“You know your stuff.”
“I hope so.” His lips twitch. “I work at the tattoo shop in town.” He steps closer. “If you want any more work done, I’ll look after you.”
“Cool.”
He lifts his arm, and we grip hands in silent camaraderie. For the first time since we got here, I feel like I have met a kindred spirit. “Joaquin,” he says.
“Zayn.”
“Zayn, this is Harley,” Ro says, smiling at his new best buddy like he hasn’t a care in the world. His eyes are shining, and he looks genuinely happy.
Unnamed emotion flows through my veins as I look at my little brother and realize how much he needs this. Needs them. Pain sits on my chest. For so long, it’s just been me and Ro, and I’m not ready to share him. But I guess I’m going to have to find a way to deal with it because I won’t deprive my little brother of this experience though I will protect him. Until I know these guys can be trusted, I’ll be watching them like a hawk.
Brothers or not, if they hurt Roman, I will destroy them.
“Hey.” I fold my arms across my chest, lest Harley gets any ideas about hugging me.
Joaquin chuckles. “I don’t think Zayn’s the hugging type.”
“Zayn is wary of strangers,” Ro says. “But he’s the best brother. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for him.”
His words bring a solemn hush over the conversation.
“I’m glad you had each other,” Harley says. “And now you have us.”
“Let’s all join hands and sing Kumbaya,” Joaquin drawls, and I burst out laughing.
“He laughs; he smiles,” Kaiden teases, coming up alongside me and Joaquin. “You’re a miracle worker, buddy.” He clamps a hand on Joaquin’s shoulder. “All I’ve gotten is snarls and scowls.”
“That’s ’cause you’re a bossy asshole with a savior complex,” Joaquin says.
I snort a laugh again. “Ha, knew it.” I smirk at my older brother.
“You’re all a bunch of comedians.” Kaiden rolls his eyes, but there is no disguising the sheer delight on his face.
If Kaiden is acting, he’s a damn fine actor.
I’m beginning to suspect they are telling the truth, and I really don’t know where that leaves me. I have clung to my beliefs for years since Denton told me about them. I can’t reconcile this within myself. That Denton’s truths could be lies and vice versa. My head feels like it might explode from everything. It’s a lot to take in, and I know there is much they haven’t told us yet.
“Pity Rick isn’t here,” Abby says. “We’ll have to arrange a proper family dinner. I’ll talk to Mom. She’ll probably want to host it at her house. She’s dying to meet you both,” she says, flipping her gaze between Ro and me.
Kaiden reaches over and pulls Abby into his side, wrapping his arm firmly around her.
“It’s like you can’t leave her alone,” I say because he is always touching her or kissing or keeping her wrapped around some part of his body.
“He can’t. He’s constantly pawing at her and shoving his tongue down her throat. It’s seriously gross,” Joaquin says.
“I think it’s sweet,” Harley says. “I aspire to a marriage like that one day.”
“Blech.” Joaquin makes a gagging sound, and I grin. “The Hamster and you are certainly doing your best to imitate it since she moved in.”
“The Hamster?” Ro arches a brow.
“Harley’s woman is always scurrying around, poking her nose into places she doesn’t belong.” Joaquin’s grin turns feral. “And she kinda looks like a rodent with her big frizzy hair and beady eyes.”
“J-Dawg,” Abby drawls. “Be nice.”
“Hannah is my girlfriend, and she doesnothave frizzy hair or beady eyes,” Harley explains to Roman while shooting some serious side-eye at Joaquin. “She moved in with me a few weeks ago. Even though we’re in the west wing, minding our own business most all of the time, J hasn’t stopped bitching and whining.”
