Page 42 of Irons

“So, who else knew? Shouldn’t we have been made aware?” Axton asked.

Magnus spoke up. “I knew, but it’s not my story to tell. What if your childhood friend was hired? Just because she’s female doesn’t make it juicy gossip or a conflict. She’s a soldier like the rest of us, hell she’s got more metals than a lot of us. It’s really not our business.”

Melissa pointed with her fork. “They’re holding hands under the table.”

Travis narrowed his eyes on Melissa. “She just told me some news…just fuck off. It’s nobody’s business.” He let go of my hand and it felt like he ripped it away from me.

“Damn, it was about your parents, wasn’t it?” I turned and saw Drakos standing behind us eating an apple. Obviously he was standing there for a bit.

“Just let it go.” Travis was shutting down and I felt helpless to stop it. We were doing good before everyone joined us. I should have waited to tell him when we were alone.

“Was it though?” Drakos was poking the bear.

“My dad is dead, alright?” Travis shoved his plate away and stood before he stormed away. I went to chase after him, but Magnus grabbed my arm.

“Let me go.” He stood then chased after Travis.

I looked at everyone and they had pity in their eyes. Axton narrowed his eyes on Drakos. “What the fuck? He said to leave it alone.”

“Shit, I’m such an asshole.” Drakos ran his fingers through his hair. “Dammit.”

Morgan slowly lifted from her seat then waddled over and sat by me in the chair Travis abandoned. Her hand laid gently on my arm. “He’s okay, I promise. It’s just not normal for us to see him show much emotion, especially anger. He needed to know and I’m sure he asked. He’s not upset with you, just the situation.”

“I should have waited to tell him when we were alone, but took the opportunity when he asked.” I felt terrible.

“No, you were right to tell him when he asked. I’ve had long conversations with him, and he keeps his childhood locked away in a vault. If he was willing to ask, you had to take the opportunity.”

“He’s upset now.” I wanted to cry.

“He’s not upset with you or us, not even Drakos. He’s just processing. Irons is…he’s the mildest one of us. He's rarely angry and the one guy you always want on your side. He just simplydoesn’t show his emotions around others. He always walks off on his own to process bad news.” Axton said.

“I would say Irons and Magnus are the most alike in some ways.” Morgan stopped like she was thinking. “Except Irons isn’t a total slut like Magnus.”

“Morgan, you’re breaking rules.” Axton reminded her.

Morgan scoffed. “What? You’re going to tell your boss on me?”

Axton rolled his eyes. “Right, you only get away with that shit because we don’t suck his dick.”

“You’re not the mother of his children either, so shut your cum dumpster, Michael.” She rolled her eyes again and there’s no longer a question where little Addie picked that up. She then looked at me. “I’m just saying he has been through a lot and is probably better than most at processing his emotions. He learned a lot since he was a kid and he’s the most patient, respectful and kindest person out of all these assholes.”

“Hey, I take offense. I’m all those things too.” Granger pouted.

“Oh, shut up, Ryan. You have more tantrums than our children.” Stephanie corrected him.

“Irons is an asshole that has no clue how easy he has it.” Drakos took a seat, and I glared at him, then noticed I wasn’t the only one.

“Bull fucking shit, Drakos.” Axton snapped at him.

“Nope, hear me out. We walk into a bar, and he has to fight off all the hot chicks. He thinks it’s a curse while the rest of us have to work hard for pussy.”

“Oh my God, shut up!” Morgan slapped her hand over his mouth. “Not everything is about pussy, you freak!”

I had to fight a little laugh.

Morgan looked at me. “Don’t listen to Drakos…like ever. Just because Travis doesn’t do casual doesn’t make him an asshole.” She moved her hand from his mouth and looked at him “Oh my God, this has nothing to do with that…what the hell, Drakos? I was just saying that about the only real difference between Josh and Travis. I was going to say that Josh is a little more outgoing than Travis. My point about Josh being a slut is because Travis is kind of shy in some ways, and Josh is more outgoing with women. That’s literally about the only thing that sets them apart.”

“I’m lost. This conversation didn’t need to be all that hard.” Melissa was obviously annoyed. “Irons is going to be fine. He’s seen and done a lot and will pull himself together. He’s one of the best and everyone’s favorite.”

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