“Christ,” I mutter, calling her before she tracks me down and shows up here wearing a Santa hat and her candy cane tights.
Fallon answers immediately, sounding breathless, “Rhys?”
“Are you all right?” My voice turns low and protective.
“Did you read my messages?”
“It’s the size ofWar and Peace,so no,” I say. “What’s the matter?”
“More thoughts on Friendsgiving. I’m not sure about the apple dish now.”
“Okay.” I close my eyes, head spinning. “I’ll be home in an hour.”
“Good. I have other options. We can vote.”
I stifle a laugh. It will be another four against one vote that I won’t win.
“Do you need anything?” I ask her, the words leaving my lips before I realize everyone can hear them.
Trace’s head snaps up.
“No,” Fallon says, and then gets soft and delicate. “I just need you, Rhys.”
Something in my chest flutters. She means it like she needs water or to hold Basil when she’s stressed. Her trust in me weighs on my conscience. I’m not sure I’m good enough.
“I’ll be home soon,” I murmur and end the call.
“Who the hell was that?” Shane asks sharply.
“No one.” I put my phone away.
Trace goes rigid, his loyalty divided. We work for our cousins who are closer to being blood brothers to us. But Trace is part of my soul.
When I’m doubtful, I only trust him.
His mouth opens to speak, but I step in because this is my mess to report.
“There was a witness when Sinclair broke into my flat,” I tell Shane.
“Who?” my cousin snaps, sounding disappointed that I got sloppy.
“I’m handling it.”
“I have to tell Griffin,” Shane says, balling his hands into fists.
“No. You don’t.” I take a breath. “I can keep her quiet.”
“Her?” Shane leans back. “How are you planning to do that, put your cock in her mouth?”
The volcanic eruption in my veins has me struggling to breathe at first. I take a second to answer, which makes every jaw in the room drop.
“Aye, she’s a woman. She was there, but….” I wipe my brow, hating that I can’t get that visual out of my mind now. “I made a deal with her.”
“What kind of deal?” Trace asks because he’s hearing this for the first time as well.
“She needs a date for some holiday events. I asked her what she wanted to keep our secret. And all she said she wanted was…me.”
“How many times have you banged this bird?” Shane asks.
