Freak In You (18+)

21 | Worse

♱Recommended song: THE NEWS By PARTYNEXTDOOR♱

I stared down at my phone, hating how easily the smile grew on my lip at the text.

N: I miss you.

It made my chest feel entirely warm, knowing it was also her way of checking in with me—letting me know she was alive and active as she had claimed to do yesterday after the note incident.

And even though she said she'd text me, I didn't actually consider the fact that she genuinely would, especially every couple of hours to soothe my worries.

"You know it's creepy when you smile at your phone like that?"

My eyes automatically darted up to Vincent, feeling my smile grow at just his mere presence.

I've surprisingly missed him.

"You know it's creepy when you just pop out of nowhere?" I retorted as Vincent sat down with his pancakes, clearly having a late breakfast.

Vincent rolled his eyes, "But not as creepy as you."

I couldn't help but laugh, feeling entirely careless due to how warm the text from Noa made me feel.

Vincent tilted his head, scrunching up his nose as he said, "That's weird—stop being weird."

I felt my smile grow, "Weird how?"

Vincent drizzled his pancakes with syrup, "Weird like you're being too happy and way too nice."

I shrugged, "Maybe you're just the best brother ever," I said, purposefully being nicer to him.

Vincent began looking around skeptically, clearly growing paranoid about something.

"What is it?" I asked, assuming it was connected to the war.

Vincent shook his head, "Nothing, just making sure you aren't about to kill me—are these pancakes poisoned?"

I couldn't help but let out another laugh, "You really are something, you know that?"

Vincent only wiggled his brows, "I get that a lot," he said, which easily earned an eye roll from me.

As a brief silence settled over us, I found myself reflecting back to Noa—knowing that Vincent was truly the only one to know her so well.

If there was any information on why Noa was so on edge over this current war—he'd without a doubt know why.

"So..." I trailed off, confused about how I would begin the topic.

Especially without raising any suspicions.

So far it seemed like any of the men that worked for Noa were not saying one word about our entire situation to Vincent.

There's no way she hasn't put the word out to force everyone to mind their business, especially knowing that I didn't want Vincent to know.

But suddenly that desire felt unrealistic?

No-no, we're still just messing around—no strings attached is my mantra, and I'll fight for that.