Page 85 of Boss and Brat

Ethan heard the second set of tires before he saw the headlights. He held his breath for a few seconds while his stomach twisted. He already knew who it was.

The truck door slammed, and a moment later his father stepped inside without waiting to be invited. His eyes swept the room, sharp and assessing.

“What the hell happened here?” his father demanded.

Ethan opened his mouth, but nothing came out. A tightness climbed up the back of his throat.

His father’s gaze snapped at him. “Ethan, what did you do?”

Ethan flinched. “I—I didn’t—”

“He didn’t do anything,” Carter cut in, stepping forward just enough to block the line of fire. “Don’t start blaming him.”

His dad’s jaw clenched. “Someone broke in and targeted him. That doesn’t happen for no reason.”

His father’s words punched him, leaving his hands trembling.

Carter’s voice dropped, low and firm. “I said don’t blame him. He’s the victim here.”

For a moment, he looked like he wanted to argue. Then he exhaled sharply and walked past them, heading straight for the kitchen. Ethan stayed rooted to the spot, listening to the heavy footsteps, the muttered curses, and glass crunching under boots.

Then the guest room door opened.

A beat of silence.

Then another curse—louder this time. “Jesus Christ.”

Ethan didn’t want to see it again. Didn’t want to see his clothes soaked in oil, ruined, and violated. It felt personal. It was personal.

His father came back out, face pale and furious. “They went through everything. They destroyed allhisclothes not yours.”

Carter nodded. “Yeah.”

Rubbing a hand over his face, his father then reached into his pocket and pulled out his wallet. He slid out a credit card and held it toward Carter.

“Buy him new clothes tomorrow. Whatever he needs.”

Ethan blinked. “Dad, you don’t have to—”

“Yes, I do,” Mr. Evans said, cutting him off. “This is unacceptable.”

Carter took the card without hesitation. “We’ll handle it.”

His dad looked between them, still tense. “Where were you two when this happened?”

Ethan’s breath caught. He looked at Carter, silently begging him not to mention the bikes. Not tonight. Not with everything else.

Carter didn’t miss a beat. “We went to the coast.”

He nodded slowly. “Good. I’m glad you got him out of here for the day.”

He turned to Ethan, his expression softening just a little. “I’m glad you’re okay. I think Carter has you more than covered. Just listen to him.”

Ethan swallowed. “I do.”

Carter snorted lightly. “He listens fine.”

“I called some of the guys to clean up and put a new window in.”