Page 81 of Power
Why don’t I care that she is dead?
Even though she clearly hated me and was out to kill me by all appearances, she was still a person—a human being who lived and loved.
Her death doesn’t haunt me, but the fact that I feel nothing about it does.
Taking a few limping steps until I reach the bathroom, with weary hands, I close the door behind me and turn on the hot water of the shower. Instantly, the steam fills the room, reminding me I’m not in my old apartment anymore. I’m in Wonderland with these completely mad fuckers.
Stripping off my tee, which Archer or Owen dressed me in when they brought me up to bed, I carefully step inside the shower, feeling each droplet rush over me as it eases my achy muscles. Tentatively, I look down at my stomach. A fresh bandage has been applied, also while I was unconscious. Droplets of water trickle down my body as I step out of the shower. It’s time.
I lean over the counter and wipe the condensation away from the mirror, and then face away from it. I look back over my shoulder and see the hearts carved into my back.
“The House of Hearts,” I murmur. “The Queen of the House of Hearts.”
Queen.
I like the sound of that. Queens have power.
I reach for the towel on the rack and wrap it securely around me before I make my way to the closet filled with my things. I find my favorite pair of jeans and a soft black tank top, which I slip into. I grab my brush and carefully run it through my long dark hair, unbinding its wildness into silky locks.
I pause when I see the small shoebox on the dresser when I turn. I don’t need to open it to know it’s the gun my dad gave me.
I sigh.
Taking a deep breath, I head down the stairs, the strong scent of coffee and toast wafting from behind the kitchen door. As I step in barefoot, Archer and Owen look up from their seats at the table with warm smiles. Not surprisingly, Finn isn’t there. Their laughter dies down as they take me in, growing into desire and admiration.
“You’re up,” Archer says as I enter the room.
I nod my stomach grumbling in anticipation.
I sit with them at the table and eagerly grab a mug of coffee and a plate with two slices of toast that Owen places down in front of me.
I relish each bite, savoring the flavor.
“How was your sleep?” Owen asks, his voice thick with concern.
“Weird,” I mutter, remembering the dream. I gather my guts and add, “So you know.”
“About the gun?” Archer asks. “Yeah? You got plans to use it, baby girl?”
“I wouldn’t know how even if I wanted to. My dad sent it to me.”
“We know.”
“I didn’t mean to keep it from you. Well, I mean, I guess I did, but only because I didn’t know how to bring it up.”
“It’s okay,” Owen says, taking my hand. “But we are going to take it from here, okay? You don’t need illegal weapons hanging around your home.”
“Home.” I meet his gaze. “Home.”
“Our home,” Archer says. “If you’ll have us.”
“Where is Finn?” I ask, ignoring his question for now.
“He prefers his own space.”
“I will only answer that when he is here,” I declare. “And by the way, you can get fucked and not by me if you think I’m going to work today.”
He chuckles. “No, you can stay here. We absolutely have to attend Court tonight, and you are safest behind these reinforced doors.”
