Page 128 of Ruling Scar
I could be a dick and ask him who he’s referring to. Leonora or her best friend curled up next to her in bed.
But before I can say anything, feet pound down the staircase. I know from the way my brother’s expression slides from surprise to longing, who it is.
Ren’s sporting the type of clothes she used to wear when I first met her. Comfortable streetwear. A hoodie sticks out from the denim jacket she’s got on and her brown hair flops around in a ponytail as she climbs down the stairs.
Isolde’s right behind her. “Get up there you lazy bastard.”
They’re lucky I didn’t kick them out hours ago, instead giving them much-needed best friend time.
Ren smiles like she knows the power she yields in that department.
“Thank you.” The words are nothing compared to what I feel.
“I want you to convince Abe to buy a jukebox,” Ren informs me, tilting her chin up.
“So you didn’t save Leonora because she’s your best friend?”
She feigns hurt. “Um, I’m sorry, do you two think you got their first? Babe, we were already on the ground when you two were getting shot at. Now get me a fucking jukebox.”
“Night.” Isolde nods at us both, following after her friend as they head out into the night.
The door shuts after them.
“You okay?” I ask quietly.
Roma stood silently, eyes wide watching the whole thing. At least until she called me babe. That had him scowling. I hate to break it to him, but he won’t get her back without upping his game.
“Thank you for coming with me,” I tell him.
He tries to shake me off. “That’s what brothers are for. And you know, since I’m still childless it falls to me now to keep you out of trouble.”
And he fucking did. Max is quiet, meaning others mistake him as docile. But the truth is a steel edge runs through him. Always has.
Roman’s the baby brother who cried if he came across a dead bird at the park.
Today, he didn’t flinch, no matter the amount of blood splattered across his face.
He reads my thoughts. “You’re surprised to learn I take after Dad.”
Dad, as in the man he only speaks to when he has to?
“A little,” I admit. And I’m loathe to admit to my younger brothers any time I’m wrong about things.
He shrugs. “Max takes after Mom. I take after Dad. And fuck if I know who or what the hell you take after.”
Sounds about right.
“You okay?” he asks, serious.
I’m never letting Leonora out of my sight. I’m pissed I didn’t kill Leopold from the get-go. And I knew I should have. I’m slightly annoyed Adeline got the kill shot but most of all I’m just incredibly, fucking ecstatic at today’s luck that saved the love of my life.
“We should go to brunch more often.”
Roma stands there, slightly confused. “All right. . .”
“Invite Russet. And Sailor obviously.” I suppose Max can tag along if he wants. I need to spend more time with my brothers.
Fuck, I’m getting sentimental.
