Page 68 of Infernal Secrets

I knew he was smiling. His challenge carried a teasing edge. Strange to understand that when I barely knew him.

The cocoon beneath me vibrated with a low growl too close to my ear, and I drew in a sharp breath, rousing.

“You scared her, Cyn,” Zeke said, and fingers brushed my forehead again.

I opened my eyes, then immediately shut them and buried my face in my soft pillow as bright light assaulted my eyes. “Turn it off,” I groaned. “Sleep.”

“Let’s get you inside and fed, then you can go to bed,” Ash said.

“Don’t wanna,” I mumbled, sleep dragging me down again.

Zeke sounded amused when he asked, “Why not?”

“Comfortable.” I breathed in the pleasant scent and relaxed, starting to doze again. “Smells… good.”

“I’m not sitting out here all night.”

My body stiffened when the sharpness in Cyn’s voice pierced my sleepy haze.

I blinked a few times as my eyes adjusted to the dim interior light of Maya’s car. “What’s going on?”

Zeke leaned in through the open door. “We’re home.”

“Oh,” I muttered. I knew that. As my mind cleared, I realized I wasn’t in a cocoon or on a pillow. I slowly craned my neck, looking up into hooded amber eyes. “Um.” I looked down at my hand twisted in Cyn’s dress shirt, wrinkling the fabric.

“Are you going to move? I want to go inside. I’m hungry.”

His words sounded casual, edged with his usual harshness. But his fingers flexed on both my back and hip, holding me firmly. The proprietary hold contradicted his words.

“I’m sorry I fell asleep on you,” I mumbled, pulling from his embrace and sitting up. I rubbed my bleary eyes, grateful for waterproof mascara. “I didn’t mean to.”

Cyn said nothing, just watched as I slid out of the car. Zeke took my hand and helped me to my feet.

Ash rounded the car and put his arm around my shoulder, guiding me to the front door where Ezra waited with my keys to let us in.

“Rae?”

I tensed, glancing over at Mr. Stevenson peeking through the gap in his door. “Evening, Mr. Stevenson.”

I’d seen my neighbors a few times since the guys arrived, but they’d managed to avoid each other. I wondered how it looked for me to enter my house with four men, one with his arm around my shoulder.

“How’d everything go?”

“Go?”

“Bonnie’s funeral.” He stepped aside when Max whined to get outside. “It was today, right?” He looked down at my black dress and at the guys dressed in slacks and dress shirts.

“Yes, sir.” I crouched, running my hands through Max’s fluff. “Hey Max buddy.” He licked my face, probably tasting the salt on my cheeks. I looked back up at Mr. Stevenson, who watched the guys with suspicion, his thick salt-and-pepper mustache hiding his lips as he pressed them together. “These are my cousins from out of town,” I said, standing.

I’d thought of the excuse after I’d agreed to let them stay two weeks ago. Grandma died, so it made sense that family from out of town might visit. Even though I didn’t want to lie, it sounded better than four strange men.

“Cousins,” he said, tone flat as he eyed Ash.

“Well, not all of us,” Ash said without missing a beat, stepping forward and looping an arm around my waist. “I’m her boyfriend. I’m sorry I haven’t had a chance to introduce myself with everything going on. I’ve been staying with her since Bonnie passed, so she wasn’t alone.” He held his hand out. “Ash Cyriac. Pleasure to meet you, sir.”

I looked up at him in surprise.

Mr. Stevenson took his hand, pleased with his manners. “No need for apologies, young man. I’m sure you’ve both been preoccupied with Bonnie and family.” He looked at the other three guys. At least Cyn and Ezra resembled each other—they were actual cousins.