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“And you've been sleeping with her?”

I don't answer that.

Not because I'm ashamed.

Because Delaney's private life isn't something I'm going to discuss in a hallway.

Declan takes my silence for an answer. “Unbelievable.”

“Listen—”

“No. You listen.”

He points at me. “I trusted you.”

The words land exactly where he intends them to.

He could've punched me right there, and it would've hurt less. Because he's not wrong about the lying. He's just wrong if he thinks loving Delaney is the betrayal.

“I know.”

“I asked you to look out for her. Make sure she was okay in Chicago.”

“And I have.”

“By playing house with my little sister?”

“Don't talk about her like that.”

His eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“She's twenty-three, Declan. She makes her own decisions.”

“And you're supposed to be my best friend.”

“I am your best friend.”

“Then why the hell didn't you tell me?”

Because I was scared.

Because the last time I told you nothing was going on, your sister heard me.

Because I've spent years believing that wanting her meant losing you.

All true.

None of it excuses what I've done.

“I should've told you sooner.”

He shakes his head. “You think?”

“I handled it badly.”

“You lied to my face.”

“Yeah.”