Chapter 22
DEMI
The harsh slivers of sunlight wash into my room, half-blinding my eyes. Stirring, I block the rays with an arm over my face and groggily sit up on my bed. The room spins slightly with every move I make. Cussing, I pull my knees up and cradle my aching head in my hands. Just then, the blinds on the window come down, blocking off the heat of the sunrays.
I blink severally to adjust my vision. My heart leaps at the sight of one of the quads sitting in my room. How long has he been there watching me. His clothes are very casual and very black. I can't make anything from his bland eyes. Trying to figure out which brother is facing me makes my head want to split in two so I just give up.
"What do you want? I am not in the mood for this."
"Beside you." He jerks his chin towards my bedside drawer. "That should help with the hangover." I hastily drain the contents of the cup and toss my head back on the headboard. A film of sweat coats my forehead, dibbles down my side.
"I hate this feeling."
"And yet you still drink." His tone makes me look up at him. "For someone who claims her life turned on its head after one drunken night, you sure haven't learnt your lesson." A small smile tugs his lips.
"Which brother do I have the privilege of being lectured by this fine morning?"
"Hmm. I thought you were somewhat of an expert by now. Are the clothes too abstract for you?" Before I can frown, he makes a familiar hand signal and relief swells inside me.
"Oh, Ashal, just who I wanted to see." I dab my brows. "I'm sorry about last night. I was so foolish. I thought I wasn't furious about Nicola's visit. I wanted to come find you so we can drink and I can air out my feelings but then I recalled you already had plans. I guzzled a can of beer in here. I must have wandered." My head spins again and I close a hand over my forehead. "I hope I didn't do something crazy."
Ashal chuckles. "Isn't it amazing that you seem to never lose your bearings especially when drunk?" He rises to his feet. "If you're going to have a secret hand signal with Ashal, maybe try not to make it so fucking obvious in public, Branson."