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Whoever it is sounds upset, though the words are muffled.

“I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Just go inside and stay there, okay?”

I hear the voice again and note how Blush’s demeanor changes. He stiffens, and that sex-kitten persona is replaced by a man with worries.

“I hear ya, Shelby. I’ll be there as soon as possible.” He ends the call and looks up at me with a tight smile. “Sorry. I have to run.”

“Is something wrong?”

“No.” He tries to sound carefree, but I know the difference now. “Just family stuff. Rain check?”

“I can drive you.”

“I have a car, but thanks.” He pats my chest. “You’re amazing. I’d definitely like to do that again.”

“Let me help you.”

He leans in to kiss me then steps back and makes a point of taking in my half-naked state, soft dick hanging out. “What a shame to leave you. You know where to find me when you want more.”

Then he’s climbing out of the van and leaving. I hurry to pull my jeans up and get to the front seat before I lose him. Once I’m seated, I start the van, but before I can pull off, Phantom steps outside, waving to me. I lower my window as he jogs over to me.

“Want to go back up Stealth with me? He stumbled across a scene.”

I glance out my windshield as a dark sedan rolls out of the parking lot, a glimpse of pink hair catching my eye. My priorities lie with my family though, so I nod.

I’ll just have to believe Blush was telling me the truth and that he doesn’t need any help.

CHAPTER 11

Blush

Dammit. Fuck.

I whip into the parking lot of our apartment building, shut the car off, and practically sprint into my apartment. Nick is sitting on the couch with a black eye and an ice pack on his lip, Shelby hovering over him like a worried mother.

“Robbed again?”

Nick shrugs, grumbling something under his breath.

“Tell me what the fuck is going on. You’re not leaving this room until you do.”

“Fuck off, B. I’m an adult.”

“Yeah, and you’re really acting like one. Try again.”

“I can handle it.”

“No, you obviously cannot.” I cross my arms. “Talk.”

Nick exhales slowly, looking defeated. “These guys targeted me a few weeks ago. I don’t know why or what I did, but they know I’m gay and they give me shit about it.”

I feel my rage building. “What kind of shit?”

“One of them tells me he’s going to fuck me, and when I finally spoke up and told him to leave me alone, he got physical with me.”

“What do you mean?” Shelby asks. “Was he violent or did he touch you?”

My brother’s cheeks turn red and splotchy as he lowers his head.