Drew slams to a halt. “He took you tothe Grid?” His jaw snaps, and his eyes scream murderous intent.
“He didn’t tell you?”
“It seems, with you, Xavier kept most of it to himself.”
That helps.
But I need to have a conversation with Xavier to find out for myself.
I’ve been avoiding him, sending all his calls to voicemail, because I’m trying to build myself up to it.
I’m terrified his confession could be the last straw.
The last string to snap.
The final break which destroys me completely.
“How do you know Sylvia will even speak to you?” Sawyer asks Sunday night, when we’re convened in the warehouse for a catch up.
“I’ll blackmail her into it if I have to,” I calmly reply.
“How?” Kai asks.
“She was screwing her personal trainer last year behind Christian’s back. I’ll threaten to tell her husband if she doesn’t cooperate.”
Jackson chuckles, shoving his feet up on the table. “I’ve missed your devious nature.”
“Only because you weren’t on the receiving end of it,” Kai says, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
“Do you mind?” Xavier eyes Jackson’s feet like they are poisonous. “I eat off this table.”
“Do I look like I care?” Jackson makes a drama of crossing his feet at the ankles.
“No problem, man,” Xavier says, backpedaling as a slow grin spreads across his mouth. “I’ve also fucked on this table. Many times. Right about where your feet are.”
Jackson slides his legs down so fast he loses his balance and the chair wobbles precariously, throwing him back. Sawyer grabs the chair before it crashes to the ground, rolling his eyes. “Children. Grow up. Or leave the room and let the adults talk.”
Xavier flips him the bird. “You’re just cranky because now you’re picturing me naked being topped by some hot stud with a monster cock.”
“Jesus fucking Christ.” Kai buries his head in his hands.
“TMI, dude,” I say, attempting to smother a snort of laughter. It’s almost impossible to hold on to my anger when Xavier is genuinely one of my favorite people in the universe.
“I have no words,” Sawyer mutters.
“That’s because I’m right,” Xavier teases, rubbing his crotch and jerking his hips forward. “But you won’t confirm it.”
“All right. Comedy hour is over,” Drew cuts in. “We’ve got assholes to take down and plans to make.”
Everyone sobers up, but I’m glad for the light-hearted banter because it helps remind me who these guys are. “I need to bring something up,” I say, clearing my throat and preparing to eat crow. Because Drew will go postal times a thousand when I admit this. “Because we agreed no secrets.” I wet my lips and look my brother in the eye. “Don’t get mad, butIfollowedyouintothesexdungeonlastweekandIsaweverythingIshouldn’t.” I rush the words out fast before I chicken out of my confession.
“You what?!” Drew roars, slamming his palms down on the table.
“Back the fuck up there,” Xavier says. “You snuck intothesex dungeon?”
“How many other sex dungeons do you know?” I raise my hand as he opens his mouth to speak. “Nope. Don’t answer that. And, yes, I’m talking about the bastard sperm donor’s depraved sex club in the basement of my house.”
Xavier grins this massive grin, delighted I’m speaking to him again. But it’s surface level. Because we still have shit to discuss.
