23. Chapter 23 - Layrin
Chapter 23
I still had my eyes closed, and every cell in my body was screaming for relief. Memories flashed before my eyes—coffee with Ravi, waiting by the curb, a car revving up, then a blacked-out sedan coming my way.
Gasping awake, I looked around. Was I in front of the school? At the hospital? Dead?
Fingers squeezed mine, and I looked down, connecting with a swirling set of sunburst eyes encapsulated with a seafoam green. “You're safe. Everything is fine. You're at our house.” Looking around, my heartbeat settled down as I realized this did look similar to Ravi and Rion’s rooms. It was just slightly different, more barren.
Roux. This had to be Roux’s room.
Taking a deep breath, I turned to Ravi, about to ask him what happened, but I was met with wide orbs and a wild intensity that made my skin crawl. Leaning back on instinct, I blinked, then the look was gone, replaced with the kind, sweet set I was used to. “W-w-what happened?”
He scooted closer. His gaze traveled down my body, snagging on my middle until his lips pressed into a thin, tight-lipped line. “Someone tried to run you over while I was getting the car.” Running a shaky hand through his hair, he continued. “I knew something was wrong, just had a feeling in here.” He clutched his stomach. “I heard tires squeal and ran as fast as I could. I was barely able to get to you in time to knock you out of their line of view.”
His hand lifted, running a gentle finger down my torso. “I hurt you trying to save you. Can you forgive me?”
Tears formed in his eyes, and my heart strings tugged. My hands cupped his face, and although I winced at the sudden movement, I kept my eyes strong on his watery ones. “You have nothing to be forgiven for. You saved me. I should thank you.”
I tried to sit up but stopped halfway because of the pain. He recognized what I was doing and propped himself up, his forehead resting on mine in return. “Don’t ever be sorry for doing right by me. It hurts me deeply to see you agonize over something I would never blame you for.”
His whole body shook, eyes screaming his need, as his hands hovered over me. “I want to hug you, kiss you, bask in your glory so badly, but I know you need time to heal.” He blew out a ragged breath. “This was harder than I thought it would be.”
I laughed, instantly regretting it when I cringed in pain. “Don’t make me laugh, Rav. It hurts.”
His hesitant smile made me want to laugh again, but he quickly shook his head, drawing his brows down as he frowned. “No laughing for you, little missy. Only healing.”
Winking at him for his effort, I settled back down just as Rion and Roux came into the room. Roux’s head snapped to me, then his brother, before he stomped over and smacked Ravi’s head. “Ow!” Ravi cried out as he rubbed his head and looked back.
Rion lifted a brow at his brother, glaring at him. When he spoke, his voice was cooler, deeper than usual. “You said you would get us as soon as she woke up.”
Ravi grinned, not sorry in the least. “You snooze, you lose.”
Roux stepped forward, hand raised, but Rion snatched it, shaking his head at him before he faced me. “Layrin, we need to talk.”
Woah! My heart skipped a beat. He never used my name anymore, so this must be serious. I made a move to sit up, not liking being the only one in a vulnerable state while talking about something critical.
Ravi helped me by propping some pillows behind me. Leaning onto the bed, he whispered, “Nothing to worry about, my love. We just need to let you know some more details about the situation we’re in.” He winked, and I closed my eyes for a second, trying to calm myself down.
“I'm sure you asked Ravi what happened.” Receiving a small nod, he kept going. “We tried to figure out who was behind it, but we don't know. It was an unmarked car with blackout windows. We even talked to Cinzia about it, and she couldn't find any indications of who was behind it.” His eyes shifted to the left, making me think there was more to the story, but at the moment I was too shocked that he’d talked to Cin and they were both still alive.
Rion took a big inhale, and Roux crossed his arms as Ravi settled his hand on my forearm. “While talking to Cinzia, we all decided it would be best if you moved in with us—for your safety, I mean.”
My whole body froze, not comprehending what he’d just said. “Wait.” I lifted my hand like he was moving too fast. “ Cin was fine with that? She said those exact words?” Looking at all of them, I waited for confirmation of words I never thought I would hear her say.
Rion’s lips wiggled before he settled down. “Yes. You can call her if you want.” He bent over and set my phone right next to me before straightening up. “We had a discussion, and it was determined by both parties that your safety was much more of a priority than our differences. Roux already went to your dorm and picked up your things with Cinzia’s permission.”
Roux nodded. “She was adamant that you call her as soon as you get up.”
I was still reeling from the fact that my friend and roommate, who’d vowed to dislike “Ambros” at all costs, was now siding with him. This must mean that the accident was really serious, but… Could it really have been an accident? Why would anyone want to kill me? I still didn't understand.
Rion continued. “We were thinking that you would want to keep to the regular schedule of switching rooms for the night, but if that’s too unsuitable for the long term, someone can offer to give you their room while they bunk with one of the others. It's up to you.”
He was so matter of fact, so firm, that it didn't really give me any wiggle room to argue. “No, I don’t want to throw any of you out of your rooms. Better yet, I can take the couc—”
“No! Hell no! Not while you're healing!” Ravi’s panicked protest had me running my hand through his hair, trying to calm him down. He seemed very agitated by me being hurt, but I needed him to understand that I was a big girl.
“It's okay, Rav. I don't mind. Plus, it's not that bad.” I lifted up my shirt, revealing a huge bruise that ran across my torso. My jaw dropped in horror as I realized just how bad this looked. Ravi already started to make weepy sounds, while Roux had begun to growl. Even Rion’s eyes had darkened. I couldn’t really blame them. This was the worst bruise I’d ever seen.
“Please. Please, Rin. Please stay in our rooms, in comfort. I won't be able to sleep knowing you're on the couch after I caused you so much pain.” He glanced up at me, and a tear fell from his pleading eyes. It hurt me to see him like this, to have him beg me so earnestly. It made me want to give him the world even though I was the one in the bed.
Something took over my body. I swiped away the tear with my thumb and put it in my mouth. I closed my eyes for just a moment, relishing the sweet taste of his tears, and almost moaned until I realized what I’d done. My eyes snapped open to all three of their wide-eyed, open-mouthed faces.
“Oh my god” spilled from my lips as I turned to Ravi. “I’m so sorry. That was super creepy, and I don’t even know why I did that.” Unable to bear the brunt of their shocked stares, I lifted the blanket and covered my face. Stupid, Layrin! Stupid! What the fuck is wrong with you? Who the fuck licks up a person’s tears and likes the taste? Psychos. Psychos like to do that, Layrin! Aaahhh!
The bed dipped before a hand landed on my calf, drawing soft, sensual circles. Warmth spread from that spot, running up my leg and helping me settle down. “Rin, don’t worry about it. There’s nothing to be worried about. In fact, I think Ravi is about to have a blissed out seizure.”
Peeking out of the blanket, Ravi was indeed shaking violently and smiling wide like a crazy person. “Soooo. Hhhaaapppyyy!”
I chuckled, finding him to be so adorable at that moment. I regretted it as soon as the pain spread, and I groaned, letting the blanket go. “I can’t live like this. Ravi is constantly making me laugh with his ridiculousness. I just can’t.”
Roux’s deep voice called out, “I have something for that bruise that will help it heal faster. The ingredient I’m waiting for will be in later today.”
“Ingredient?” Did he make his own ointments?
His mouth twitched. “Yes. The remedy I have now is just made to get the job done, so it smells… horrible. I got some essential oils to make it smell more palatable.”
My blood rushed my ears as my mind spun with the realization of what this meant. Does Roux really care about me? Like really care about me? Mind blown.
“Rin…” Rion grabbed my hand in a smooth motion and started up those small sensual circles on my wrist. “Is there anything we can do to make your stay here more comfortable? Pleasant?”
All I could do was shake my head before my mind drifted. I pictured those gentle fingers dancing around a different part of me. Looking at him through my lashes, his eyes softened, luring me to fall in and never leave. A buzzing sounded right next to me, and I jolted out of his hypnosis.
Rion let go of me, his sneer telling me exactly who the caller was.
“Hey, Cin!”
“What the hell, Lay? Didn't that fuckwad tell you that I wanted to talk to you as soon as you got up? Does he have shit for brains? Does he just pretend to be competent? This truce was already starting on shaky waters, and now this!”
I understood where this frantic attitude was coming from, so I waited until she took a breath before I answered her. “Yes, he did tell me, but I was still trying to understand a few things before I called you.”
Rion got up off the bed, flicking his hands for his brothers to leave. Roux growled and Ravi whined, looking at me to combat their brother, but I felt like it was a good idea. I nodded, and with a huff, they left the room. Rion winked at me before he closed the door so I could speak to my friend in private. It was so sweet of him.
Cin’s excited voice came from the phone. “Lay, please tell me you aren’t tied up in a basement with this idiot holding the phone to your ear. Blow twice for yes.”
I bit my lip, trying hard not to laugh at her because I knew it would be painful. Clenching my teeth, I bit out, “Don’t. Make. Me. Laugh.”
Gulping down a few breaths, I settled down. “It hurts when I laugh,” I tried to explain, but that just sent her into a tizzy.
“What?! That asswipe told me you were fine. Just a few scrapes and bruises!”
I rolled my eyes. I could see Rion saying that with a smile, knowing that what he’d said was accurate. “Yes, but it’s a big bruise across my stomach.”
She went ballistic again, and after I calmed her down, I told her what I knew. When I told her that he’d stepped out to give us privacy, that made her pause.
“Really? Did you check to see if he bugged the room?”
“Stop!” I yelled. “He’s trying to be kind and respect our friendship. The least you can do is be nice to him about it.”
I heard her grumble, “but he’s the fucking devil,” and blew out a harsh breath.
“Cin, did he really call you to talk to you about me living here for the time being?” I didn't want to think it would be a long-term situation. That would cause me to freak out as well as screech with glee, and no one wanted to be that embarrassing.
Her silence was telling, so I waited for her to get over her negative feelings.
“He made some good points that I couldn't refute.” Her monotone voice was so unlike her, it made me smile. She couldn't help but tell the truth even though she hated it. It was one of the things I found adorable about her.
“Thank you,” I told her sincerely, knowing all of this was hard for her.
“It's just until we catch this damn bastard, then I’m taking you on a girls trip far away from that Ambros dick to cleanse your soul from even being in his presence. All expenses paid, what do you say?”
I’d never been on a trip in my whole life, always stuck in whatever town I was living in. My vision blurred, and my chest grew tight. “Yeah. I think that sounds like a great idea.”
We hung up soon after, but not before I promised I would call or text her every day. We even came up with a text code that meant I was in trouble, just to ease her conscience.
Just as I started to wiggle myself to the side of the bed to try to stand up, Ravi’s head popped through the door. “Rin, are you done ye—” He stopped mid-sentence before he threw open the door and rushed over. “Let me help you. You should’ve called for me!”
Shouldering underneath my arm, he lifted me up with ease, making it look like I was standing with his help even though he was taking the bulk of my weight. Sighing, I said, “I can walk, Rav,” trying to pull my weight back onto my side.
His face dug into my hair, inhaling as he cooed, “I want to help you, Rin. I need to help you.”
I released a ragged breath when shivers ran down my spine. I liked his closeness way too much. I could easily get addicted to something like this. With the small touches, heady breaths, and hungry tone, I could very easily be convinced by this man. Plus, I knew he still felt responsible for the state I was in, so I eased up on my control, letting him take on as much as he wanted.
“You up for some lunch?”
A loud groan sounded from my stomach before I could speak, and our gazes collided as we burst into laughter. A throbbing ache spread along my abdomen, and my laugh turned into a groan of anguish. “No. Laughing.”
He had the decency to look sorry when he winced, but his hand clutched my waist harder. “Got it. No fun or silly stuff. Only boring and serious stuff.” With my tongue in my cheek, I nodded, and we made our way to the kitchen.
Rion and Roux were standing side by side, making sandwiches. It was kinda cute when they looked up at me at the same time. Rion’s assessing gaze landed on me as he finished two sandwiches. It was a stark difference from Roux’s eyes, burning with an emotion I couldn't quite put my finger on.
“Come eat lunch, Rin.” He lifted two plates and brought them to the table. Ravi walked me over to the chair, helping me sit down as Rion placed a plate right in front of me.
Roux brought over the other two plates, one for him and one for Ravi, while Ravi snagged a large bag of chips for the table to share. It was so simple and nice that all my nerves fluttered out the window.
“How was your talk with Cinzia?” Rion asked. Ravi pushed the chips in my direction first, and I grabbed a handful before turning the bag over to Rion and opening my sandwich.
“Good. I was impressed that you got her to buy in on this whole set-up, especially because she thinks you guys are the devil. Cin’s convinced she’ll need to cleanse me of your cooties after all is said and done.” I laughed to myself as I placed a layer of chips between the cheese and bread, making sure I had a good crunch ratio before I put the bread back and carefully picked it up.
The first crunch ping ponged around the silence of the room, and I noticed that three sets of eyes were on me. Covering my mouth as I finished chewing, I was about to apologize when the corner of Roux’s lips tipped up. My heart stopped at the genuine joy on his face, feeling like if I didn't just stare back, it would disappear like it had never existed.
“You still eat it the same way as when we were kids.”
Still in a little bit of shock from the sudden treat, I swallowed my bite and said, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
All three of them smiled, their stares growing intense and evasive like a pack of hyenas about to pounce on their prey. I almost started to hunch in on myself until Rion spoke up.
“Now that you're going to be living here, we would like to know more about your routine, so we can make sure we’re able to cover all our bases when it comes to protecting you.”
I answered all of their questions, and we figured out a schedule that could work. This week, I would stay at the house to recover, and next week, I’d start to go back to classes. Rion had already emailed my professors about my workload. An hour later, the gate bell rang. Roux went to retrieve his package of essential oils, then he disappeared to finish tweaking the cream for my bruise.
This could really work , I thought. We could figure out our relationship and have time to get to know each other better. We could see if this could turn into something long term. For once, I was excited for the future.