us girls could have some time together.”
Nycto groans. “Don’t give her any ideas. Eva’s aware this is a process. It’s all about trust.”
“He doesn’t trust me. Though, I am beginning to gather you guys are all pretty amazing around here,” I add.
Trixie rolls her shoulders. “Damn straight, we are.” She turns to face me. “Eva, I know you wanna go find Ivy, but the more you fight, the harder life here will be. You need to trust the Prez is trying to do the right thing by you.”
Nycto stiffens beside me.
“I know. It’s a tough situation to be in.”
Nycto clears his throat. “When’s lunch ready, Trix?” He abruptly changes the subject.
“Just have to deep fry everything, then we should be good to go.”
“Well, hurry it up and make sure there’s enough for Eva,” Nycto gruffs out, gripping his hand on mine, then turns us to exit the kitchen.
His change in mood is a little strange as we walk out. I try to wave with my glass in my hand which is difficult, but the girls just smile and continue cooking.
As we leave, I lean into him. “That was rude.”
He glares at me. “Don’t start your shit with me, Eva, people will hear.”
“Then let them hear. What’s going on with you?”
He grunts, effectively ignoring me as he walks us over to the sofa behind the pool table. A couple of the brothers are playing pool as he gestures for us to sit on the sofa, and we drop at the same time. Being cuffed makes moving more of a joint effort. He slides closer to me, so our bodies are completely aligned, and he pulls my hand over to rest on his thigh.
Swallowing a nervous lump in my throat, I bring my drink to my lips, slowly sucking through the straw.
I begin to people watch, simply loving that I’m out in the open and have something to occupy my mind. I need to enjoy this time because I don’t know how long it will be for, or when I will get this luxury again. I don’t even care I am not talking to people. The fact I’m not alone, confined to a room, is giving me a euphoric feeling.
So, for now, I’m going to sit next to Nycto and enjoy his company.
Even if he is being a bastard.
Chapter Fifteen
NYCTO
Eva adjusted well. So well, I almost thought about taking off the cuffs.
Almost.
Eva chatted with my brothers. She fits in here so fucking well it makes me a little nervous because I see her here as part of the furniture. Problem is, the longer I hide Ivy from her, the quicker she will turn on me. All the hard work I’m doing getting her to trust me will be for nothing.
Every time I start having a good time with her, I’m reminded of the secret I’m hiding.
It’s why I clammed up in the kitchen. This whole situation makes me nervous for causing Eva so much concern for Ivy when I know she’s perfectly fine. In one single second, I could take Eva’s pain away, but in doing so, it could turn her against me in a flash, but I have to let it go, or Eva will know something’s up. So, I’ve picked myself up, and will let Eva enjoy her night without me being a moody bastard.
Walking Eva back to my room, I know she’s tired. It must be close to three in the morning. Normally, this is my awake time, but she’s crashing hard, so I need to let her rest. Opening the door to my room, I walk us in as she lets out a yawn.
“That was fun.”
I grab the key from my pocket, undoing the cuffs. Eva watches my every move. The cuff breaks free from my wrist, then I take it from hers. My fingers slide around her wrist rubbing it to ease any tension the restraints may have caused. Her eyes meet mine, the spark, that adrenaline rushes through me again. Just like every time our eyes meet this way.
We stand, staring at each other, my hand caressing her smooth skin as her breathing hitches. A knot forms in my stomach, tightening. I don’t get nervous when it comes to women, but Eva has a way of shaking my world to its very core. I don’t know what it is about this woman, but she has the power to rattle me. It’s unnerving.
Her tongue darts out, licking her bottom lip. I wish I were that lip. My