Page 342 of Ruthless Court

“That gets old,” Eli says.

Noah nods. “Bookworm doesn’t.”

Kane kicks the door shut behind us.

“She’s staying.”

The room goes silent again.

I turn toward him.

“You said that like you’re announcing a trade.”

Every face swings toward the overnight bag.

Then me.

Then Kane.

Noah’s eyebrows climb.

“Staying?”

“Sleeping,” I say.

Eli grins.

“Important distinction?”

“Extremely.”

Jalen lifts both hands.

“We respect distinctions.”

“Smart.”

Noah shifts on the couch.

“You're just in time. Movie night.”

I look toward the television.

“Great. What are we watching?”

Kane turns toward me.

I ignore him.

There’s an open space between Noah and Eli.

I walk straight over.

Sit.

Settle back.

Both men glance at each other over my head.