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"Come on," Julia murmured

Lucian had done as he’d proht to her bedroo with a selection of paintbrushes and paint placed on the table beside the chair

This could’ve been the du At least Julia felt that way

Letting go of her breath, she lowered the paintbrush and turned to the open doorway as she heard footsteps approaching the room The moment she saw them, her brain short-circuited a little

Oh my

Lucian was the first to step into the room and not too far behind hi impressions dressed in tailored black suits For a ot who she was as she stared at theood chance sheon if she saw all three of theht about what she’d done last night while thinking of hi they’d shared, about what he said to her as she drank the tea he’dcorin appeared on those sensual lips "I asked you a question"

She blinked "You did?"

Gabe came to stand by Lucian’s side Shoulder to shoulder, they were the exact saht "He asked how things were going?"

"Oh" She glanced at Madeline She was still gazing at the paintbrush Julia held "Things are going slow, but we’re working at it Aren’t we, Madeline?"

Madeline’s finger twitched

Lucian strode across the roo down beside his sister He s for ht We’re getting to a good part--where Harry goes underwater to save his friends And, yeah, I know You have that part ood the tenth tilanced to where Gabe lingered just inside the roo his brother and sister, expression pinched with uncertainty Julia wanted to invite hi, focusing on things that they knew their sister enjoyed

But then Gabe’s gaze found hers He smiled wearily, a curve of the lips that didn’t reach his shadoded eyes

"Behave," Lucian was saying to his sister S back Madeline’s hair, Lucian rose and turned to look down at Julia "How are you feeling?"

"Good," she chirped "My head doesn’t hurt at all"

That was partially true If she bent too quickly, it would start throbbing like it had its own heartbeat, but that was expected for the next couple of days

"I’ering on her lips "And how did you sleep last night? I hope the tea helped"

Heat hs She needed to get a grip "It did"

His sazes locked She felt a little breathless as he held her stare As the seconds ticked by, she had to wonder if he so her luck, probably

Gabe cleared his throat, drawing her attention "We’ll going to be leaving soon Our father’s htened around the paintbrush "That seems quick"

"It is," Lucian replied "Better this way"

Gabe inclined his head "Is there anything you need before we leave?"

"Richard and Livie will be joining us," Lucian added

She gave a little shake of her head even though a fine shiver curled down her spine Being alone in this huge home kind ofcreeped her out "I’m fine"

Lucian looked around the room "You have your phone with you?"

"Yes" Odd question