I glance at Xave. West is saying exactly what I’ve been thinking, but I haven’t brought it up yet because of everything that’s been going on and how new things are.
West catches my eye. “Are you worried about what your dad will do?”
I shake my head. “I’m sure he’ll have all sorts of homophobic things to say about it, but he’s not going to cut me off for likingdick. Me liking Xave’s dick could be a problem because of who he is, but he’s put too many resources into me, and he needs me too much to cut me off for my sexuality.”
“My family won’t care,” Xave says when I glance at him. “They trust me, so if I trust you enough to be with you, they’ll accept you.”
“Wow. Must be nice to have a family that actually supports each other.” West offers Xave a small smile. “So, as Damon’s best friend, it’s my duty to tell you that you’d better treat him right. I won’t kill you if you don’t because I know for a fact that you could break me in half with one hand tied behind your back and blindfolded, but I will flood your emails and social media and phone with strongly worded messages of condemnation if you hurt him.”
Xave smiles, and the rest of his predator energy melts away. “Deal.”
West shakes his head and lets out a slightly hysterical laugh. “This is so crazy.”
“Why did you come by?” I ask now that the tension between West and Xave is settled.
He holds out the flash drive I gave him with my paper on it. “I wanted to return this.” He glances between me and Xave a few times, like he’s deciding if he should say whatever else is on his mind. “And I hope he already knows this, but I was also going to tell you I know about your job.”
I stare at him for a few beats. “What?”
He gives me a sheepish look. “I know you’re Helix.”
“How?” I splutter.
“Do you remember when you helped me out with that paper for my Behavioral Finance class before Christmas?”
I nod, still too dumbstruck to answer with words yet.
“You gave me a flash drive with the paper on it, but it also had a folder with some of your music on it.” He points to theequipment that’s still set up on my desk. “And I’ve seen your gear before.” He drops his hand and gives me a sheepish look. “We’ve been friends for years. I knew you made music, I just didn’t know you released it or did shows until I saw that drive.”
I stare at him in disbelief. “You’ve known for that long, and you didn’t say anything?”
He shrugs. “I figured you were keeping it a secret for a reason, but it started to feel weird to not tell you I know, so surprise, I’m telling you now.”
I let what he said sink in for a moment. “Have you told anyone?”
He shakes his head emphatically. “No one. And I won’t.”
“What about McKenna?”
“Not even her,” he says firmly. “This is your secret, and you’re my best friend. I’d never betray you like that.”
Some of the tension leaves my shoulders, and I relax as relief washes over me.
“And I won’t say a word about this.” He motions between Xave and me. “But I really think you should tell people before you get caught.”
“We will,” Xave says with his usual cocky confidence. “We’re just waiting for the right time.”
West blows out a breath. “Good. That’s a good idea. But maybe leave out the part about sneaking in when you do. Something tells me that won’t go over well.”
Xave grins. “I imagine you’re right.”
West tosses me the flash drive he’s still holding. “I’ll let you two get back to what you were doing.” He gives us a sly grin. “Enjoy.”
“We will,” Xave assures him with a smirk.
“Bye,” I say like a dumbass as West tosses me a wave and leaves my room as quickly as he came in.
“Well, that was unexpected,” Xave says as he slides across the mattress and wraps his arms around me from behind.
