I catch Dempsey’s gaze through the bathroom mirror, then smile softly to reassure him that I’m okay. That we’re okay.

“He’s all patched up,” I declare as I turn around and throw away the little bits of trash. I take in a sharp breath when I put too much weight on my ankle. Thankfully, the throbbing stopped on the way home, so I know it’s just a sprain. It’s an inconsequential injury compared to the bruised and battered wounds all over Fielding’s body.

“He did try to convince me he needed someone to check the bruising on his balls, so you might want to have him strip and lie down spread eagle for you before you tuck him in,” I quip.

Both sets of eyes go wide: Fielding’s in shocked amusement, and Dempsey’s in outrage.

“Kidding,” I snort.

Fielding shakes his head and grins, but Dempsey’s expression stays sullen. He’s got that stern brunch daddy vibe going on that would be doing naughty things to my lady bits if I didn’t feel so disgusting right now.

“Um, so, I was hoping I could get a shower?” I try, looking between the boys as Fielding smirks and Dempsey still looks huffy.

Dem’s expression softens. “Yes, of course. I’m sorry you had to wait so long.”

He reaches out one arm and grazes the small of my back as I come to stand beside him.

“This girl’s good trouble, Dumpy. We should keep her around.”

I stiffen at the compliment, searching Dempsey’s face to gauge how he’ll react to Fielding’s off-handed comment. He just keeps scowling at his twin before he spits out a warning.

“She’s sleeping in my wing. Stay in your room, brother. I’ll be down to check on you throughout the night.”

His words are a threat intended to put Fielding in his place. I try to offer him a smile, but Dempsey ushers me out of the room before Fielding even looks my way.

Once we’re in the hall, his steps overcome mine, and soon he’s leading me back through the kitchen, then up a set of stairs I hadn’t noticed before.

“You’ll be staying in one of the guest rooms in my part of the house.”

I nod mindlessly, like it isn’t weird at all to live in a house so big each brother has his own wing on a separate floor. “There’s a bathroom next to your room. It’s fully stocked with everything you should need, and I set out clean towels for you.”

As we make our way up the stairs, I have to grip the handrail tighter than normal to lessen the pressure I put on my left foot. When Dempsey reaches the landing, he stops and turns, probably looking at me for the first time since we left Fielding’s bathroom.