The Plan

The smell of freshly cooked breakfast filled the penthouse as Riley hummed softly, dancing around the kitchen while flipping pancakes. Despite the storm brewing in their lives, she moved gracefully, as if the world wasn't falling apart.

She twirled to the side, tapping her fingers against the counter, before peeking over her shoulder.

One by one, the boys emerged from their rooms.

Alexander.

Liam.

Marcus.

Damien.

All of them looked like hell.

Their eyes were shadowed, dark circles marking their exhaustion. It was obvious that none of them had gotten any proper sleep. The weight of everything—the revelations, the uncertainty, the memories—had kept them awake.

Riley simply shook her head. "Good morning, dead men walking."

No one responded.

They simply sat at the dining table, staring blankly at their plates.

She rolled her eyes and placed the food in front of them. "Eat before you collapse."