Page 65 of Created in Chaos

NOVA

“What is this?” I ask Nox when I see several bags lined up on the floor of the bedroom.

“More shit for you,” he informs me.

“Like what?” I peek into one of the bags, seeing tissue wrapped fabric.

“Clothes and things you need.”

“You already got me clothes,” I remind him. If they hadn’t gotten me a new wardrobe after I got out of the hospital, I wouldn’t have anything at all. I mentioned going to get my things from the Umbras when we first returned here, but they put a stop to that since they are convinced the Umbras will lock me away in a tower if they ever get me on their grounds again.

“We got you a few things. You needed more.” He doesn’t even look away from the TV he’s playing a game on.

I huff like it’s an inconvenience to be bought new things, but it kind of feels that way. I’ll never be able to repay them, especially when they spend so much money. My five grand would be gone, but let’s be realistic, it probably already is. It was in my room under the mattress of my bed. It’s not that ingenious of a hiding spot, but I didn’t know what else to do with it. It wasn’t like I was going to walk around with it all the time.

He briefly glances at me. “Pick out some stuff yourself if you don’t like it.”

“It’s not that, I just hate owing people things.” I sound like a brat, and I know it.

“Hey.” He tosses his remote, game forgotten. “You don’t owe us anything, Nova, and don’t let my brother tell you that you do to try to get sexual favors out of you.” His lips curl up in a smile. “But if you’re feeling thankful…” He leaves the sentence dangling, teasing me.

“I don’t think I would be able to walk if I repaid you in sexual favors,” I deadpan, but there’s some truth to my words. I didn’t know people had this much sex, but it’s not just them. I’m just as insatiable as they seem to be.

“Don’t tell Lu that, it would give him more reason to keep you in bed.”

“I don’t doubt it. Are we ever going to leave the house?” I set one of the bags into my lap after sitting on one of the club chairs.

“We are. Tonight, in fact. You should pick something new to wear.” He motions to the bag.

“Where are we going?” I’m instantly on alert. Neither of the brothers have wanted to leave the house in days.

“There’s a party tonight.”

I scrunch up my nose in disgust. Why would I want to go to a party with a bunch of people who hate me for some reason or another?

“Don’t look at me like that, it will be fun,” he chastises.

“I doubt that. Parties are never fun.”

“They can be, if you have the right company.” He moves closer while sweetening his words to get me to agree, but it’s not necessary. I would have agreed anyway because I’m a pushover when it comes to the Morningstar brothers. Nox places both hands on the chair I’m sitting in and leans closer, tempting me into a brief kiss. “I promise it will be fun.”

“If you say so,” I agree too easily.

“I do, now pick out something to wear. It could get chilly.” He backs away. “But bring a swimsuit too.”

“Is it on the beach?” I question, intrigued.

“Not necessarily.” His answer is cryptic, but I think that’s all I’m going to get because Nox turns on his heel with a grin on his lips and resumes playing his game, knowing he’s victorious.

I reach into the bag and pull out the first thing my hand lands on. Once I pull back the tissue, it reveals a soft, icy blue sweater that’s close to the color of the twins’ eyes. I like it more than I should, so I hold it up to my chest.

When I look up, Nox is watching me with a grin still on his lips. “That’s a good color on you.” I was already planning on wearing it, but his words confirm my decision.

I lay it gently over my thigh and sort through the rest of the things. Even the swimsuits are cute. There’s a black one-piece with a mesh midsection and ruffled shoulders, and a couple of two-piece suits that seem to have a good amount of coverage. The one with the halter top is out without me even trying it on though. I can’t wear anything like that around my neck, not even bras. They give me a headache and make my neck hurt.

“Did you guys pick this stuff out?” My doubt is clear in my tone.

“I’d like to take the credit, but we just sent your pictures over to a shopper and gave her parameters to follow and some colors we liked. Is it okay?”

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