Chapter 112
BELLA
“You really are a dickhead sometimes, Theo,” I hiss, brushing past him to grab the salt for the pasta.
“Yes. You’ve told me that since you learned the word dickhead,” he mutters, crossing his arms.
“Why don’t you go sit in the living room with Reggie and Rowan?” I ask, salting the pasta.
He doesn’t move. I can feel his eyes on me, heavy with that big-brother scrutiny.
I spin to face him. “What?”
He smiles. “You’re almost domesticated.”
“I’m not a fucking animal.”
He chuckles. “Better than a houseplant, though?”
I can’t help it—I laugh. He’s right, I’m dramatic as hell.
“I’m not sure. Being a houseplant looks relaxing.”
The sauce starts to bubble, and I rush over to stir it, turning the heat down.
“I don’t know, Theo. I kinda enjoy all this. Sitting with Sassy and the boys. Cooking dinner. Even vacuuming is quite fun.”
“Sassy?”
I roll my eyes. “She’s in with them. My kitten. Or cat now. I don’t know how old she has to be to count as a cat.”
He studies me quietly, then says, “You seem happy.”
I smile. “I am, Theo.”
He nods slowly, running a hand through his jet-black hair. “You really think this can work? Being in a relationship with both of them?”
“I don’t think. I know so. It’s the only way it can work.”
He chews on the inside of his cheek, pulling out a packet of cigarettes.
“I’m not judging,” he says, softer now. “I just need to make sure my little sister isn’t about to get her heart broken.”
I step forward and place my hand in his. “They won’t hurt me. But trust me—you’ll be the first to know if they ever do.”
His lips twitch. “What, so I can come hide the bodies for you again?”
I grin. “Exactly that, bro.”
“Now go spend some time with them—they’re really fucking cool. You’ll like them.”
He exhales and pockets the cigarettes. “Lemme have a smoke first.”
I glare. He raises his hands in surrender. “Fine. Fine.”
He turns to leave but stops in the doorway.
“I’m sorry about how it went down before,” he says quietly. “You’re always my family, Bella. That King blood will always flow through your veins, and I’ll always be one call away. Okay?”
I nod, blinking fast as tears burn the corners of my eyes.
I’ve never cried this much in my damn life. But maybe that’s what safety feels like—when the fight starts to fade and you finally let yourself feel.
“I love you, Theo. And my other dumbass brothers.”
He laughs. “I’ll tell them your kind words.”
When he’s gone, I stir the sauce again and breathe in the scent of garlic and tomatoes.
For the first time in a long time, my hands aren’t shaking. My pulse isn’t racing.
I’m exactly where I’m meant to be… home.