When he realized Seven was staring at him expectantly, he gave a jerky nod. “Oh, right. See you then.”
Enzo forced himself to stroll back to his office like his head wasn’t spinning. Once inside, he flopped back into his seat and grabbed the remote to close his office blinds. Seven didn’t look up at him. As soon as Enzo was certain the blinds had closed, he let his forehead thump against his desk—once, twice, three times.
He was about to do it for a fourth time when he heard Drucilla ask, “What are you doing?”
“Meditating,” he told her, deadpan.
There was a long pause before she said, “Sure, whatever. Your two o’clock refused to reschedule to another day. They asked if you could meet for lunch instead?”
Enzo sighed, forcing himself to raise his head and face her judgy pinched expression. “Sure, why not? It’s not like I have plans.”
“O-kay?” she asked, like she wasn’t sure why that was pertinent information for her. “I’ll let them know. Where do you want to eat? Your mom’s place…again?”
God, no. The last thing he needed right now was to see her. He was already in a weakened and susceptible state. She’d smell it on him and try to break him down. He and Seven would be engaged before dinner and married by dawn. He groaned loudly.
“No, the Asian fusion place downtown,” he said. When she gave him another nasty look, he shrugged. “What? I just…have a craving.”
“Cool,” she said with an epic eye-roll.
“Cool,” he muttered back, waiting until his door was closed to once again bang his head on his desk. With any luck, he’d give himself a head injury. Maybe it would help him forget about the bratty little shit across the hall and his own mother’s betrayal.
How had things gone so wrong so quickly?
6 weeks after that night
The moment Seven entered the apartment, there was a target on his back. The group rarely met up at Levi and Nico’s place anymore since it was cramped quarters with Shiloh and Mal living there, too. So, he should have known something was up when they’d asked if he wanted to come over to “watch a movie,” but he’d been in a weakened state.
He didn’t bother knocking before he walked in. On his right, Nico, Levi, and Mal were sitting on the beat-up sofa, smug looks on their stupid faces. Well, two of their stupid faces. Mal just kind of…stared. He was often just staring, usually at Nico. Nico was often staring back. Seven wished they’d just admit they were dating. They were both too fucking weird for anyone else, anyway.
Movement in the kitchen snagged his attention. Shiloh stood in the kitchen watching the microwave count down like it wasa ticking time bomb. When he caught Seven’s eye, he wiggled his fingers with a smile. He was way too good for Levi, but just damaged enough to understand him.
“I heard you were having dinner with my boss tonight,” Levi said, voice filled with mock innocence.
Seven pulled a face, then gave him the finger as Shiloh entered the small space with a huge bowl of popcorn. “Want some?” he asked, tipping the bowl in his direction.
Seven was about to refuse when Nico started making grabby hands at the bowl. “Sure.”
He plucked the bowl from Shiloh’s fingers then sank to the floor, making sure he was just out of reach of the others. If they were gonna be assholes, they could starve. Shiloh shrugged and dropped down into Levi’s lap, looping his arms around his neck.
“So…” Nico prompted, poking Seven’s calf with his bare foot.
He heaved a heavy sigh, shaking his head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Oh, we’re definitely gonna talk about it,” Ever said, emerging from the bathroom.
Seven instantly softened when he saw the boy. He was only a few years younger than them—well, as far as they knew—but everyone spoiled him rotten. Spending most of his life in a closet meant everything was always new and exciting for Ever. And no, that wasn’t a metaphor. Ever had been kept in a literal closet for years with no identity and no name. He’d named himself.
Ever looked adorable in a bubble gum pink Barbie crop top the same color as his hair and a pair of baggy jeans. Seven could see his socks peeking out. They were blue and had waffles on them. Fuck, he was so cute.
His face instantly flared as a memory surged to the surface.
“God, you’re so fucking cute.” That was what Enzo had said to him that night.
Seven fought an involuntary shiver and made an angry noise, instantly regretting it when Ever’s face fell.
Seven shook his head rapidly. “That wasn’t directed at you.” He looked to the others, pointing his thumb in Ever’s direction. “Who let the baby out unsupervised?” To Ever, he asked, “Where’s your fiancé?”
“He volunteered to pick up the pizza. Fucking losers wanted us to pay nine dollars for delivery plus a fifteen percent tip. What are we, made of money?” Nico asked, sounding like an old man.
