Page 6 of Splintered Desire

“Why don’t you boys dry off and show Zela around? Patrick and I will go find something to order for dinner since I gave Jessie the night off.”

Who is Jessie? I don’t bother asking. I open my mouth to assure her I can find my way, but I don’t get the chance before my traitor of a father jumps in.

“That’s a great idea, honey.”

And just like that, they're gone…

Son of a—

“This way.” Jace swings an arm out, directing me back toward the sliding glass door, a huge smile on his face that screams trouble. He’s fucking pretty, but most deadly things are.

When I hesitate, Kolson and Isaac move into the house, not bothering to dry off, and although I know better, I can’t stop my eyes from trailing over them.

Even from the back, they look good.

Isaac looks back, catching my eyes, and I know he knows I was just checking them out even before he lifts a brow in question. Jace chuckles from beside me, and for half a second, I wonder if they're telepathic or some shit.

Chances are, I’m just that obvious. It’s not like I was trying to hide it, but that’s fine. They can enjoy it this once. It won’t happen again.

Even if they weren’t going to be my stepbrothers soon, their very presence screams fucking psycho, and while that might not be all bad, I don’t have room in my life for men. The only man I ever needed, who wasn’t my father, left me…

Fucking hell, now is not the time for a pity party.

With a sigh, I move through the door back into the house, following Kolson and Isaac. I hate that Jace is behind me, but I try to ignore my senses as they scream at me, on high alert.

They’re just showing me the house. We can make it through this, and then I can hide away in my room and pretend they don’t exist, hoping they do the same with me. They seem like the type of guys who have more than enough friends, girls, and activities to keep them busy and away from me. But even as I try to tell myself that, I feel Jace’s eyes roam over my back, and I get the feeling I’ll be anything but invisible here.

It took them over an hour to show me the house, and as much as I’d love to say it’s because they were taking their sweet time, it wasn’t.

No, the house is fucking massive, even bigger than the apartment complex we used to live in. Hell, it might be bigger than the community college campus I used to attend. The new one is a lot bigger, sadly, which means more people. Another thing I’m not looking forward to.

Why the hell does anyone need this much house, is the question, but after showing me the kitchen, living room, and dining room, I quickly see that it’s a lot more than just a house.

Everything they need is here, from the oasis out back to the gym with its own Olympic-sized pool, an indoor theater, a bowling alley, two libraries—one on the west and east wings of the house—a spa, the biggest garage I’ve ever seen with cars I couldn’t name if my life depended on it, and so much more.

It’s a wonder they ever even leave the house.

They save the bedrooms for last, starting with the lower-level rooms, which are apparently guest rooms—twelve guest rooms. I don’t even know twelve people; let alone would I be willing to let them stay in my house. Though I guess having this much money makes you popular.

I’d much rather be left alone than have to deal with all the fakes I’m sure they put up with. How do you ever know if someone really likes you or is just using you for your money or connections?

Pass.

“This is my room.” Jace’s voice startles me out of my thoughts as his warm breath ghosts over my ear, way too damn close. I jump away, turning to glare at him, unsurprised to find him smiling.

He might be pretty, but I have to bite back the urge to punch him. Something tells me he wouldn’t take it the way I hope he would.

“And that’s your room.” Jace nods to the next door, and I sigh in annoyance. I could have guessed that, honestly. And when Jace’s smile grows impossibly larger, I know one of them is also in the room on the other side as well. “And that’s Isaac’s room.”

Fan-fucking-tastic.

“Your bags have been brought up, and the movers will be here tomorrow with the rest of your things. I’m sure Mother will have food here shortly, if it’s not already,” Kolson tells me, speaking for the first time and catching me off guard. His voice is deep, deeper than Jace’s, and despite the fact that his face seems neutral, he sounds pissed.

Without another word, he turns away, making his way back down the hall and out of sight, Isaac and Jace right behind him. I should probably follow them. They're more than likely headed to the dining room based on what he just said, and despite their tour being pretty thorough, I don’t have a clue how to get back there.

Even so, I don’t want to follow them, and it’s not just because I’ve had enough of their company to last me a lifetime, though that’s definitely a factor.

No, despite regretting my choice to move in here, I can’t deny I’m excited to see my room.