At that, Quill’s hand slips under the hem of my sweater and shirt, but he doesn’t go further than my stomach. “Josh is going to have to get used to this, because I have three years ofnotfucking you to make up for.”
I can’t help but squirm in his lap. His words excite me, but the prospect of our stay in Oregon excites me too, though not in the same way. The last time I took a vacation was before fifth grade, back in California. My parents couldn’t afford to once we movedback to Astley. The thought of staying in this house surrounded by nature, and being there with Quill and my friend, no matter how awkward it may be between them… it’s like a breath of fresh air. The first happy thing that’s happened to me since I found my parents dead. No, even before that.
“So how long are we going to be stuck in fucking Oregon?” Quill grumbles.
I glance up at him, worried that unlike me, he hates being here. I can’t really tell from his expression. “I don’t know,” I admit. “Logan left us a burner phone, but he said he probably wouldn’t call, it’s just in case. He’s going to return as soon as he can.”
“Right. After he saves Seraphina. How long is that going to take?”
I shrug. “Not sure. He didn’t sound too hopeful that she was still alive.”
“That’s annoying,” he mutters, and I’m forcibly reminded of what a psychopath he is. How little he cares about anyone, except me. But I guess I’m just as crazy as him, because as long as he cares about me, the rest doesn’t matter.
“But it’ll give us time to be together,” I insist. “We can relax and just enjoy ourselves.”
“I’m going to be enjoying you, alright.”
This time I roll my eyes instead of blushing, having gotten used to the fact that this is apparently going to be his thing from now on: making innuendos in front of Josh just to keep him looking uncomfortable.
“Fine,” concedes Quill at last. “I guess it won’t be so bad. But I’ve never hidden before. I’m not a fucking coward.” His hold tightens around me, and I tense as he accidentally presses down on some of my bruises. Noticing my reaction, he loosens his arms at once, and buries his face in my hair. “I’d do a lot more than that for you, though, cricket.”
I sigh happily against him.
“I’m hungry,” he says abruptly. “What are you making us for lunch, Quill? Or is it dinner?”
“Quill!” I protest. “Josh isn’t going to be waiting on you. I’ll cook something. What do you want?”
I get off his lap, but he pulls me right back to him as he stands up. “No. I know all about those science experiments you call cooking. I’ll do it. But come with me. Not letting you out of my sight again.”
He takes my hand in his, and I follow him happily toward the house. As we pass Josh, he lashes out, “Well, what are you standing there for, weirdo?”
“Uh… uhm… I wasn’t sure if you wanted me to go, or—”
“Don’t pay him any attention, Josh,” I try to reassure him. “Quill just loves acting like a psycho, but the truth is—ow, okay, okay, I’m coming!”
Quill has just smacked my ass to make me hurry, and I scurry along after him, grinning apologetically to Josh.
_
“What are you in the mood for, cricket?”
After opening all the cupboards, Quill is now staring in the fridge. I know this place is small for him, but I’m not used to such a nice, big kitchen. And I know what Quill probably thinks of this kind of decor, but my vintage Nancy Drew-loving heart is definitely appreciative of all the old-fashioned furniture, the cute ruffled curtains on the windows, the light yellow paint on the kitchen walls that makes for a nice change from the bare timber in the rest of the house. I can imagine I’m in one of those vacation resorts Nancy Drew used to go to, where she’d inevitably come across some new mystery. Hopefully there areno mysteries lurking around here though, because I’m about all mystery-ed out.
“Whateveryou’rein the mood for,” I answer him. “You’re the hungry one.”
I’m sitting on the counter he lifted me up on, as if he’s worried otherwise I’ll run off. But I’m very happy to just sit and watch. He looks a bit out of place in the cheerful kitchen with the scar glowing on his face, the tattoos fully visible on his chest and arms, still wearing only his boxers. I’m certainly not about to complain about him walking around half-naked, though.
His biceps flexed when he opened the fridge door, and I’d definitely prefer something that he wouldn’t find in that fridge anyway.
“I’ve never known you tonotbe hungry,” declares Quill.
“Fine. Steak.”
I guess Iamhungry after all, because my mouth waters when he takes out three thick steaks then grabs a frying pan from the cupboard.
“Might as well make some for Josh too,” he shrugs, sounding annoyed at his own thoughtfulness. “But he’s not eating with us.”
“Quill! That’s not nice. He saved us. We’re the reason he’s in this situation to begin with. Don’t leave him out.”