Lex doing everything in his power to make sure Dash doesn’t fall into one of his stress-induced holes of schizophrenia psychosis is not only adorbz, but necessary. That’d be the last damn thing we need right now.
There’s enough hectic shit going on. We can’t have anyone losing their focus when our lives, and the lives of our family, are on the line.
Head in the fuckin game.
Shifting from the biffles toGenderfluid Barbieover there, my gaze narrows.
Hm… Dash feels like he recognizes Angel, but can’t quite remember how.
I wonder… if it’s the same sorta way he doesn’t remember what happened with him and Lex.
“Sup,” Byron sighs as he joins us for our brief intermission from active duty, thus distracting me from my internal fretting. “Getting Russian gun lessons?” He chuckles, but frowns when he notices that I’m smirking at him. “What’s your problem?”
“You have a boyfriend.” I beam. He rolls his eyes. “It’ssofetch, B! Way to blow the roof—and load—off of everyone’s expectations.” I pinch his cheeks while he smacks me away.
“God.” Lex shakes his head while Dash chuckles.
“That’s offensive, Warren,” Byron grumbles at me. “Are you saying my dating a guy isshocking?”
He gives me this smug look of satisfaction.Clearly very proud of his bisexuality.
“Uh, no. I’m sayingyoubeing in a serious relationshipat allis shocking. Since, you know… you hate everyone,” I huff. His brows lift and he nods in agreement. “I was sure you’d be oneof those dudes in his sixties still in immaculate shape, hitting up twinks on Grindr.” I cackle.
“Yea, I missed you.” He deadpans. But of course he’s grinning.
“I just still can’t believe the squad’s back together!” Dash squeals. “Andoutsideof prison! I’m just saying, I have no problem taking these assholes out if it means you guys get to come see our house.”
Lex chuckles.
“I hope your place is big enough for us all to come live with you.” Byron smirks.
Dash just shrugs. “We can convert the garage into an apartment. It’s Mexico, it doesn’t get cold.”
“Excuse me? What do you have me building now?” Kemper calls from where he’s convening with Joy, Jasper and Hancock.
Dash waves him off, asking me, “What about you guys? If we get through this, are you making the trip south? Or you think you’d stay in Cali to be near your parents?” He looks to Lex, who peers at me.
“It’d be hard to leave them,” Lex sighs.
“And our surrogate family,” I add, and he nods.
“I really wanna meet these twins and rich guy you won’t shut up about,” Byron remarks. “I’m kinda jealous.” He nudges Dash, who nods along, the both of them snickering.
“That’s hot.” I beam, and Dash snorts while Byron just shakes his head.
“You guys know you’ll always be our main-pieces.” Lex grins, tugging Dash’s arm, the two of them resuming their bestie-convo.
Perfect opportunity to whisper to Byron, “Did you ever come across this Angel Alvarez person? In the prison?”
He peeks over to where Trevel has joined Angel, Felix and Lem. “Not that I know of. Seems like he was really lurking in theshadows…” He purses his lips. “But Trevel likes him, so that’s good enough for me.”
“Whoareyou?” I jest, and Byron chuckles.
A whistle comes from outside. And in the snap of Dad’s fingers, we’re on alert.
Rook, Joy and Kemper are at the door, rifles up, while Velle holds firm, ready to greet whoever it is. The rest of us immediately shuffle into position along the walls, guns drawn. Covering Lex and Angel.
Joy and Velle share a look, and a nod. Then she pulls the door open.
