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“Johnny Geronimo?” Greyson croaked out. He was staring at me and Talia with a decided frown on his face.
I quickly let her go. “Yeah, that’s my name.”
Greyson looked back and forth between us, a flash of jealousy crossing his features. So much for playing it cool. For a world-renowned actor, he was certainly wearing his heart on his sleeves.
“Grey! Oh my God! Look at your face.” Talia snickered.
Greyson rubbed a hand down his face, still looking a bit unnerved.
Talia’s eyes were sparkling with mischief. “What would you do if I kissed him on the cheek?”
She raised up on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on my cheek.
I winced at the look of pure jealousy on Grey’s face. Christ. He couldn’t hold it in. He actually made a growling noise.
“You are jealous!” Talia exclaimed.
Ryder was sprawled in an oversized armchair, his eyebrows knitted together. He shifted his eyes from me to Greyson and asked with confusion in his voice, “Wait. Are you two together?”
I glanced over at Greyson, wondering if he’d deny it to protect me. But he kept his mouth shut, leaving it up to me. Shit, I wasn’t ready for this.
Ryder saw my hesitation. “I knew you two were talking — the tour bus is small; there’s no hiding anything. But, an item?”
I swallowed. “We haven’t really determined that yet. I’m working through some stuff. I’m sure you heard me talking to Maggie non-stop this tour.”
He nodded. “Yeah.”
“I suffered sexual abuse as a kid and I kept it all bottled up until recently.” I held my breath, waiting for his reply.
Ryder’s jaw dropped. He slumped back in the chair and closed his eyes for a moment, muttering, “Oh fuck. I didn’t know.”
Tears welled up in Talia’s eyes, and she embraced me, her hands gently rubbing my back.
Greyson moved to stand next to me in silent support. I didn’t move; I stood rigidly, waiting to see what Ryder would do. He was one of my best friends and I worried he’d look at me differently.
“I can’t believe you were going through all this and I didn’t even know. I knew you were talking to Maggie a lot, but...” He threw up his hands in disgust. “Why am I always the last to know?”
He looked so put out that I actually had to suppress a chuckle. “You’re not. I only told Knox just recently. Grey knows. And now, you and Talia. I was afraid to tell anyone. Afraid of how they’d react. Afraid of judgment.”
He blinked slowly, trying to comprehend the situation. His head shook slowly in disbelief. “Why would people judge you?”
“I don’t know.” I shrugged. “It really fucked me up, Ryder. I’m just starting to figure out just how much with the help of Maggie.”
He stood up and approached me, pulling me in for a hug. “I’m sorry that happened to you, but I’m here for you, brother. Whatever you need.”
He pulled back, and I felt a lump of gratitude in my throat. “Thanks.”
“Whatever you’ve been doing with Maggie, keep doing it.” He slapped my shoulder. “I’ve seen some sparks of life in you. You’ve been like a different person these past few weeks. Maybe that’s Greyson. And, if he’s good for you, Ghost, then I’m behind you one hundred percent.”
Ryder put his arm around Talia’s shoulder and then his other on mine. “Get in here, Grey. Huddle up.”
Greyson laughed but then stepped to our sides, closing off the circle.
Ryder looked around at all of us. “On three, ride or die.”
“Ride or die,” we vowed.
After dinner, we returned to the great room with drinks. Greyson was holding Zoe on his lap and playing silly games with her. It was weird watching him playing with and holding a tiny baby. He was a big, aggressive guy, but was so gentle with Zoe.
