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“Good, because I want to check the place out for myself and make sure it’s safe.”

Zeb couldn’t help smiling. Hunter had always looked out for him, even if he had nothing to worry about.

“We need to find out where Kaden works as well. Ethan’s going to look into his background and check he’s on the up and up.”

What the fuck!

“Can’t we just get someone to follow Zeb instead of waiting for him to tell us something?” said Hunter.

“I’ve got someone who could do that, but I didn’t think you’d agree.”

“There’s something about this guy that seems off to me. It’s like he’s controlling Zeb or something. He doesn’t have the best common sense with men.”

Zeb seethed with rage. He’d heard enough. How dare they talk about him like this behind his back? He burst into the office without bothering to knock. Both startled, and their eyes widened when they realized who it was.

“At least I know what you both really think of me,” he shouted at them through his tears.

“Zeb, I’m sorry,” said Hunter. “We’re just worried about you.”

“You told me you were happy for me before. Then you talk to him,” he said, pointing at Mason. “Now you’ve changed your mind.”

“We only want what’s best for you,” said Mason, which just made Zeb angrier.

“You’re a fucking asshole, Mason Reid. I’ve been in love with you for two years, and you’ve done nothing but reject me. I finally found some happiness, and you can’t stand it. You don’t want me, but you don’t want anyone else to have me.”

“Zeb, it’s not like that,” he said.

His voice was calm, which just made Zeb more annoyed.

“And you—” He pointed at Hunter. “After everything we’ve been through together, you want to have me followed so you can try to find something on a man who loves me for who I am.”

“Zeb, I’m sorry,” said Hunter. He was crying as well. “You’re like a brother to me. I can’t help but be protective of you.”

“Yeah, well, there are ways to go about it, and conspiring with him is not one of them.”

Hunter went to speak, and then stopped himself. It was as if he wasn’t sure what to say. Mason was looking at Zeb intensely. How was he supposed to stay here knowing they thought so little of him?

“I think it’s best if I leave straight away,” said Zeb.

“No!” Mason and Hunter said in unison.

“I’ll get my stuff. I’m done here.”

He walked out and went back to his office. Within seconds, Mason was there.

“Please don’t make this harder than it is,” said Zeb.

“I’m sorry, Zeb. I can’t help myself with people I care about. I’m always going to be overprotective.”

There was a time when Mason saying something like that to him would have been a dream come true. Now, it just felt hollow and disingenuous. If he really cared, he would have been honest with Zeb and not gone behind his back and turned his best friend against him.

“If you really care about me, Mason, then you’ll let me go.”

He looked at Mason, and he had tears in his eyes. Zeb had never seen that before. The man was always so composed . . . well, apart from when he was pissed off in the kitchen, but he never showed these sorts of emotions.

“Please, Mason. I can’t stay here now after this.”

“Okay,” he replied, nodding his head. “I don’t want you to leave, but I won’t stop you.”