Page 4 of Catching Flynn

All the time growing up, Flynn had lied to himself, pretending his dad was a deployed soldier who hadn’t made it home yet, or a spy on important missions, or even had amnesia and forgot his own identity.

But it was Flynn he’d forgotten. No, not forgotten. Never cared. Flynn shouldn’t be paying his debt when he’d never shelled out a dime for his own child. He closed his eyes, refusing to break down in front of strangers. “Was he nice to you?”

“Yes,” Zack whispered. Flynn brushed past them then raced to the door, trying like hell to outrun the pain.

* * * *

“Should I have lied?” Zack asked his mate. He’d never seen a more devastating look on someone’s face. Even though Zack knew nothing about Flynn, he wanted to run after him and comfort him.

“No,” Colton replied. “He’s hurting right now, but being honest was the right call. You can’t build trust on a foundation of lies.”

“I’m going after him. You watch the store.”

“Absolutely not. Zack, get your ass back here.”

But Zack didn’t listen. He shot out the door after his brother. He was the only family Zack had left, and he wasn’t about to lose Flynn too.

Zack caught up, determined to fix things, but still keeping in view of the bookstore. Flynn had a stalker, and Zack refused to play victim ever again.

“Flynn, slow down!”

Flynn spun so fast, Zack nearly collided into him. “Why?” Flynn shouted, causing a few heads to turn their way. Zack didn’t give a shit. “We met. We’re aware of each other now. No further obligation is required.”

“You’re not an obligation,” Zack argued, heated Flynn would think such a thing.

“Your father thought so. Knocked my mom up then walked away like planting a seed didn’t require nurturing. Like I was a weed instead of a flower.”

“I’m so sorry he did that, Flynn. Had I known—”

“What, you would’ve invited me over for Thanksgiving? Handed me presents from under the tree? Pretty sure your mom would’ve welcomed me considering I wasn’t supposed to exist. A mistake he wished he never made!”

Zach was stunned at how much pain poured from those words. “You’re not a mistake, Flynn. You’re my brother. That doesn’t sound like much, but it’s everything to me.”

“I’m glad you made this about you,” Flynn said, but he didn’t seem upset. He seemed like he was maybe fighting a smile. Zack wasn’t really sure.

“It’s the truth, no matter how selfish it sounds. You’re stuck with me.” Shit. “That sounded creepy as hell.” Zack held up his hands. “I promise I’m not a weirdo.”

“You are.” Flynn grinned. “That’s what makes you so charming.”

With a laugh, Zack replied, “We’re going to be best friends. Colton, my growly boyfriend, used to run his own security firm. He can help with your problem.”

Zack was offering his mate's services without asking, but he was sure Colton would help Flynn.

If not, Zack would glue himself to his newfound brother. Selfish or not, Flynn was the only family he had left. Zack would be damned if he let anyone hurt the guy.

* * * *

“I haven’t forgotten what you said, about—”

“My S. T. A. L. K. E. R.” Flynn had no idea why he was a deranged elementary school teacher …again. Maybe if he didn’t say the word out loud, his problem wouldn’t exist. Sounded pretty logical to him.

“I know what a dang stalker is,” Zack argued. “Seen them in movies a thousand times. I’m practically a stalker whisperer by now.”

Was there such a thing?

Flynn decided not to ask.

But Zack didn’t laugh or back away slowly. Instead, his expression went serious, focused in a way that reminded Flynn they might actually share genetics.