The Arrangement

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Blair

It feels like there's a little marching band having a full on parade in my head, even cracking my eyes open is horrendously painful.

I may have gone a little too far with the whiskey. I groan softly, regretting every drop of whiskey I consumed last night. At the time, it seemed like a brilliant idea, but now, in the cold light of morning, it's clear it was anything but.

As my senses gradually sharpen, I become acutely aware of my unfamiliar surroundings. This is not the room where I've been staying. The realization dawns slowly, like a fog lifting. I sit up gingerly, taking in the room's details. The elegant desk opposite the bed, cluttered with stacks of documents, the heavy curtains drawn tightly against the morning light. It dawns on me: I am in Carter's room, the one space in this house I have yet to explore. A wave of confusion sweeps over me, mingling with the residual haze of alcohol.

I don't know why but a sudden surge of panic hits me and I quickly check myself, letting out a relieved sigh when I realise I'm still fully dressed and don't feel like I've had sex.

It's not that I think Carter would take advantage of me in that way, or any of them for that matter. I guess it's more of just an instant reaction to waking up somewhere strange.

I don't remember a great deal other than sitting in his study drinking way more than by body could handle. But the fact he left me in here doesn't make any sense at all when he could have just taken me to my own room.

A few possibilities flit through my mind. Perhaps Carter found it more practical to leave me here if I was too inebriated to make it back to my room. Maybe he wanted to keep an eye on me, ensuring I was safe throughout the night. The thought is comforting, yet it stirs something else within me.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, the cool floor grounding me as I stand. My head protests the movement, but Ii force myself to keep going. I need coffee and food, lots of food.

The place is quiet as I make my way through it, until I come down the stairs and hear voices coming from the kitchen. They're hushed, clearly engrossed in whatever conversation they're having. As I step in slight I see them all sitting round the kitchen island, Henley and Lennox with their backs to me whereas Ashton and Carter are facing me. Actually sitting next to each other.

I'm a little taken back to find them all actually sat around talking to each other. I think it's the first time since we've all been here.

Their hushed conversation comes to a halt as Carter silences them the moment he spots me.

"Good morning, how are you feeling?" He asks causing everyone to look at me.

With how fragile I feel right now it makes me feel like I have a massive spotlight on me and I can't help but shift from one foot to the other.

"I'd feel a lot better if you weren't all staring at me like that" I admit my voice rising an octave as I speak. I try to muster a smile, but it feels more like a grimace.

Standing Henley heads over to the fridge and pulls out a bottle of water, even as he brings it towards me the others still sit there with their gazes on me.

"But I want the coffee" I groan in protest even though I uncap the water and down the majority of it before I even reach the island where they're all sitting. It's cold and refreshing, but it doesn't quite hit the spot like that first sip of coffee would.

"Maybe hydrate a little first yeah?" Henley chuckles.

"And eat" Carter then says pushing a muffin in my direction his brow slightly raised as if he's sizing me up for a battle.