Page 114 of These Wicked Hearts

“Surprise,” I say softly, wiggling my fingers at my sides. A soft laugh leaves his lips.

“Why don’t you take Atlas with you?” Felix suggests. “Gage and I will be fine here.”

I look back at Gage. “Yeah, that’s fine.” He smiles at me.

Grey hesitates for a moment. “He’s safe with him,” I say softly when I see the worry in my friend’s eyes.

Grey looks behind him. “You sure, Angel?”

Felix smiles. “We’ll be fine.”

Grey leans in, kissing him quickly, then jerks his head toward the truck. “We’ll be quick.” I follow him, glancing back in time to see Gage watching me, a faint smile on his lips.

“Have fun,” he mouths to me, and then disappears into the house with Felix.

Ten minutes of silence and I’m about ready to crawl out of my skin. “Say something, please!”

Grey glances over. “What?”

“I’m choking on air in this fucking truck. Will you please say something.”

“You say something!”

“I am saying something!”

He exhales sharply. “Jesus Christ, Atlas.”

I turn in my seat. “Are you still mad at me? Like actually mad?”

“I was never mad at you.”

“That’s not true. You were pissed.”

“No. I was in shock.” He shakes his head. “Then I was worried because the guy I’m in love with had just seen us kissing. It was a lot.” He glances at me. “I didn’t even know you were queer, let alone that you felt that way about me. Why didn’t you tell me?”

I shrug. “It’s not something I really think about.” Then I add, “I usually date women. I’ve just never been with a man before. And with you . . . nope, not going there. No. It’s just never happened with a man before.”

“Before Gage you mean?” I look at my friend. “That’s right. I saw that kiss.”

I settle back into my seat. “Before Gage.”

He huffs out a laugh. “I have so many questions.”

“I might have some answers.”

He laughs, softer now. “I missed you. You have no idea.” His hand lands on my thigh, giving it a squeeze. “I’m sorry for how things went down. I should’ve⁠—”

“No. Please don’t.” I shake my head. “It’s okay. Really. I’m okay. Felix is good for you.”

He swallows hard. There’s something different about my best friend. In a way he seems lighter, happier for sure, but it’s more than that. His hair’s a touch longer than the last time I saw him, and his beard is trimmed close to his face. He’s wearing a navy-blue shirt that says “Hornets” under his flannel coat.

“I just wish I’d known. I would have set that boundary fast. I didn’t want to hurt you.”

“You didn’t know. No one knew.”

“Andre and Oli knew.”

I blink. “What?”