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"Not as much as Declan." As if on cue, his phone vibrates. Before I can stop him, he’s pulled up his screen and put the call on speaker.
"Hey, motherfuckers," Declan singsongs.
I wince. "Clearly, I’m surrounded by men who’ve never moved beyond the student stage of life."
"Well, hello, gramps, how’s it hanging?" He calls down the line.
"I think I have a very important meeting to go to." I lean forward as if to rise to my feet, but Stooge 1, aka Hunter, grips my shoulder.
"Oh, no, you don’t. You’re the first of the three of us to tie the knot, and then get yourself into a situation that appears to have no escape. You don’t think we’re going to pass up the chance to ridicule you, do you?"
"And I suppose it’s a coincidence that Declan calls while I’m with you?"
"Imayhave messaged him," Hunter says without a trace of regret on his face.
I glower at him. "And why would you do that?"
"Knowing I needed back up for what I’m going to say."
"Which is?"
He scrutinizes my features. "You’re a lot of things but you’re not a liar, or a coward."
"Areyoucalling me a liar and a coward?" I snap.
He scoffs. "Didn’t you hear what I just said, Kincaid? You’re anythingbuta liar and a coward, which is why I know you’re not going to pretend your feelings don’t exist."
"Are we turning into a chick-flick here? Is that what this is about? You lost your balls? Is that why we’re sitting around talking about my sentiments?"
"We’re talking about this because, clearly, you’re not going to. And it can’t be easy for your tiny mind to process that, for the first time, it’s not your head but your heart that’s going to have to take the lead. Also," —he raises his hand before I can open my mouth to protest— "don’t contradict me because I won’t believe you. Not only that, your eyes say the opposite of whatever trash you’re going to spew."
"Oh, so now you’re reading my unspoken gestures?"
"I’m a politician. I make a living by interpreting the unsaid."
"And here I thought all politicians were good for was to say things without thinking."
"That’s what makes me different. And don’t change the topic."
"I’m not," I protest.
"Yes, you are," both Declan and Hunter say at the same time.
It’s bloody annoying when someone you grew up with knows you so well. Better than my own family, actually. Which is also my fault. I couldn’t tell them what I went through when Weston went missing. And I’ve only hinted what happened to Declan and Hunter. She’s the first person I’ve unburdened myself to. And maybe it’s time I told my best friends, too.
"I was taken and held prisoner for a week when I was eighteen."
"What?" Hunter blinks.
"Eh?" Declan makes a noise of surprise.
"What are you talking about, ol’ chap?"
"I was held captive by the same people who took Weston and the rest of the Seven."
"Is this your way of deflecting attention?" Hunter scoffs.
"It’s not. You remember the time I went missing for two weeks—"
