Page 13 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody stepped after him. “Then who did this?”

“No one.”

The doorbell rang, sharp and sudden. Ody turned and headed for the door. He pulled it open and froze, his eyes hardening the moment he saw Kash. “What the hell are you doing here?” he snapped. “First, you run your mouth to your sister, and now you show up to laugh in our faces?”

Kash didn’t even look at Ody. His gaze swept over his shoulder, searching inside the house. “Mano… are you okay?”

Ody stilled, thrown off by the question.

Kash didn’t hesitate. He stepped past him and walked inside.

Mano’s hands curled into fists at his sides, something violent flashing in his eyes.

“I know what happened,” Kash said, searching his face. “Are you okay?”

Ody turned to him. “What happened?”

Kash shifted his attention to Ody. “She blackmailed him. Told him if he didn’t do what she wanted, she’d tell Anna. And show everyone the video.”

Mano’s heart slammed against his ribs.

Ody’s eyes snapped to Mano, then back to Kash, wide. “What video?”

Kash hesitated, his gaze dropping. “She took his clothes off and tied him to the—”

“Shut the fuck up!” Mano yelled, panic tearing through his voice.

Everything went still.

Ody’s heart dropped. Shock gave way to a hot rush of anger as he looked at Mano. His thoughts spiraled. I sent him there. This is my fault. “Is that true?” he asked, his tone low, sharp now.

Mano didn’t answer, his head still lowered, refusing to meet his eyes.

That was answer enough.

Something in Ody snapped. He turned away, pacing a step before stopping. “I swear to God, I’m gonna—” He cut himself off, breathing hard. His gaze flicked back to Mano and softened. “Why didn’t you tell me?” he asked, quieter now.

“Listen,” Kash said, looking between them. “I didn’t mean to tell her about you two. I swear, it just slipped out, I didn’t—” He shook his head. “I’m on your side.” His gaze settled on Mano. “Whatever she’s doing to you… I’ll stop it.”

His voice dropped. “I’ll handle her. You have my word.”

Chapter 4

Silence stretched across the room. Mano stood there, shoulders tense, staring through Kash. His gaze was cold. Unforgiving. Whatever patience he had left was gone. “How exactly are you gonna stop her, huh?”

“I will. I gave you my word,” Kash said.

Ody exhaled. “You were terrified of anyone finding out you’re gay,” he said. “And now this is what you do?”

Kash flinched. “I knew something was going on between you two. I lost it. I got jealous. But I never meant to drag Anna into this. I wouldn’t do that.”

Mano looked seconds from snapping. Ody stayed still, his silence colder than words.

“I came home and Stella started asking questions… it just slipped out. I wasn’t thinking,” Kash said. “When I saw Mano leaving my house, I panicked. She’s out of control. I’m trying to stop this.”

Mano scoffed.

Kash squeezed his eyes shut. Then he turned to Ody. “Ody… I like you.”