Beneath

32 FISTS FLYING FOR FAMILY

NOAH

Faro's intense eyes are on my girlfriend, unsurprisingly unreadable. I don't like it.

I tug Cam closer to my side, but she doesn't notice. Her eyes are locked on Faro like she's seeing a ghost.

"Faro," I say, trying to keep my voice steady. "Heard you'd be here."

He shifts his gaze to me, then looks back at Camila, then at the dying fern plant in the corner.

Fox mumbles, "Adam was arrested for a DUI. He just got out on bail. Please try to withhold your shock." His tone is empty. This is still about what Jed said. Jellybean.

The tension in the room is thick enough to choke on.

Maddie jumps up from the couch, a bright smile plastered across her face. "Babes, come sit with me."

Cam's eyes glaze over, her body stiff.

I raise a hand.

Maddie halts, staring at it.

"Leave her alone, Maddie," Fox sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh. Okay. I'm sorry." She bites her lip and shuffles away, sitting down with Fox again. He's staring at his hands like there's something wrong inside them.

"How was work, babes?" Maddie asks. Cam's eyes start to water.

"Stop," I snap at the blonde. "She's tired. Just stop the fake fucking bullshit."

"Don't talk to her like that," Fox says between his teeth.

Maddie looks stunned, her eyes darting between us. "I'm just trying to—"

"She's fucking exhausted, Maddie. Can't you see that?"

"What's your problem, Noah?" Fox snaps. "Take a step back and realize you're not the center of the universe."

"Tell that your self-centered girlfriend," I say, and then Faro finally decides to speak.

"Enough."

It's just one word, but it's authority that demands attention.

Faro drops a folder on Fox's lap with a nod, then walks toward the front door, grabbing a black jacket along the way. I watch him leave, the door closing behind him.

"Bye, Faro!" Maddie calls, pouting.

Fox stands up, the folder clutched in his hand. "I'm going to bed."

Maddie watches him go, a worried frown on her face. "Night," she says softly, more to herself than to anyone else.

Camila looks up at me, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I just want to sleep."

"Okay," I say softly, pressing a kiss to the top of her head. I guide her to the stairs.

Up we go into the warmth of the loft.

Camila shuffles across the carpet, kicks off her shoes, and crawls under my duvet. She curls into a ball with her brows together.

I make quick work of getting ready for bed, stripping down to my boxers. With mint on my tongue and a clean face, I slip into bed with her. My arm goes around her, and she turns around to snuggle closer, her head resting on my chest. My tired girl.

Sleep doesn't come easily, not tonight.

Too many secrets are hovering in the room with us.

.....

The next morning is grey. Bright, cold grey.

After a shower, I head downstairs with damp hair, leaving Camila to sleep as long as she can.