he’s always on alert. He never lets his guard down. Right now, he’s on high alert, ready to attack. A few months ago, I’d be happy to show him that I’m not afraid of him. All our brothers walk around him like fragile glass. I don’t. But I don’t want a throw down. I’m too upset. I might not be able to control myself.
He looks at Mozart. “Cat got your tongue? Little Beacon is afraid of me?”
Mane glances at me and moves his head so slightly. No one can see the movement or understand his gaze. He’s telling me, fucker, don’t take the bait.
He doesn’t need to warn me. Vance might be all broody and shit, but he’s pretty predictable. He wants a fight. Also, there’s a reason he’s onto me. I need to retrace all of my steps to figure out where I might’ve fucked up and given myself away.
“Obviously,” I answer. “Not to the point of peeing my pants like Henry, but I’m fucking scared.”
“I’ve never peed my pants,” Henry protests.
“A time or two, but we won’t tell anyone,” Pierce jokes.
Hayes’ cell phone buzzes. “The wife wants me back home. I’d love to stay and see how Vance kicks Beacon’s ass, but we’ll have to reschedule that for another day.” He gives our brother a warning glare. “I mean it. Beacon doesn’t have your training or your strength. I am not going to spend a day trying to put him back together. Do you understand?”
Fish snorts.
“What’s so funny?” Vance is just looking for a fight. “You want to take his place?”
Fish winks at him. “Babe, you’re so hot I’d let you walk all over me.”
We all laugh because Vance turns white and leaves the game room immediately.
“I’ll follow him,” Mills says, hugging me. “Call me if you need me. I know you’re saying that it doesn’t matter, but I’m sure it does. You live for her.”
“Thank you.”
My brothers leave, except for Pierce.
“What do you know about him?” he asks.
“About whom?”
“Vance,” he explains. “You know more, don’t you? I’m not going to pressure you to disclose more than you want to, but is everything okay?”
Fish shakes his head.
I sigh. “That’s a loaded question.”
“Packed, awkward, and classified,” Fish mumbles but is loud enough that Pierce can hear it.
“What do you mean? Is he in any trouble? Are we…?”
“Nah.” I wave my hand. He has an elite team of secret agents living in town. Nothing could happen while we’re here. “I assure you that no one is in danger.”
“Because Vance is here?”
“Sure.”
“I wish you would trust me,” he says, disappointed.
“Maybe it’s not a lack of trust, but to ensure your safety,” I say. “Trust me when I say this place is secure. I don’t mean my bunker. I mean the entire town.”
“Who are you?” he asks, and I swear this time he’s giving me almost the same scared look he gives Vance.
I look at the guys and then at him. “We’re musicians.”
After he leaves and we’re sure that no one else is in the house, Mane says, “Why haven’t you told them? Is it because you don’t trust Vance or all of them?”
I shake my head vigorously. “I’m not sure.”
“Dude, did you seriously almost lick his brother’s balls?” San asks Fish, slapping the back of his head.
“He’s not my type, and I have a girlfriend. I just deflected the attention,” Fish answers looking all innocent. We stare at him because he and his girlfriend have an open relationship. That has never stopped him from fucking other people. “He’d at least have to buy me dinner to let him into my temple.”
“Who is buying you dinner?” Lang asks, entering the room.
“No one,” Fish answers a little too fast.
“He came onto Vance,” San answers.
Lang’s jaw sets, but he doesn’t say shit. I could ask what that is about, but I don’t want to hear that he’d let my brother do shit to him. My brothers are off-limits. He knows it.
“How is Grace?” I ask.
“Raging,” he answers. “I’m surprised you’re still alive.”
“Do you think she’s going to leave?”
“Doubtful,” he replies. “Unlike you, G thinks before she acts. Is she planning how to kill you? Possibly. Make sure your windows are locked. She might smother you in your sleep.”
I comb my fingers through my hair and sigh in relief. He’s right. Unlike me, Grace thinks before she acts. She agreed to take care of my nephews. I can see her leaving for the weekend to confront her dad or avoid me though.
I’ll just have to