But the words trailed off when he realized that his brother was looking, and he noted something that hadn’t been there before: a darkening expression and a rush of something familiar. Michael stood up and approached them, wrestling with a scowl until only that same stoic expression remained.
“You should get inside. It’s cold here.”
Peachy ignored him.
“Peachy,” Michael growled.
Peachy glowered at him and opened her mouth. But Nico was faster, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her closer.
“I’m here to warm her up if it’s needed.”
She squeaked in bewilderment but managed to keep most of the sound subtle. She sank into his embrace and nodded. “Yes. That’s right. Nico’s here.”
A muscle ticked on Michael’s jaw. More muscles bunched. As much as he enjoyed the discovery and wondered how deep it ran, he knew he was playing with fire and wasn’t in the mood to deal with it when it came out. So, he shrugged.
“But the mansion’s a much better option, I suppose. Or one of the tents. Come on, Peachy.”
Peachy gave him a quizzical look, oblivious to what was happening. But she raced with him to the mansion, dripping wet from the onslaught of rain.
“Hold on. Let me get—”
“Clothes and blankets. Dry yourself up, and I will see about the room.”
Peachy blinked and perused the items in her hand, then the blanket around her shoulders. Nico stared at Michael.
“I don’t mind staying in the living room,” she announced.
“Okay.”
Just like that, Michael had already turned and situated himself on one of the couches. Peachy went to the biggest couch, plopping down.
“You don’t have to stay with me.”
In response, Michael folded his arms and got comfortable.
It was a fascinating sight—fascinating enough that as soon as Nico had finished checking his room, he was back in the living room and leaning against the doorway. Peachy, freshly showered, dried her hair with a towel and scowled on the floor. Michael had his back turned to her, determinedly looking away. Whatever had happened while Nico had gone wrought a tension in the room so thick that it could be cut with a knife. He cleared his throat.
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes,” Peachy chirped too quickly.
“Fine,” Michael grumbled at the same time.
Nico bit back a grin. Feeling reckless, he dropped his tone.
“You can take my room, Peachy, if it makes you more comfortable—”
“She wants to stay here,” Michael cut in, baring his teeth. The frosty look after was more than enough to have Nico holding his hands up.
“Okay. Goodnight, then.”
“You can stay,” Peachy said.
And risk his brother’s temper even more?
A part of him wanted to say yes and watch things unravel, but self-preservation had him shaking his head.
“No, thanks. I will keep some guards company.”