Page 33 of Splintered Hearts

Okay, putting that away in the box for now. I’m not going to think about that. “You really think Hunter would be friends with someone like that?”

Mark sighs. “They have this weird connection.”

“You used to put your tongue inside my ass. I’d hardly say we’re the picture of a healthy fucking friendship.”

Mark glowers at me. “You can do better. That’s all I’m asking. For once... do better.”

“Funny. Same thing I said to Hunter the other morning.”

“I’m going to kick you out on the street.”

“Hunter would love that.”

“He doesn’t care that you’re here.”

“Oh, I’m not so sure about that.” Hunter is anything but thrilled that I’m here. Why can’t Mark see that? “Is he jealous of us, of me?” Mark laughs. “Then why are you jealous of Jamie and him?” And... laughter dead.

“I’m not jealous, asshole. It’s not like that. I know Hunter is it for me, and I’m it for him—”

“Poor guy—”

“Fuck off, it’s not like that. Jamie just has this entitlement when it comes to Hunter, to his time. It pisses me off.”

“Mark, how much have we hung out this week?”

“What?”

“Every day, when you aren’t working. You’ve not left me alone once. I can barely shit in peace without you there.”

“You’re dramatic.”

“All I’m saying is, if I were Hunter, the amount of time we’ve been spending together would upset me. That’s all I’m saying. Maybe worry less about whose dick I’m sucking and more about whose you aren’t.”

“Hunter’s fine.”

I’m going to strangle him. “Spend more time with him. I’m fine. Honestly, last night, as much as you don’t want to hear this, it was like a reset. I feel so fucking good.” Better than good. Fucking incredible. Jamie’s dick must have magical powers.

My next step is finding a place, because as much as Jamie’s offer tempts me, I don’t know. I’m still thinking about that. “Do you work today?”

“No. I have a game I’m testing in two days. It’s going to be pretty much nonstop until I finish it. Sorry, I can’t entertain you.”

“That would require you to be entertaining.” Mark’s icy gaze narrows on me and I smirk. “I love you.”

“Whatever. What do you want to do today?”

“Depression, with a side of couch naps?”

“How about we go to lunch and then grab some things you need from town? Maybe see if anyone’s hiring. A job should be your priority.”

“Can you stop momming me? I got this, okay?”

“I just want to help you.”

“Help me by letting me make my own decisions. And mistakes.” He glares. All my life, I’ve been told which moves to make, and now I’m finally on my own, just ready to live, and I don’t need my best friend being a surrogate parent. “I want my best friend back. I prefer a moaning Mark to yelling Mark.”I’m sure Hunter does too.

Mark cringes. “How much did you hear?”

“Enough.” Too much.

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