Chapter Seventeen
The next morning, I woke up sore. Lucas had been right. Leaving in the middle of the night would’ve been dumb, but now I was ready. The clock on my bedside table told me it was just after five in the morning.
After I settled down, Lucas had gotten me some food, and then tucked me into bed and left. Exhaustion—emotional, physical, and magical—hit me like a ton of bricks. I’d barely managed to brush my teeth before climbing under the covers. I’d been so worn out that I hadn’t even put on pajamas—I’d just slept in a pair of underwear and my white camisole.
I stretched in bed, and sure, I was achy and the knot on my head was tender, but I’d live. Now, I needed to make sure that my twin did.
I sent a quick text to Adrian confirming that everything was okay. He texted me back with a hotel address and the news that Raphael was still alive. Shane and Beth had done another healing chant, and he was hanging on.
I let myself relax, just a little. My brother was alive. The clock hadn’t run out yet. Now I needed to get packed before Lucas showed up. We might not have time to come back to the hotel before we had to leave for San Jose.
I was trying to shove everything into my backpack when I heard the knock. I closed the distance and swung open the door without thinking twice about it.
“Good morn—” His voice cut off as his gaze slowly slid down my body.
I glanced down and promptly slammed the door in his face.
Holy moly. I was still in my underwear and camisole. He’d probably seen my nipples through my shirt.
I pressed my hands to my heating face. I’d never been so embarrassed in my life.
“Don’t be embarrassed,” Lucas said through the door. “I liked the view.”
My cheeks went from burning to totally on fire. “That’s not helping.” I raced across the room to find my pants from yesterday. I slipped them on, then grabbed a bra and fresh T-shirt. When I was presentable, I opened the door again. “Sorry. I was trying to get everything to fit in my backpack and I…” I took a breath and let it out slowly, before starting again. This time with less rambling. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t paying attention.”
I motioned him into the room as I quickly braided my hair. I was sure if I looked in the mirror I would’ve been doubly embarrassed. Messy hair and no clothes. Way to start the day off right, Claudia. At least he seemed to not be bothered by it.