Despite what Nicholas had said, by the time Julian came rushing back with an onslaught of guards, Nicholas and I were back in his rooms. Nicholas had gone into the bathroom to shower and change. I sat just outside, a towel in my hands, wiping the blood off of my face.
Julian stayed with me while the guards descended into the open passageway. He took one look at me, shook his head, snatched the towel from my hands, and more forcefully wiped at my forehead.
“There,” he said, and handed the towel back to me.
“Thank you,” I said softly. My hands were trembling. I still felt somewhat in shock.
Julian noticed. He stepped closer. “Piper…”
The bathroom door opened, and Nicholas appeared. He glanced between Julian and me, but didn’t seem jealous this time.
Instead, when he looked back to Juli
