Page 117 of Titan

“How old is she?” Theia whispered as we followed Ari.

“Twenty-two.”

She blinked.

“Is that why Verona thinks she’s not age-appropriate, because Zayn is like, what, thirty-four?”

I almost snorted.

“Pretty much.”

“Well, it’s a good thing there’s only two years between us. We won’t incur her wrath.”

I didn’t respond as we walked into the kitchen. The dining table was set for six. My eyes darted towards where my cousin Rina was standing next to Arlo. She was folded into his side, staring up at him with a smile. Zayn hadn’t told me he was inviting them, but it wasn’t a big deal to me. Theia, on the other hand, looked more nervous than ever.

My brother was in the kitchen itself at the stove. Our mother had taught all three of us how to fend for ourselves in the kitchen. She said she wouldn’t have her sons growing up not knowing how to cook. He turned at our entrance. His hand whipped out to turn something off before he came out from around the counter.

“Good. You’re here.” He set his hand on my shoulder as he reached me before turning his attention to my girlfriend. “It’s nice to see you, Theia. Thank you for coming.”

I glanced at her, finding Theia blushing and looking awkward. I knew this was weird for her, considering Zayn was her boss.

“Thank you for inviting me.”

Zayn beckoned his girlfriend over. Ari curled her hand around his waist when she arrived next to him.

“This is Ari. Ari, Theia.”

Ari stuck her hand out.

“It’s so nice to meet you.”

Theia shook her hand.

“Likewise.”

Zayn looked at me before indicating my cousin and his best friend.

“Can I get you a drink, Theia? We have wine, beer and soft drinks since I know this one doesn’t like to drink.” Ari waved at me. “Unless you want something stronger…”

Theia waved a hand.

“No, no, wine is fine with me.”

“We’ll go sit down,” I interjected, before guiding Theia away.

I could feel the awkwardness radiating off her, and I wanted to make her more comfortable. I glanced back to find Zayn pressing his face into Ari’s hair and squeezing her waist before he moved towards the stove again. She went to fetch Theia a drink.

We got to the table where Rina and Arlo had already taken their seats. I pulled out a chair for Theia before taking my own seat. She gave Arlo a little nod.

“How’s the stab wound?” I asked him.

He raised an eyebrow and looked between me and Theia, who was staring at the cutlery on the table.

“Healing. Zayn forced me to take time off, says he can manage on his own.”

“I’m sure the break will do you some good.”

Arlo rolled his eyes but didn’t respond. He was a workaholic and loyal to a fault. I didn’t blame my brother for mandating he take it easy while he was healing.

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