Page 93 of Golden Rule

He nods when I ask. “Yeah, we’ve just got some paperwork to fill out. Finally convinced the guy to take some help.”

“No shit? Blue’s been trying for years.”

“Weallhave,” Ricky shoots back. “But he’ll be done with his EMT training in a few weeks, which means he can apply with the fire department soon. So, co-signing for his place plus six months paid rent is my gift to him. The guy needs a place of his own,anda break,” he adds. “But he only agreed to accept if I promised to let him pay me back once he’s on his feet, so…”

A laugh slips and this doesn’t surprise me. “Of course those were the terms, because he’s just like his sister.”

“Exactlylike his sister,” Ricky adds. “But we’ll link up again soon.”

“I should probably get going, too,” Dane chimes in. “Joss was cooking when I left, and I’m pretty sure we’re having dessert in the bedroom.”

I roll my eyes, wishing he’d keep someshit to himself.

Sterling has the same reaction, then grabs his keys from the table. “Guess I’m out, too.”

I rack the balls, so the table’s set for whenever someone plays again, then mount the sticks on the wall. My brothers head out, but before I make it to the door, Ricky stops me. He stands there, staring me down as he slips both hands into his pockets.

“Just wanted to have a word with you. Man-to-man.”

I didn’t realize this was about to be a serious talk, so I brace myself. “What’s up.”

At first, he only stares, but then he nods slowly. “Just want you to know I’m proud of you. It took a lot of courage to flushthose pills, and it took even more to come clean about it. Shows you intend to be accountable moving forward.”

He extends his hand, and I meet him halfway, grasping his palm. “Thank you.”

He nods again, but his expression goes serious, just like before. “You know me and the guys always have your back, but I think you should have a little more faith in Blue. We both know she’s tougher than she looks. It’s cool to lean onus, but you’re wife’s strong, too.”

His words sink in, hitting me square in the chest, because he’s one hundred percent right. Only, things aren’t that cut and dry with all Blue has going on at the moment, but I’ll definitely consider it.

“Thanks, man.”

“Call me. Foranything,” he says, then pulls me into a tight hug. When he lets go, I feel slightly less ashamed for my slipup. We’ve all made mistakes, and according to the men who areallmy brothers—whether we share blood or not—I’ve got all the support I’ll ever need.

@QweenPandora:

Well, it looks like the #KingsOfCypressPointe had a night out on the town, leaving the Queens home alone.

Tonight’s gathering was held at none other than our very own #SexyBeast’s nightclub, but pics only show the guys headed inside, only to be quickly ushered to a private elevator I imagine leads to bossman’s private quarters.

No fair, boys. Everyone’s dying to know what happened next. In fact, you’ve been extra careful to guard your secrets lately, and that’s now how this game is played.

Guess I’ll just have to step my game up, #GoldenCrew.

No bother…

Challenge accepted.

Later, peeps :)

—P

Chapter Twenty-Eight

West

When Ricky said to call if I needed anything, I’m guessing he didn’t realize I’d put his word to the test so soon—two weeks exactly. I’m also guessing he had no clue I’d be putting in that call to ask him and Dez to help clear the lot at the youth center, but they showed up. And so did everyone else—Dane, Joss, Sterling, Tiffany, Hunter, Scar, Lexi, Jules, and even Jaxon.

God knows there’s enough work to go around.

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