Page 30 of Break The Ice

I grab my measuring tape and reach for the closest piece of fabric, discarding it before I find a sheer black lace that calls to me.

“I’ll leave you to it.”

I look up at her, distracted. “How do you know?”

“I’m a photographer, Kit, I recognise the muse. Have fun, but remember to come up and eat.”

She disappears up the stairs, leaving that delicious fragrance behind.

I work until I’m so tired I can’t think. This hyper focus only happens when I’m down here. When I get into the zone. Minutes, hours, or days can pass without me really being aware.

My table only holds three mugs, so I’m guessing a day has passed and not much else.

I stretch and wearily trudge up the stairs, yawning almost painfully.

Callan is asleep on the couch, and Ryann is laying with her head in his lap. I watch them for a long moment, lifting my hand to my chest, where I’m sure I’m melting.

Wren turns his head towards me and smiles. “Welcome back, Kit.”

He lifts an arm, and I walk over to him, feeling uncertain and all kinds of nervous. He pulls me into a hug and presses a kiss to my jaw.

The nerves vanish, but fluttering butterflies take wing. But he doesn’t do anything else, he just pulls me against him. I wiggle until I’m comfortable.

Raider pads out of the kitchen with three beers, a bowl of popcorn, and a bottle of water, which he hands me first.

“Water first, then you can have a beer.”

I take the water gratefully and down it. He sits on the other side of Wren and leans up against him.

Raider is a bit like a cat. He needs to touch, but on his terms. I think it came from his overly touchy family.

Wren doesn’t seem to mind having us all over him.

“What happened to Callan and Ryann?” I side-eye the two of them and their light but cute snores.

“They were training all day,” Raider says in a disapproving tone.

“Training what?”

“Self-defense, Callan has decided he wants to learn.”

I nod my head but look at Callan with wide eyes. His head is tilted back on the couch, and as I watch, he lets out the most adorable snort.

“Are you coming to the game, Kit?” Raider murmurs.

I hesitate, feeling the pressure to do and be normal, but I just can’t.

“Nah, I’ll just stay home. You guys have got this.”

Raider doesn’t show his disappointment anymore. I almost wish he would. I can feel it through the bond.

It’s okay, Raider, I dislike me, too.

Chapter eight

Ryann

Raider walks in shakinghis head.

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