Page 114 of Break the Rules

‘Thanks. I was so nervous about it, but it all worked out, thankfully.’

‘You’re a complete natural at painting.’ Wandering over to me, he kisses my forehead. ‘I’m proud of you.’

Warmth blossoms in my chest at his praise.

The front door swings open, and Zayden enters. His hair is dishevelled, his shirt is on backwards and so crumpled it looks like it’s never been washed before. He winces when he removes his sunglasses.

‘Fuck, turn the brightness down,’ he mumbles.

‘Of the sun?’ Mason snickers, gesturing to the light filtering through the kitchen window. ‘Sure, just give me a second and I’ll get right on that.’

‘Close the blinds, motherfucker,’ he mutters.

‘No way. It’s a gorgeous day,’ Mason continues. He whistles as he flips the eggs, and Zayden clutches his head. I grin in amusement, feeling thankful that I’m not hungover like he is right now.

Zayden glares at Mason. ‘I don’t have the energy for you right now.’

‘Sit down, sweetheart, let Mason take care of you.’ He smirks, pointing his spatula to the empty seat beside me.

I love watching Mason in the kitchen. He pours fresh juice for Zayden, alongside a glass of water. Popping two pain relief tablets onto the bench, he slides them across to him with the glasses. ‘For the head,’ he says.

‘Cheers,’ Zayden thanks him, eyes closed.

‘How was the rest of your night?’ I ask.

‘I don’t really remember it. I woke up in the backyard, in the hammock.’

‘Oh my God.’ I release a snort of laughter. ‘You’re a menace, Zay.’

He rubs his face, looking exhausted. I peer at his neck.

‘Were you alone in the hammock?’

‘I think so.’

‘You have some’ – I point to my neck – ‘little love bites. Everywhere.’

Zayden groans. ‘Fuck. I don’t even remember kissing anyone.’

‘Dude.’ Mason grimaces, leaning in to survey my brother’s neck. ‘Looks like you fucked a vampire.’

‘I need to quit drinking,’ he mumbles. Using his phone camera as a mirror, he winces, running his fingers down his neck. ‘Goddamn.’ Lowering the phone, he hangs his head in his hands. ‘What did you guys do after the party?’

Mason and I exchange a glance just as Zayden looks up. He places a hand over his mouth.

‘Oh hell nah, wrong question. I’m going to be sick.’

‘I’d like to point out that the copious amount of alcohol you consumed is what’s making you sick, not us,’ Mason says.

Zayden gives him the middle finger as he rushes to the downstairs bathroom.

Shaking my head, I take a sip of my coffee, settling back in my seat.

‘There you go, my love,’ Mason murmurs, handing me my plate. ‘Breakfast is served.’

I beam up at him. ‘Thank you.’

‘Fuel up,’ he mutters darkly, leaning forward. ‘I’m not done with you yet.’ He takes a bite from the corner of my toast, pushing back from the bench.

Heat races down my neck, and a shiver of excitement rolls down my spine.

I could get used to this.