Page 70 of Theirs to Rule

“Fuck if I know,” Kage shrugged. “But I’m sure if I throw it all together it will taste amazing. Or at the very least, edible.” He glanced at me. “You good with edible?”

Ty sighed and rolled his eyes, his lip curling up in disgust. “Fine. I’ll make you guys a sandwich but don’t get used to it. I’m not your fucking cook.”

“Really? Wow, thanks, man,” Kage said, winking at me as he put the ingredients back. “It’s almost like we’re friends.”

“I’m not here to make friends,” Ty retorted.

"Well, thanks for making us sandwiches, Ty. Oh, speaking of friends, that reminds me," I said. "Don't be shocked if Dante tries to befriend each of you."

“And why the fuck would he do that?” Kage asked.

“Because if you three are friends, it will be less suspicious that he’s over here a lot,” I pointed out.

Kage shook his head and laughed. “If someone told me a year ago that I’d be friends with Dante Morillo, I’d have laughed my ass off.” He slapped Ty on the back. “You, on the other hand. I can see our friendship going somewhere. Besties, even.”

Ty stiffened a moment, his expression flickering before he shrugged off Kage's touch. "Good luck with that," Ty muttered, and I couldn’t help but snort with amusement. Ty shot me a look, his eyes shooting daggers in my direction, as Kage turned his attention back to the food.

I offered Ty a smile, and, for the barest moment, his expression softened. His mouth seemed to curl at the ends just the tiniest bit, but then even that was gone, as if he wanted to pretend it had never happened in the first place.

Chapter 32

Camille

After Ty, Kage, and I ate our sandwiches in tense silence, Kage finally stood, brushing crumbs off his hands. “Okay, I’m off. I told my mom I’d stop by the house.”

When I stiffened, he quickly added, “I’m just seeing my mom, Rebel. I promise.”

Relief swept through me, though it was tempered with doubt. Knowing his mom, there was always a chance she’d ambush him by inviting Daniella over. “Have a good visit,” I said, keeping my tone neutral.

“I’ll see you tonight, baby.” Kage leaned down and kissed me, his lips rough and unapologetically possessive. It left me breathless, and as he sauntered out of the kitchen, I couldn’t help but wish he was coming upstairs with me instead of heading out.

“I’ll see you later,” Ty announced suddenly, breaking my momentary daze.

I turned to him, curious. “Where are you off to?”

“Class,” he replied, his voice clipped.

I raised an eyebrow. “You’re lying. You don’t have class right now.”

He cocked an eyebrow at me, his tone laced with irritation. “And why do you think that’s your business? We’re not friends, Camille. We’re barely even housemates. I don’t owe you a play-by-play.”

Classic Ty. Moody and closed-off, just like always. But I’d learned how to read him, and something about the tension in his jaw told me this wasn’t just a random trip. “Does this have something to do with your parents’ tattoos?” I asked softly.

His entire demeanor darkened, a storm cloud brewing in his eyes. “None of your fucking business.”

Which meant yes. “Tell me where you’re going,” I pressed.

“No.”

“Then I’ll follow you.”

He groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Jesus Christ, Camille. You’re exhausting.”

“And you’re a terrible liar,” I shot back. “Tell me where you’re going, or I’ll just tail you. It’s not like I don’t know how to find Silas’s dad’s house—it’s practically down the road from where I grew up.”

Ty’s fists clenched at his sides, his jaw tightening. “Fine,” he ground out. “I’m going to Silas’s father’s place. I need to figure out if those tattoos are connected to my parents. But don’t get any ideas. I don’t need your help.”

“Let me come with you,” I offered immediately.