Page 50 of Resist

“We need to talk,” Theodore responds, that cocky smile in place. “I didn’t think you’d answer my calls or texts?—”

“You were right,” Fox snaps, sounding crueler than I’ve ever heard him. “Nor should you just show up in my life. I made that clear after you made your choice.”

“Dane.” I jerk at the use of Fox’s real name, and Fox’s nostrils flare. “Five minutes, please, for old times’ sake.”

Fox stares him down before stepping back, his jaw clenching. “Five minutes. Follow me.” He looks at me, and his expression softens. “I’ll be right back, okay?”

Nodding, I watch him go. Theo winks at me as he passes, following Fox through the hallway to the kitchen, then out back. He shuts the door after him, and I kick the front door shut, silently wandering after them. I linger in the kitchen to watch them through the window.

Fox’s arms are crossed, and he looks pissed, but Theodore doesn’t seem to care as he steps closer, smiling brightly.

“Who’s that? I don’t remember anyone delivering pizza like that before,” Strike scoffs from my side.

“I don’t know. He knows Fox, said he was his first love,” I grumble as I watch them. Theodore is talking, and Fox is staring at him. There’s this connection between them that wouldn’t take a genius to figure out.

“I hate him,” I mutter.

“Of course you do.” Dash laughs as he swings his arm around my shoulders. “He’s a rival.”

“No, he isn’t. Fox is mine,” I snap.

“Sure thing.” Strike hugs my other side. “He is hot though. Fox has good taste. I wonder how long ago they dated and why they broke up. Has Fox ever mentioned him?” He looks at me.

“Not once.” That is weird in itself. Fox tells me everything, even before we started dating. I suppose I never asked about his love life, not wanting to know.

We all stand there watching until Fox opens the door, and then we scramble away to look like we weren’t eavesdropping. I grab a mug and pretend to fill it. Strike lies on the table, playing with some fruit, and Dash dives into the fridge.

Fox just blinks at us, looking around. “You guys are so weird,” he mutters as Theodore appears at his side. Fox spares us another glance and begins to head through the kitchen, but Theodore stops.

“So this is your band.” Fox turns back, and it’s clear he isn’t happy, but he remains silent. “I guess you finally got everything you wanted, huh? I’m proud of you. I always knew you would make it.”

“Sure you did,” Fox scoffs.

Theodore’s smile fades for a moment before he looks at me. “You must be Ryker. I’ve seen you on TV with Fox. Thanks for taking care of him for me.”

“It wasn’t for you,” I snap.

“Of course,” he replies slyly. “I’m just glad you aren’t alone in this,” he tells Fox. “I know how hard you worked to become the best you could be. How many hours did we spend at music shops and lessons?”

I freeze, my gaze swinging to Fox. Just how long have they known each other?

“Theo,” Fox warns. “Enough, I don’t want a trip down memory lane. It’s called the past for a reason.”

“Not everything,” Theo retorts, and he looks at me. “I guess some things do change though. He’s not your usual taste. He’s . . . very raw.”

My heart pounds and anger fills me. Dash and Strike step in front of me before I can smash my fist into his perfect face.

“Enough,” Fox barks. “Do not speak to Ryker or any of my family like that. You’ve said what you wanted to, now leave. I’ve made it very clear that I don’t want you in my life. You made your choice, Theo, so live with it.”

“And if I don’t want to?” he counters, stopping before Fox. “What if I want what we had back? What if I made a mistake?”

“Too bad,” Fox replies, his voice cruel. “Now leave.”

“Think about what I said, okay?” He looks at me. “When you get tired of slumming it, come back to me.”

My eyes widen, and then he’s gone, the door shutting softly behind him. Fox scrubs at his face then spares us a look before heading outside, and I shove Dash and Strike out of the way, going out after him.

Irrational jealousy and fear control me.

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