He nods, seeming to think of something before he steps forward and holds his hand out. “I’m Eli.”
“Nice to meet you, Eli,” I say, confused by the offer of his hand. I go to place mine in his but he pulls it away and swipes it through his hair, his eyes lighting up with laughter.
I can’t help the chuckle that bubbles up and slips free.
“I taught him that,” Evan whispers, and when I look back up at him, I see how proud he is of that fact.
His lips quirk up into a smirk as he holds his hand up for a high five to Eli. The grin on my face spreads wider at seeing him acting so carefree. After what he’s just told me, I wasn’t sure if it was a good idea to be here around the people who he’s made his family. But I can see now that it’s exactly where he needs to be.
“I’m guessing you’re Evan’s girlfriend.” Eli raises a brow.
“I—”
“She is,” Evan answers, snaking his arm around my waist and squeezing gently.
“Would you like a drink, Lexi?” Kay asks, wiping her hands on the towel that is hanging over her shoulder.
“Water, please.”
I smile softly before she nods and spins around shouting over her shoulder, “Make yourself at home!”
I nod even though she can’t see me and then turn my gaze back toward Eli who is watching me—studying me.
“There’s one important question before you come any farther inside.” I swallow at his serious tone—how old is this kid? Like seven?
“O-okay.” I shuffle on the spot.
“Which superhero are you?”
“Which-what?” I frown, my gaze snapping back to Evan but all he does is smile encouragingly before Ty calls him. He plants a kiss on my temple, wandering off and leaving me alone in this intense interrogation.
He huffs, planting his hands on his hips as he shakes his head. “Which superhero are you going to be?”
“I-I’m not—”
“Eli! Come on, it’s about to start,” I hear Luke call, and when I spin around, I see him sitting on the sofa, the TV on pause as he stares at us. “Come sit,” he says, his ice-blue eyes focused on mine.
The first time I met Luke, I was sure that he was a broody asshole who hated me, but every time after that, I realize that it’s a front of sorts. I see the pain masked in his eyes all of the time, and although he tries to act relaxed right now, I can see his eyes dipping to the screen of his cell that sits on his thigh and the way his muscles tense when it vibrates.
Eli steps forward, grabbing my hand and pulling me over to the large sofa that takes up most of the space in the room before sitting down next to Luke and patting the spot next to him.
I feel so out of my element it’s unreal, but I can’t see or hear Evan or anyone else right now and I don’t want to go wandering around someone else’s house looking for him. I have no choice but to sit down and watch whatever it is they’re going to watch.
“So,” Luke starts. “Which superhero are you?”
“I—”
“I’m Captain America,” Eli says, his gaze clashing with mine. “I used to love Spiderman, but Captain America is sooo much cooler.” I nod, listening intently. “Uncle Luke is Thor… because he has blond hair and is huge!” I chuckle at his analysis before he places his finger on his chin, tapping away as he stares at me. “I think you’d be Scarlet Witch.”
I’m lost, so lost that I feel like I just entered another universe and they’re talking a completely different language.
“I can see that,” Luke says, nodding his head before he presses a button on the remote.
“But…” I bite my bottom lip when Luke snaps his head to mine and pauses the TV, his gaze batting back and forth between us. “Who is she?”
“Okay.” Eli huffs before standing up and turning around as he stares between Luke and me and holds his hands out in front of him. “Scarlet Witch is Magneto’s daughter—”
“Who?” I ask, getting more confused by the second but deciding to lean back on the sofa to get comfortable.