Page 29 of Mine to Keep

I hoped my brothers would agree to get involved, because I knew I’d end this for Matt on my own if I had to.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Nick

JJ sentout the group message, and we gathered that evening at around nine. We chose to do it in the living room; it was large enough for us all to fit with ease. JJ stood beside me in the front of the room—a united front was what he’d called it—even though he’d also said he wouldn’t step in when my brothers tore me a new one for waiting this long to vote.

“We’re gathered here for a vote?” Mason asked as he joined Gabe on the love seat.

“Yes we are, friend.” JJ laughed, and it was unsettling.

“Why are you acting weird?” Mason eyed JJ and looked over at Gabe. “He’s being weird, right?”

Gabe shrugged. “It’s JJ—he’s always been odd.”

“Well, fuck you, then.” JJ shot Gabe the finger and turned toward Shep. “You hear how he talks to me?”

Shep pinched the bridge of his nose and, in the most bored tone I’d ever heard, responded to Gabe. “Don’t talk about my man like that. He’s an angel from heaven, the love of my life. He’s not odd.”

JJ frowned. “No lovin’ for you tonight.”

Shep gasped. “I defended you!”

I snorted. “You placated.”

JJ pointed at me. “Yep. That.”

“Maybe we can get down to it before this turns into some episode of a teen drama?” Angel was leaning against the doorway, arms folded.

With one last glare at Shep, JJ smiled at the faces staring at us. “Hey, family. So happy to have you here with us today.”

“Fuck my whole life right now,” Angel muttered.

“Shut it, Angel.” JJ pointed at the man, who was lightly banging his head against the wood. “I’m here to assist Nick with his speech.”

Noel cackled. “Is this about his crush?”

“Crush?” Gabe perked up. “We’re voting to what, kill them, help them, maim them?”

Mason slapped Gabe’s chest. “Why was kill the first choice?”

I held up my hands. “Focus, guys.”

“Now,” JJ continued. “We’re voting on whether or not we help Matt.”

“Matt’s in trouble?” Shep sat forward. “What’s going on?”

“Hold up…Matt’s the crush?”

“Gabe!” Mason snapped and rolled his eyes. “JJ, Nick, go on, please.”

JJ narrowed his eyes at Gabe but proceeded. I was totally letting him take the wheel on this for as long as I could.

“As I was saying.” JJ sighed. “Matt has, like, a volatile admirer? Maybe that’s what we call them.”

“A stalker.” Noel raised his brows, his sunglasses resting on the top of his head. “We don’t need to pretty up the words.”

“Do we know who?” Shep asked.

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