Page 72 of Barrett

“The three of them are in a relationship?”

“No. It’s a never-ending cycle of is it going to happen or not? Maybe they’ll go there, maybe they won’t. Lane is either clueless or tired of waiting for one or both of them to get their shit together.”

“He’s not clueless,” I said. “He knows far more than he lets on.” Lane was still kind of a loner, although he did talk to Vincent the most. That happened when the guard took a bullet for him. I glanced over at Vincent.

He shrugged. “You think he talks to me often? It’s mundane shit. I definitely think he knows though. You have to remember all he’s been through.”

“What happened?” Marshall asked.

“Not my story to tell, kid.”

“I told you to stop calling me that.”

“Did you suddenly age a decade? I’m forty. You’re a kid to me.”

Marshall huffed but turned to Kayli so they could work together.

I left the gym after that, deciding to go to my home to shower. I’d have to tell my brother about Lane’s date. He should know. The thought of upsetting him ate at me until I arrived in Jordan’s home to take over for Raiden. Jordan was nowhere in sight and his office door was closed. He wouldn’t hear me talk to my brother.

“What’s wrong with you?” Raiden asked.

“Lane has a date.”

The only sign of emotion he made was the slight tick of his jaw. “It’s not my business.”

“Really? So, you don’t want me to tell you if he doesn’t come home tonight?”

“Why are you doing this to me?”

“Because I care, and you need to do something before you lose your chance with him.”

“Easy advice, coming from you now that you have your detective.”

“No, I’m still trying to keep him in my life. Barrett puts his brother above himself. Until he knows Marshall is safe and that piece of shit who grabbed him is dead, our relationship is at a standstill. He’s a detective and I’m here. He’ll never be here while he holds that position. So no, it’s not easy advice. Lane’s in the same building as you, and you skate around him. What are you afraid of?” I couldn’t imagine what else it could be.

Raiden kept his gaze ahead but replied without looking at me. “He hasn’t been free for that long. Being with me traps him in the life he fought hard to leave. I won’t do that to him.”

“Ray, this isn’t the same as where he was. Lane is healing here, not still being abused. Jordan has told him he can go, but Lane stays.”

“It’s because his family is here.”

“Forest doesn’t even live in the building so that’s a shitty excuse.”

Raiden shook his head. “It doesn’t matter. He’s better off not thinking about me that way.”

“You’re an asshole.”

“I’ve been called worse.”

“I just want you to be happy,” I whispered.

Raiden reached up and gripped the back of my neck, giving me a little shake. “I know, little brother. I appreciate you.” That fucker called me that to change the subject, knowing it would rile me up.

“Nine minutes,” I told him. “You’re only older than me by nine minutes.”

“Still counts.” He clasped his hands in front of himself and widened his stance slightly.

Before I could give him shit for changing the subject, even though I took the bait, Jordan emerged from his office.

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