𝐕𝐈𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐂 ❶

𝟒𝟗. ✭ 𝐃𝐀𝐍𝐈 ✭

I scan my keycard before opening the door, feeling the sweat dripping down my back from the long session I'd just had with Luke and Malyssa. They taught me how to throw knives and I was actually becoming quite decent at it. I've always been quick to pick up on anything academic but all of these physical activities were taking me some time to get the hang of.

Upon entering I see Brooks standing there staring at something in his hand and then looking off into the hallway; the one leading to Torey's room. I'd been hesitant to leave the two of them alone but Brooks was still recovering, he's almost fully now, albeit the discoloration of his skin still looks quite brutal. Torey, well, he just wanted to brood.

I think we all had known exactly how well Torey would fare having to basically live with Brooks and I. I caught the glances he'd give the two of us when we'd be playful with each other, he was jealous. We'd never had that; Torey and I. We had never been able to be with one another other than in a sexual manner. I knew it pained him to see the different dynamic between Brooks and I.

"Brooks?" He looks over to me as he pockets something in his pants. "You alright?" Because he doesn't really look it.

"Yeah, I'm good. I was just about to make dinner, actually."

"Ugh, yes." I stretch out my aching arms. "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

"Well, luckily you won't have to stoop to that. I'm making steak au poivre with roasted potatoes and asparagus." My stomach automatically growls as he makes his way over to the kitchen and washes up. He grabs the ingredients out of the fridge with that look on his face, the one he gets every time before he cooks; so focused and serious.

"Alright, well I'll let you get to it. I'm going to grab a shower." He nods his head at me, seemingly lost in thought which has me pausing. "Seriously, is everything all good, Brooks?"

"Why wouldn't it be?" His tone was monotonous, eyes on the ingredients as he sorts them.

"I don't know?" I assess him a little bit more. Yeah, there's definitely something off. "Did something happen with Torey while I was gone?"

He shrugs with, "no, not really. Go take your shower. Dinner should be close to done when you're out. I know how hungry you get after a long workout." I gnaw the inside of my cheek, wanting to push the topic further but it's clear he doesn't want to talk about whatever is under his skin.

I push myself up the stairs to the loft bedroom that belongs to Brooks and I. It looks down on the rest of the apartment-style suite which meant Brooks and I had to be extra quiet when we fooled around, which we'd only done one time out of respect for Torey because we didn't know if he could hear us or not. After already walking in on us I didn't think it would be right for him having to hear us as well.

I toss my gym bag on the floor then strip out of my clothes before heading into the shower. I make quick work of washing myself off, scrubbing my body down thoroughly. When I get out I use the lotion that the hotel provided to hydrate my skin, make quick work of braiding my hair, then put on some comfortable clothes.

I hum to myself as I head back down the stairs, my nostrils filled with the delicious aroma of Brooks' cooking. My stomach growls angrily again so I give it a reassuring pat knowing a yummy meal is on its' way. The man was an amazing cook, like five-star restaurant amazing. He told me it was from years of helping his grandma in the kitchen. But I doubt the dishes he made these days were something his grandma was whipping up on the daily. There's no way. 

As I reach the bottom step I'm about to call out how amazing everything smells when I eye Brooks and Torey in the kitchen, specifically Torey in just a towel, standing behind Brooks. He's close to Brooks, too close for just casual conversation. In fact, Torey has stood behind me in much the same fashion when he wanted naughty things from me.