Page 67 of Vendetta

“That’s okay honey, you won’t know where everything is. It would be much easier if I just took over. That’s what I’m here for after all!”

Nate stepped through the doorway behind her, my eyes raising to meet his before snapping behind him to the second figure walking into the room. My heart hitched in my chest as it always did when he walked in.

Angelina moved to grab her apron and tie it around her waist, my chest deflating in defeat and shoulders sinking as tears of frustration threatened to bloom. I wasn’t going to stand hereand argue with her—Not when it was clearly pointless, and especially not with an audience.

“What’s going on?” Nate asked, his gaze bouncing between us.

“Nothing,” I quickly answered, making my way past them and out of the kitchen. I wanted to be alone, needing some space. I let myself out into the backyard, admiring the endless greenery that flowed down the slightly sloping hill. I found a quaint little lounge area on the far side of the property where I made myself comfortable, letting my eyes drift shut as the late morning sun gently caressed my skin. I stayed out there for a while, just embracing the peace and quiet.

I eventually made my way back inside a little while later, finding my way to the living room where Nate and TJ watched some football replays on the big screen. Kaptan sat with his laptop in his lap, all attention drawn to what he was currently working on. Olivia sat back with a book, her head laid back on her boyfriend’s lap, while Zayn and Cashton sat side by side at the kitchen island. Nobody seemed to notice me walking in.

“Olivia?” I asked, making my way towards her.

“Oh, hey babe! What’s up?” she asked, lowering her book to her stomach and tilting her head back to look at me.

“Would you mind driving me to town later? I need to get a new phone, and I have a shift at the shelter later this afternoon.”

“Sure thing, no problem hun!”

“No need to get a new phone,” Cashton spoke, his deep voice skating down my spine. He stood, making his way over to us and handing me something. I recognized the pink floral case immediately.

“Where did you get this?” I asked, my eyes bulging. I had dropped it the night that I ran, figuring that it would be a goner between the fall and the pouring rain.

“I went to your house the next morning. It’s how I got your wallet and medication. The screen was cracked, but Kaptan just got done fixing it this morning.”

“You went to my house?” I asked dumbfoundedly. The next emotion to strike me was panic. My dad…

“Yes,” he answered. “I let myself in because it was unlocked. I found your purse near the entrance, so I didn’t feel the need to go exploring. I didn’t know that your dad… That he was there.”

A small breath of relief left me at that.

“Thanks,” I quietly responded, my eyes still not meeting his.

“I’ll drive you to the shelter later for your shift. And we can stop by your house to grab your things on the way back if you’d like. The cops should have cleared out by now.”

“That’s okay, Olivia will take me,” I insisted, not wanting to be stuck in a car with him. He hadn’t seemed to be out for my blood lately, but that didn’t mean I trusted him yet after everything he had pulled.

“Really, it’s no problem. I was planning on going to the gym for a quick boxing session, and the shelter is right next door. I can drop you off to do your thing, and pick you back up when I’m done. No point in dragging Olivia out when I’m already going to be headed that way.”

Well shit, he had a point. All argument died on my lips.

“I want my own room,” I told him, following it up with a quick “Please.” I wanted my own space away from him in order to breathe. I couldn’t think straight when I was around him.

His jaw ticked slightly.

“Of course,” he answered, and a small part of me almost felt disappointed by his lack of fight. I shoved the thought away as quickly as it appeared, nodding my head in thanks before leaving the room.

—

My hands fidgeted in my lap as Cashton pulled his Chevelle out of the driveway and through the front gates, the engine roaring to life as he pulled out onto the main road. I wasn’t sure what to stay, still emotionally drained and not quite in the mood to socialize.

His presence was hard to ignore, my eyes constantly wandering back to him as he drove single-handed. His beauty was unjust, his chorded arms on display and black shirt making his eyes appear brighter than ever.

“What do you want to make for dinner tonight, princess?” He asked, eyes not leaving the road as he continued to stare straight ahead.

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

“You’re making dinner tonight. Once you figure out what you want to make, text me a list, and I’ll forward it over to Angelina.”

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