Page 4 of Mine to Keep

This of course made me spin, the room spin…my stomach spin, and that was when I threw up all over Nick.

CHAPTER TWO

Present day

Nick

“At this pace,Gabe, you’ll be able to hack into the McDonald’s menu.” I rolled my eyes behind his back as I stared at the computer monitor in front of him.

“I know you’re being sarcastic, fucknut. Their menu is public.”

I patted his shoulder. “Look at you, getting smarter each day.”

“The second I’m done here, I’m going to smack you.”

“Kk.” I chuckled and returned to my tablet. I was running a security scan of the house. My twin brother, Noel, and I had been updating it constantly. Keeping everyone safe inside these walls was top priority.

A little less than a year ago, we’d gotten a huge wake-up call when a man named Four—an assassin brainwashed from birth whom JJ had befriended—had entered our lives. This had led totaking out a powerful enemy who’d shown us all the holes in our security. The problem was, Noel and I were the only two with computer skills and with so much to monitor, it was impossible.

JJ had been kidnapped and tortured, and we’d almost lost him. Now Noel and I were determined to teach every able-bodied person in this house skills so it never happened again. I’d make these fuckers hackers if it killed me.

“Hey.” I looked up as Noel walked into the room. “You going to pick up those cameras from Hickey?”

“You all know it’s sketchy that the dude’s name is Hickey, right?” Angel said as he spun to face us in his chair.

“Mind your business.” I twirled my finger in a circle. “Keep working on that code.”

He scratched his thick beard. “You’re bitchy.”

“I’m gonna get slappy if you don’t break the code I gave you before the timer runs out.” I pointed to the countdown clock I’d installed.

He grumbled but started typing again. I faced Noel. “Yes, I’m leaving in a few.” I handed him the tablet and grinned. “All updated.”

“Nice.”

I pointed to Gabe and Angel, who were currently glaring at their computer screens. “Watch these two.” In unison, they lifted their middle fingers. “I’ll be back.”

I stopped in the kitchen and waved at Shep, who was cooking something. “Gotta run out.”

“See ya,” he responded without looking up.

I grabbed my keys and left. In the driveway, JJ was walking well, Matt the physical therapist beside him.

The man had been avoiding me for the last month since he’d thrown up all over me and I’d had to carry him out and drive him home.

I didn’t know what his problem was. I’d stayed the night on the couch, given him water, pills, even coffee and toast the next morning. Once he’d started feeling better I’d gone home, and now whenever he saw me, he darted away or avoided my gaze.

Matt glanced my way, and our eyes locked. His smile dipped, his cheeks reddened, and he got all serious. He was kind of cute, and it was obvious he found me hot. I wouldn’t bother him, but I chuckled as I passed by.

I started the car and drove off, watching him and JJ through the rearview mirror. JJ was going to ask me questions, because that guy was nosy.

My stop was quick. Hickey handed me the cameras, and I left. These were new and not completely legal for civilians to own. I mean, the guy’s name was Hickey…Anyway, by the time I drove home, JJ and Matt were no longer in the driveway, but Matt’s car was still there.

When I stepped inside, the scent of vanilla filled the air, and my stomach rumbled.

“I smell cake!” I shouted and followed my nose to the kitchen, where Shep and JJ were sitting at the table.

“JJ won a cake.” Shep beamed. The man looked like a fucking Viking with his long hair in a ponytail and his beard. He was big and broad and if you didn’t know him, you’d probably run when you saw him.

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