Page 90 of Enchanted

“They’re not, but they’re desperate not to upset my housemates. Especially Sam.”

I recalled how the twins had recoiled under the smaller man’s glare and laughed. “He definitely has that almost teacher-like aura about him.”

“He’s a force to be reckoned with. But so are you—don’t you forget that.”

I ducked my head so he couldn’t see my smile. “If you say so. Now, tell me about who I’m going to be meeting.”

Rami drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “There’s three of them who live there—Darius, Dahlia, and Quill. They’ve been friends since childhood, with Jeremiah and Nox rounding out their little gang.”

A bittersweet ache unfolded in my chest. Matty, Riley, and Lucky hadn’t been my friends since childhood, but we’d definitely been a little gang.

Fuck, how I missed that.

“It’s amazing they’re all home,” Rami continued. “Darius is away a lot; think he’s got a secret lover stashed away somewhere who he goes to visit.”

“Ooh, that’s intriguing.”

“Right?” He waggled his brows at me, and I laughed. I was getting the sense that he enjoyed gossip and intrigue as much as I did. “Full disclosure, I expect to be told about any and all details you overhear.”

“I don’t know about that,” I said airily. “They might become my new besties. I can’t promise to break their trust.”

Rami fixed me with a pointed look. “I hope they do become your friends, but I’m your number one, Ethan. Or do I need to stop the car and remind you about that over the bonnet?”

I groaned, pushing down on my crotch in an attempt to stifle my suddenly growing erection. “You can’t just say shit like that and not follow through. It’s mean.”

“Who said anything about not following through?”

“Sure, because this is an ideal place for that to happen,” I said sarcastically, gesturing at the busy high street we were driving along. “Could’ve thought about that when we were on those country lanes, but nooo.”

Rami smirked. “You’re a bit cheeky, you know that?”

“Only for you.”

It hit me then how true that was. I’d never been like this with Dave, or anyone before him, for that matter. Something about Rami made me feel…comfortable. Utterly free to be myself.

“Anyway,” Rami said, bringing us back on topic, “I don’t know Darius as well as the others, but he’s a decent bloke. Keeps to himself. Pretty quiet. Dahlia, she’s away a lot too, but not quite as often. She’s…fiery.”

“How so?”

“Like she might remove your balls if you say anything remotely sexist, racist, homophobic, or otherwise.”

I instinctively cupped said balls protectively. “I would never. Jesus, who would?”

“Stupid people. Especially if they’ve met Dahlia and then make that mistake.”

“Good to know I won’t get any shit for being gay.”

“You won’t get shit for anything,” Rami said bluntly. “They’re extremely respectful. But if that’s something you’re worried about, they’re all queer.”

I sagged in relief. “That’s wonderful. What about the third housemate?”

“Ah, Quill.” Rami was quiet for a moment. “Quill’s been through a lot. He’s not been officially diagnosed, but I suspect he’s got PTSD and agoraphobia. He’s been seeing a therapist virtually, which is great, but he’s not up to leaving the house much at the moment.”

“Oh, man.” My gut twisted with empathy. “That fucking sucks.”

“Yeah.” Rami blew out a long breath. “It does. We all make sure to stop by as often as we can, especially if Darius and Dahlia are away, but the dude’s been through hell.”

“Poor guy,” I said softly. “Well, he’ll have me there now too. I can keep him company.”