Rehab for SuperVillains (18+)-Chapter 149: coincidence?

"Kael?" Rhea’s voice cut through the clink of dishes at the dining table, her amber eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, Rhea?" Kael looked up from his plate, his hazel eyes meeting hers, sensing the edge in her tone.

"Why is she here?" Rhea asked, her gaze flicking to Lila, who sat quietly at the table, her black curly hair tucked behind her glasses.

Rhea’s arms crossed, her hostility toward the Haunter Twins simmering, her decision not to speak to them directly clear in her pointed question to Kael.

Kael leaned back, his expression calm but firm. "We need to make it look like we brought both sisters to the Haven, not just Tila. It keeps things balanced, shows we’re not targeting her alone. Lila’s staying in the fourth room next to Tila’s, starting today."

Freya ate her lunch in silence, her blue eyes focused on her plate, her platinum-cyan hair catching the light.

Her sapphire necklace glinted faintly under her cyan t-shirt, but she offered no comment, her reserved self keeping her thoughts guarded.

Lila felt the tension in the air, Rhea’s glare and Freya’s silence pressing against her.

She sat closer to Kael, his presence a small comfort, though her mind churned with unease.

Tila was in the Haven now, surrounded by Rhea and Freya—former villains with no love for her sister.

Lila had insisted on staying to ensure Tila’s safety, convincing Kael to let her join, but only after agreeing to his condition: a power-suppressing collar around her neck at all times.

The cold metal rested against her bare neck, a constant reminder of her vulnerability, but she bore it to protect her twin.

"Kael, why not give Lila my room?" Freya spoke up, her voice measured, breaking her silence. "That way, the fourth room stays for actual clients and not for dummies."

Kael paused, his fork halfway to his mouth, his hazel eyes meeting Freya’s suggestive gaze. "Then where would you stay? You plan on leaving or what?"

Freya’s lips curved into a mischievous smile, her blue eyes glinting. "I could move in with you. I only use my room for showers, and my only luggage are my clothes. They’re usually piled up by your bed anyway. What do you say?"

Kael went silent, his grin fading, caught off guard by the boldness.

Rhea’s amber eyes flashed, her competitive streak flaring. "Hold up, if anyone’s moving into Kael’s room, it’s me!" she said, leaning forward. "Lila can take my room—it’s bigger than Freya’s, and way better."

Freya’s eyebrow arched, her tone dry. "They’re the same size, Rhea. And mine’s clean. Yours? Total pigsty."

"Pigsty?" Rhea shot back, her voice rising, a smirk tugging at her lips. "If by pigsty you mean a place which looks like someone is living and not dead."

Lila listened, overwhelmed, her glasses slipping slightly as she glanced between them.

Rhea, who refused to acknowledge her directly, and Freya, who barely seemed to notice her existence till now, were now arguing over giving her their rooms.

And the revelation that both were sleeping with Kael made her head spin.

What’s going on here? she thought, her cheeks flushing.

Was it just a coincidence that both the ex-villains Kael rehabilitated ended up in his bed.

It is a coincidence right?

Kael raised his hands, his voice firm. "Alright, stop it, both of you. No one’s moving into my room. I need my space, personal space. If you’re feeling so generous, one of you can give Lila your room and share with the other. You’re friends, right? No problem bunking together. I’ll toss in an extra cot, easy."

Freya and Rhea exchanged a look, their expressions shifting from competitive to incredulous. "I need my privacy too," Freya said, her tone flat, her blue eyes narrowing.

"Yeah, no way I’m sharing with her," Rhea added, jerking her thumb at Freya, her amber eyes glinting. "I don’t want her cold legs touching me in sleep."

The topic died there, the air settling into an awkward silence.

Kael exhaled quietly, relief washing over him as the argument fizzled out.

He noticed Lila had finished her lunch, her plate empty, her hands fidgeting nervously.

"Lila," he said, his voice softer, "It’s time for Tila to wake up. So you should better go to your room. If you need anything, knock on your door four times in a row, and I’ll come."

Lila nodded, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Thank you, Kael." She hesitated, then reached into the sleeve of her loose gown, pulling out a thick wad of cash from the shadows within.

"Here," she said, handing it to him, her glasses reflecting the table’s light.

Kael’s eyes widened slightly, but he took the money with a nod.

Normally, he wouldn’t accept payment before rehab began, relying on superhero missions to fund the Haven.

But Lila’s case was different—she was a real client, also, staying to watch over Tila, not for rehab.

The cash was rent, plain and simple, and he accepted it without hesitation. Plus, the charges for getting Tila.

Rhea and Freya stared, their mouths slightly open, surprise etched on their faces.

They waited until Kael escorted Lila to her room, the lock clicking behind her, before pouncing.

"Why’d you take her money?" Rhea demanded, her amber eyes blazing, hands on her hips. "You never took ours!"

"Yeah," Freya added, her blue eyes sharp, arms crossed. "What’s the deal, Kael? You playing favorites?"

Kael raised his hands, his grin disarming.

"Cool it, both of you. It’s not what you think. Lila’s paying rent for her room since she’s not here for rehab. She’s just staying, no program, no nothing. That’s all."

They glanced at the closed door, then back at Kael, their suspicion lingering but softening.

They hadn’t seen how thick the wad was, so they let it drop, though Rhea’s scowl and Freya’s raised eyebrow promised they’d revisit it later.

Kael leaned against the table, his hazel eyes scanning them. "So, what’s the plan for the rest of the day? Tomorrow, we start superhero work, so today’s your last free day for a bit."

They exchanged a look, pondering. Rhea shrugged, her crimson hair bouncing. "Dunno. Maybe chill?"

Kael’s grin returned, an idea sparking. "Why don’t you and Freya go along with Lila to the massage parlor? Get a massage, relax, recharge for tomorrow. You’ll feel great."

Rhea’s nose wrinkled, her amber eyes flashing. "No way. I don’t want strangers touching me. Creeps me out."

Freya’s lips curved into a sly smile, her blue eyes locking onto Kael. "I’d rather get a massage from you, Kael. You’re the expert, right?"

Kael chuckled, shaking his head. "Tempting, but I’ve got work to do—REAPER stuff, team logistics. Gotta handle it today. You two can hang out, watch TV, do something fun."

Freya tilted her head, her voice teasing. "Can we tag along with you instead?"

Kael’s grin faded, his tone serious. "Not a good idea. Ex-supervillains walking into a building full of superheroes? A mask and sunglasses won’t cut it. You’d be recognized in a heartbeat."

Rhea sighed, her shoulders slumping. "Fine. TV it is, then."

Freya nodded, her blue eyes resigned. "Yeah, sounds good."

Kael grabbed his jacket, his hazel eyes lingering on them for a moment, a flicker of trust in his gaze.

He headed out, the door clicking shut behind him, leaving the Haven in their hands.

He hoped he’d made the right call, entrusting them with Lila and Tila’s volatile presence.

Did I?