Page 12 of Bared

“Crikey. Forgot about that detail. Just like I must’ve forgotten that you switched up our meeting spot. I mean, I don’t remember getting a text, but that’d be what a decent guy would do…”

“And I’m no decent guy, so we’re all good, yeah?” Yet he contradicted himself at once, pushing off the pillar and holding his arms out to keep the passage clear for a passing group of chattering middle-school Brits and their frazzled chaperone. “But you probably also forgot this is your meeting, yeah?”

“Uh…yeah.”

The guy’s hesitancy wasn’t just in his timing. The very timbre of Oz’s tone switched, causing Brick to do the same with his stance. He pivoted in time to get a visual copy on the rest of his friend’s explanation.

“It’s…not entirely mine this time, mate.”

And wasn’t this going to be his new entry for the irony diary? Because the second Brick comprehended that he and Oz weren’t alone, his damn meds kicked in. Mellow battled mistrust for control of his reaction, making him vacillate—and their new friend took advantage of that moment to step forward.

If Brick didn’t know that Oz had no brother, he’d have taken the guy to be that hazel-eyed, celebrity-grinned, semi-ginger of a sibling. The dude even swaggered like a modern-day Eastwood as he stepped forward, meeting Brick’s stare while extending his hand.

“Good day, Mr. Brickham. It is a deep honor to meet you.”

So much for the Eastwood thing.

“Because Oz has told you so many lovely things about me?” he quipped, mentally replacing the reference. Eastwood was now Hiddleston or Tatum, one of those pretty boys with a rugged edge who’d be a better prince than a cowboy.

“Well, now that you mention it…” The guy filled in his own inference with a courtly chuckle.

“Christ.” And now Oz was laughing too, as if they were getting ready to go have tea. Brick started hoping this would wind up with knocking back some Macallan at the Ritz’s Bar. “Where are my manners?”

“You have manners?”

With smooth grace, Oz ignored his gibe. “Jagger Fox, I’m happy to officially introduce Maximillian Brickham—but call him Brick if you value your testicles. And my mate Brick, please allow yourself the treat of being cordial to my friend, Lieutenant Jagger Fox of Arcadia.”

Against all his efforts to contain it, a chuckle sputtered from Brick. Goddammit, Oz knew how he respected a subtle verbal backhand. “My boosted serotonin and I say nice to meet you, Fox.”

But hell, why not blame the meds when he could? Though he regretted the choice as soon as both men’s regards turned openly wary. And they said a lot had changed about perspectives on mental health.

“Didn’t know things had gotten that bad for you, mate,” Oz said with entirely too much sap.

“Only when people make me stop and think about them,” he growled.

“But you’re fine with the crowded meeting place?” Oz pressed. “I had to pick somewhere we’d all blend in.”

“Yeah,” Brick returned. “Yeah, I’m fine. There’s the sky. There’s the exit. I’m good. I’m good.” He even stabbed a dorky thumb in the air. “Props to modern medicine for keeping vets relaxed across the world.”

“And thousand-thread-count sheets, courtesy of the Hotel Ritz?”

He hadn’t expected the observation from Fox—or the chance it gave him to lob an approving chuckle. “Someone’s been doing his homework.”

Fox shrugged. “Some investigations are easier than others.”

“Meaning?”

“That once you made Oz’s recommended short list for this, I backtracked through your lodging records in the city. You do have distinct preferences.”

“You backtracked…distinct preferences…” He cut in on himself by laughing harder. “Guess I should be thankful we’re on the same side, then.” Another stop, in which he cocked a hard eyebrow at the Arcadian. “Wait. We are on the same side, right?”

Ozias swung in, holding up a hand. “Easy, meat eater. There are no sides this time.”

“Oh, my sweet little wizard.” Brick smacked his now-empty water against his palm. “There are always sides.”

“Your friend is a wise man.”

Fox’s words were, shockingly, not a shock. Something about the guy resonated with Brick. A specific sternness he normally didn’t connect to the people of Fox’s country. But he also knew the Arcadians were as reluctant to leave their island as allow others to visit it. Jagger Fox must’ve ventured this far for a damn good reason.