Page 18 of Bloom: Part 2

“Do you think that makes it better?”

“This is going to sound contrary, but I genuinely care for Bloom. If this weren’t important, I wouldn’t have proposed the idea. It’s just for a short time so he can get better.”

Crowe paced in front of the island, his brow furrowed. He jerked to a stop. “You’re hiding something.”

I swallowed a gulp. “Aren’t we all?”

“Does Bloom know this secret?”

“It’s nobody’s business.”

“It became my business when you decided to fuck my virgin ward, knowing how unstable he is. Does he at least know he’ll be coming back to the clubhouse?”

“No, not yet.”

I felt like shit admitting it. Bloom should have been the first person I told, but he wouldn’t receive the news well. He would likely throw a tantrum, but what could I do? There were forces at play greater than any of us, and the worst part was that Bloom had been caught up in it all, even though he was innocent.

“Is it someone else?” Crowe fired at me. “Are you married?”

“God, no. There’s nobody else.”

He didn’t look like he believed me. His eyes flickered with a turbulence of emotions. “You better tell Bloom, or he’ll hear it from me. Don’t mistake the way he feels about you and the sacrifice he was willing to make for your life to mean he’ll forgiveanything you do. It only means the betrayal is worse and he will make you pay dearly for it. And I will watch without a word.”

Seconds ticked by as we stared at each other, the silence following his speech ominous.

“Hey, what are you two doing in here alone?” James entered the kitchen, glancing from me to Crowe. He hadn’t come alone. Crowe’s boyfriend was with him.

“What happened?” Max asked Crowe. “You have your angry face on.”

“It’s nothing.” Crowe placed a hand on Max’s shoulder. “But we should go.”

“But we just got here!” James said.

“I have to leave early in the morning to visit with Winter,” Crowe said.

“It’s true,” Max said. “We didn’t plan to stick around for long, but this was fun. Maybe we can come over again for Bloom’s welcome home party.”

“He didn’t think to plan one.” Crowe’s tone was biting. He turned on his heels and strode out of the kitchen. Max had to run to catch up with him.

“What the hell was that?” James gesticulated wildly. “Everything was going so well. Did you do something to upset Crowe?”

I shrugged and rubbed my temple. “Maybe it’s best for everyone to go, James. I do appreciate you bringing everyone, though. I didn’t realize how empty the house felt without Bloom.”

“Dr. Collier—”

“I think you should call me Logan.” If Sven could, then why not James as well?

“Okay, then you must call me Jamie. James always makes me feel old and stuffy.”

“All right, then. Jamie it is.”

“Good, but we’re straying from the topic. You don’t want to make Crowe mad, Logan. He and Bloom are close—”

“Too damn close,” I muttered, intending it for my ears only, but Jamie’s eyes grew wide.

“You’re jealous of their relationship? You must know there’s nothing between them.”

“I know that.”

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