like butter as he races to the end before turning like a champion swimmer and going back the other way. Is this part of his sobriety? Or maybe just his regular routine? Routine and exercise are important in a lot of ways.

I need to find out Aiden’s routine so I know when he’s having an off day. Maybe I’ll be bold enough to walk out and read next to the pool while he works out. Maybe.

That’s if I have time to read. Mason said I would be expected to do chores. I should probably find him to clarify.

I step away from the opening and turn. My shriek cuts short as I lift my gaze to Mason’s blue eyes. My pulse pounds through my veins from being startled. He’s so close to me and I didn’t even hear him approach.

“Greer.” His tone elongates my name.

“I was just going to check the kitchen for supplies.” I gesture toward the island behind him.

His gaze locks over my shoulder. “Are you easily distracted, Ms. Morrow?”

I’m not sure what that’s supposed to mean, but I know the way he says my name makes my insides heat.

“This is a new place. I haven’t lived around so many people in a while, but I’ll get used to it.” I always get used to it. I glance over my shoulder. Aiden continues to glide through the water. I could watch him all day. The way he moves is elegant. His muscles stretch with every stroke.

“Did you come from a large family?” Mason’s words bring my attention back to him.

“No.” Never give more information until they ask specifically. I kind of already shot that rule with Aiden, but he needs someone to confide in him. To trust him.

When Mason looks at me, it feels like he’s trying to dissect me. “Sir.”

“What?”

“Say no, sir.” He clears his throat.

Huh. Okay. “No, sir.”

No one else seems that formal, but with the vibes Mason gives off, I shouldn’t be surprised. I walk around him to the kitchen and open the refrigerator.

“Make a list of anything you need. We have a shopper go once a week to the grocery for us.” Mason moves into the space behind me and leans against the counter. If he’s trying to intimidate me, it’s working.

His nearness throws me off balance. Control and power radiate from him. Strong men have always made me nervous. I’m not surprised that Mason makes me feel the same as Mary’s paramour. Part of me wants to cave to any of his demands, while the other part is prepared to put up a fight.

“I’ve made a list of chores for you. As well as our current diets. They’re all on the tablet in the butler’s pantry.” His voice is sure and precise.

“Butler’s pantry?” What the hell is a butler’s pantry?

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