But the damage is done. Silas’s eyes are already on Talon, narrowing, calculating.
“You’re the one pushing her?” Gideon asks, voice dropping into that gritty tone he only gets when he’s barely holding his temper. “The one not backing off?”
Talon doesn’t deny it. Of course he doesn’t.
Gideon exhales through his nose, a sound that’s half anger, half realization. “Unbelievable.”
Then, because this night wasn’t unhinged enough, Gideon suddenly turns to Silas.
“Is this her?” he asks. “The woman you mentioned last week? The one you wanted me to meet?”
Silas stares at him, jaw tensing… then nods once.
“Yes,” he says. “This is her.”
My lungs cave in. The room tilts.
And then Silas fires back, eyes narrowing. “What about you? Is she the one you told me you were seeing now outside the club? The one you said you were getting serious with?”
Gideon doesn’t even hesitate.
“Yes.”
Everything inside me goes still.
Talon looks between them, then at me, and lets out a low, delighted, “Holy shit.”
I want to vomit into the nearest decorative vase.
Gideon actually laughs—quiet and disbelieving.
“This isn’t funny,” I snap, voice trembling.
“It’s a little funny,” Gideon says. “You were so worried we wouldn’t get along… and we’re best friends.”
The words punch the air out of my chest. “Best… what?”
Silas lifts a hand, almost apologetic. “We’ve known each other for years.”
“But—how didn’t you know?” I demand. “How did nobody put any of this together?”
Silas gestures vaguely, frustration etched across his face. “We don’t talk about our time at Velvet or give out names. Ever. That’s the rule.”
Gideon nods. “And in our personal lives, we don’t bring up anyone we’re seeing until it’s serious. Keeps things clean.”
Silas runs a hand over the back of his neck. “I figured if tomorrow went well, and if things clicked between me and the other guy, I’d tell Gideon about you.”
“He was going to show me pictures,” Gideon adds dryly, “and then let me do my creepy background check.”
“I don’t need a background check,” I mutter.
“You’d be surprised,” Gideon says.
Talon watches the whole exchange like it’s the finale of a drama he’s been secretly rooting for.
“So,” he says slowly, smiling way too wide, “you’re seeing both my uncles.”
I glare at him so hard he laughs again.
