Isn't It Bromantic (Bromance Book Club #4) - Lyssa Kay Adams Page 0,34
never too late,” Mack said. “Haven’t you learned that yet?”
“Russian,” Yan said reverently, “think about it. You are living a real-life romance novel.”
Vlad frowned. “No, I’m not. A real-life romance novel would have a happy ending. My story will not.”
“You don’t know that,” Noah said. “Trust me. When you guys brought me in, I thought it was a hopeless fantasy to think Alexis and I could ever get together. But you made it happen for us.”
Vlad scoffed and looked away. “It’s not the same.”
Noah crouched beside Mack on the floor next to the bed. “Why not?”
“Because you and Alexis loved each other. You wanted the same things.”
Mack softened his voice. “Are you sure that you and Elena don’t?”
“I’m sure.”
“Then why is she here now?” Yan asked.
“Because she feels obligated. She said she wants to pay me back for everything I’ve done for her. Like our marriage was just a business deal.” He wiped his eyes with the heels of his hands, but another tear quickly dripped down Vlad’s cheek. Then another. And suddenly it all came out. Vlad covered his face with his hands and released all the pent-up emotion he’d been holding in for months. Without words, his friends gathered around him in a silent, supportive huddle, waiting him out as he got his shit together. Usually, he was the one giving the hugs, letting someone cry it out on his shoulder. He hadn’t been prepared for it to be his turn. But it felt good. He’d missed them so much.
Malcolm finally pulled back and patted his leg. “You gotta find a way to move on, man. You owe it to yourself to find some kind of equilibrium. Because you can’t go on like this. We won’t let you.”
Mack stood. “And if there’s truly no hope, then you’re going to need some way to distract yourself while she’s here.”
Vlad glanced at his nightstand, where the pages of his manuscript were stacked in a neat pile. He’d forgotten to put them back in the drawer last night, but at least he’d turned the pages over to hide the words. Unfortunately, these guys missed nothing.
“What are you looking at?” Colton asked, eyebrow raised.
“Nothing.” Vlad tore his gaze back to the group. Insecurity made his heart pound. He’d never told a single soul about his book.
“You’re obviously looking at something,” Mack said. “What is it?”
“Nothing.”
Del crossed his arms. “You just admitted that you’ve been lying to us for years. You going to keep doing it?”
Dammit. Vlad banged the back of his head against the bed several times. What did it matter? He was already humiliated. Why not make it complete? He sucked in a breath and spoke on the exhale. “I’m writing a book.”
“You’re doing what now?” Colton said.
Vlad groaned. “I’m writing a romance novel.”
For the second time that morning, confused silence descended on the room. His dread deepened as the guys had another conversation with their eyes.
“That’s it,” Mack finally said, grinning.
“Totally,” Colton laughed. “I’m so fucking in.”
Vlad fisted his fingers into the blanket. “Oh shit. What are you talking about?”
“Same, dude,” Del said, doing the man-clasp with Colton. “This is going to be awesome.”
Vlad hugged the pillow again for support. “What are we doing?”
Colton planted his hands on his hips. “We’re going to help you finish your book, little butt.”
Vlad coughed. Tiny explosions inside his brain made dots dance across his vision and the blood roar in his ears. If he shook his head any harder, he was going to end up with a concussion. Nope. No way. They were absolutely not going to help him write a book.
His protests were pointless, though.
“Don’t even bother saying no,” Colton said, waggling his eyebrows. “I’m already thinking about the sex scenes.”
Noah scoffed. “We’re not letting you anywhere near the sex scenes. I’ve worked on your computer security. I’ve seen the links you click on. You’re twisted as fuck.”