There is really nothing amusing about this, but I still let out a bout of laughter. “I fucking hate that we’re twins,” I say, erasing the message. “Stop talking to me.” I hit my temple with my phone, achieving nothing more than pain. “You’re making me feel crazy.”

You don’t need me for that, brother.

I growl and stand, stalking out of the kitchen. I’m halted in my tracks by Ava’s bags by the door. Her phone is goading me. I grab it without thought and scroll through her contacts, heading straight for V.

Van Der Haus’s details greet me and, on an epic snarl, I quickly copy his number to my mobile. I’m covering my bases. Making sure I can speak to him if I need to, and something tells me I will need to. Then I change Ava’s ringtone and toss it back in her bag. The foil of her pill packet catches the light.

It sparkles.

Dares me.

Jesus, someone hold me back.

I reach forward and grab the pills, going to the sink in the kitchen and popping each one out as I run the tap, washing them away. And I watch as they disappear down the plug hole, my hands braced on the edge of the counter.

So you steal her contraceptive pills?

“Fuck off,” I grunt, turning away and heading back upstairs. I need to run.

I need Ava.

I pull on my shorts, sitting on the chaise across the room to tie the laces of my trainers.

“What are you doing?” Her sleepy voice replaces the void in my stomach with relief. She’s awake. It’s a new day. A day for me to finally sort out my shit.

She loves me. That’s my lifeline.

I peek up, finding her blinking her sleepy eyes, her arms stretching high over her head. “I’m going for a run.” I finish tying my laces and stand. Her eyes are wide open now, and looking rather appreciative.

My gaze drops to her chest. “I’m quite enjoying the view too.”

“What time is it?”

“Five.”

Her face falls, and then her body, back to the mattress. She covers herself with the sheets, and I smile as I pace to the bed, whipping them back off and getting my face up in hers. Her pout is adorable as she slides her arms around my neck, applying force, trying to drag me down.

I have her on her feet quickly. “You’re coming.” I flip the cups of her bra back into place before I change my mind. “Come on.”