Page 52 of Splintered Hearts

“Take some time to think about this. There’s no rush, alright. We don’t mind.”

“I mind a little,” Hunter says softly. Mark turns on his boyfriend with a look that could wither. “Oh, sorry. I mean, Ilove having another person here after I just finally moved in with my boyfriend of over three years. Dream come true.”

“What’s wrong with Noah staying here?”

My skin starts to itch. The last thing I want is for these two to fight. “That’s not what he’s saying.” Hunter’s eyes land on me apologetically. I understand it. It’s clear. Why it’s not clear to my best friend is a mystery. It’s like he’s trying to keep me here.

I’ve had enough. This is happening, whether Mark wants it to or not. I’m done letting anyone else dictate what I do with my life. “Hunter is taking me, now.”

“No.” Mark folds his arms over his chest like a petulant child and I roll my eyes.

“Yes, I am.” Hunter stands, his eyes weary.

“No, he’s not.”

“Noah’s a big boy. He can make his own decisions.” I open my mouth and Hunter jabs a finger at me. “Not one word.”

I grin, trying to lighten the tension. “Praise me again, Daddy,” I whisper.

“Baby, please! I need to get him the fuck out of this house,” Hunter whines in a very un-daddy-like tone.

“This is a terrible idea.”

“What is he going to do? Honestly. What is the worst that could happen? I lived with him for years. Besides, I need to get the rest of my shit anyway.”

“Noah, you aren’t doing this. That’s final! This is a mistake.”

“You are not my father.”

“Noah—”

“I am an adult. This is the most logical solution to all our problems. It’s not far. You know Jamie. I’m safe, whether you like it or not. Hunter even paid the first two months rent when he left, so I have time to find a job. And I may even have that lined up.”

Mark’s eyes swing to Hunter. “You did what?”

“I didn’t... I didn’t do that.” Mark’s face grows stormier. “I didn’t, babe. I promise.”

That was weird, because Hunter always told the truth. “Maybe I misunderstood.” Grabbing my phone, I look at the text. Nope. Jamie definitely said that. Why is Hunter lying?

Whatever, it doesn’t matter.

“I’ll be fine, okay? Calm down.”

“You don’t need that kind of bullshit right now.”

“Is living alone with me really that bad?” Hunter snaps. “Ever since I moved in you’ve been actively trying to keep Noah here. He wants to leave. I want him to leave! No offense.”

“None taken.”

“Does the idea of being alone with me scare you that bad?”

“Of course I want to be alone with you.“

“Do you? That’s not how you’re acting. Noah is fine with this. What the fuck do you think Jamie’s going to do to him?”

“Anything and everything if I’m lucky.” They both glare at me. “Sorry. Continue fighting.”

“How about taking my side for once? That would be new. Between Jamie and me, it’s always Jamie.”

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