Page 83 of You Don’t Kiss Your Brother's Best Friends

“You’re bleeding!”

“She bit me.”

“Seriously?”

“I’d better not get rabies.”

The sounds of shouting grew louder, ending any further banter about Evelyn. Kayden ducked his head back into the hallway, looking concerned.

“We need to move,” he said worriedly. “Are you okay to—”

“I’m fine,” I said, as Joe and I helped each other back to our feet. I thumped him in the chest. “Thanks to this guy.”

Bruschetta Joe nodded briskly, then stepped into the hall. We watched as he disappeared in the direction of the kitchen.

“Where’s he going?” asked Kayden.

“To tell the staff the party’s over, and they need to get the fuck out of here.”

Kayden frowned. “I’m pretty sure they figured that out on their own.”

“Where’s Bishop?” I demanded.

He paused, but only for a moment. “Bishop’s outside, retrieving our stash. We prepped for this contingency.”

I bit my lip in thought. “Weapons?”

He nodded solemnly.

“Damn.”

“Look, we’re getting the hell out of here,” said Kayden. “That’s our number one priority. But if anyone stands in our way—”

“It’s better to have them and not need them,” I cut him off.

“Exactly.”

“Fine. But what about Roman Wynter?”

Kayden’s eyebrows narrowed. “What about him?”

“The three of you came here forhim,” I stressed. “You planned this for years. There’s no way you’re leaving without—”

“There’s no way we’re getting you hurt,” he vowed angrily. “We fucked up, and fucked up bad. We never should’ve brought you here.”

“Kayden, we went over this…”

“Yeah, maybe,” he growled. “But Iloveyou, Jocelyn. I always have. I realize that now, and it makes keeping you safe more important than ever.”

He was so genuine, even in anger. And the only anger he had was for himself.

“I… I love you too,” I told him. “You know that I do. But—”

My words died off as a whisper, as Kayden took my face in his hands. For a few precious moments, time stopped. The way he was looking at me, it felt like our souls were touching.

“But nothing,” he murmured, and bent to kiss me.

His lips were soft, the kiss gentle. It was over far too quickly though.

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