Page 62 of Allegiant

His jealousy thrills me in a way it absolutely shouldn’t. After all, we aren’t anything to each other.

Are we?

Maybe we weren’t, but after Samson spent two days distracting me, followed by a night of holding me together…

Maybe we’re more than I’m ready to admit.

“I’m not looking anywhere else,” I answer honestly, my fingers sinking into his beard as I cup his jaw. “Can’t seem to stay away from this crazy guy who keeps showing up for me.”

Satisfaction gleams in his eyes. “Good. Make sure it stays that way.”

I’m about to ask him for how long, or what he’s thinking. But then I hear more footsteps. “You know, he’ll find it easier to eat if you let him face the counter.”

“Don’t think you’re one to talk since you’re literally carrying your boyfriend right now.”

I twist to see another ruggedly handsome man in the kitchen doorway. Sure enough, there’s a smaller guy in his arms, blushing furiously at being called out by Samson.

“Hi,” I say, directing my smile at him. Whoever he is, I instinctively want to ease his discomfort. “I’m Rowan.”

“Ansel,” he says quietly before tapping on his boyfriend’s arm. “You can put me down now, Cade.”

Cade glowers. “No. You hurt your ankle.”

“I’m fine,” Ansel sighs, wriggling as he tries to get down. Cade must have arms of steel because he doesn’t move an inch. “Titan, please.”

I smile at the cute nickname, and it only grows as Cade strides over to the stool next to mine and carefully lowers Ansel onto it.

“God, sorry.” Ansel offers me a rueful smile and extends a hand for me to shake. “These Buckingham men are one of a kind and stubborn as hell.”

I think back to last night and how Samson refused to leave. “Yeah, I’m getting that impression.”

Samson spears a piece of pancake with his dagger. When did he pull that out? “I’m not stubborn.”

There’s a long pause, and then all three of us burst into laughter. Cade points at his brother. “You’re the worst of all of us.”

“I’m fucking not,” he says. “Dalton’s more stubborn than I am.”

Another brother he mentioned earlier. I silently recite the names Samson just gave me once more.

Cade considers it. “Yeah, that’s true. Never seen anyone ignore what’s right in front of their nose quite like him.”

“Except maybe Harley,” Ansel says as he piles pancakes on his plate. “He’s just as bad. Where’s Jules? I thought he was here this morning.”

“He was,” Samson says. “Made all this then took off as soon as Harley appeared.”

“He’s been acting weird.” Cade ignores the plates of food in favor of pinching some of Ansel’s. “Been coming around less. Heard him and Harley arguing a couple of nights ago too.”

Samson blinks in surprise. “They never argue.”

“I know.”

Something passes between the two brothers that I can’t read. In fact, I’m struggling to keep up with the conversation at all. “Are the two of them…together?”

“No,” Ansel sighs. “The general consensus is that they’re into each other. What’s holding them back…none of us know. It’s a mystery for the ages.”

“We have a pool going, though,” Cade says. “I can add you to it, if you’re going to be around a bit longer.”

Cade’s eyes flick to Samson like he’s looking for him to confirm something. He gives a small nod, and butterflies erupt in my stomach. I press my hand there, willing them to stop. I don’t have time for happiness. I don’t deserve it. Last night was enough of a reminder of that.