Page 180 of Scandalous

“The relationship we share with Aurora Blake is one that does not concern anyone else in the world. We will not tolerate anyone using derogatory names for her or praising us. This is not a brag. This is real life.”

I clear my throat. “Yes. This is real life. I know you see us on here and think you know us. You think you have a right to our lives because of what we post online. That’s false. We choose to share what we do with you because we enjoy it. If you suck the joy out of it, we will stop. We can just as easily disappear. We don’t need to cater to you.”

Drake sets a hand on my shoulder. “What we are getting at is to treat us like human beings. Show kindness. Aurora is important to us. Whether you like her or not, it doesn’t matter. Whether you like it or not, Liam and I are also together, which you’ve all suspected, so stop acting so surprised. Respect our relationship and our boundaries. For fuck’s sake, stop groping us when it’s clearly not wanted. Be better. Don’t put others down. You keyboard warriors can lay down your weapons. This is nothing that concerns any of you.”

“So kindly fuck off,” Ezra ends.

Then we all get up, shutting down our feeds.

“Was it enough?” I ask.

“Time will tell,” Santi responds.

* * *

Putting the car in park, I stare at the house in front of me. Cars fill the driveway and music plays. Instinctively, I know they are having a get-together and are all in the backyard. Usually I would be climbing out of the car filled with excitement to see everyone and catch up, but today I’m filled with nothing but dread.

Taking the keys out of the ignition, I get out and walk toward the back of the driveway. I let myself into the backyard through the gate. At first, no one sees me and I get to study them all.

Are they all in on it, or did Val act alone?

“Santiago!” Mami cheers.

Stepping forward, I meet her halfway.

“What a surprise,” she coos as she wraps her arms around me. “Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?”

“I wasn’t planning on it,” I mumble.

“It’s so good to have you here and so soon,” she says as she pats my face.

“Welcome home, Santiago,” Papi says.

“Hi, I hope you don’t mind me stopping by unannounced.”

Papi scoffs. “This is your home too, my boy. Now tell me, how is that pretty little thing of yours?”

“She’s well.”

I greet my aunts and uncles as well, biding my time.

“Did your girlfriend and friends come home with you this time too?” my tia asks.

I shake my head. “No, they are back in Vegas. The party there happens this weekend and they are getting ready for it.”

“Ah, makes sense.” She nods knowingly.

“I keep meaning to take your tia to Vegas. Have a little fun in Sin City.” My tio wiggles his eyebrows.

“You should. If you go soon, you might be able to stay at our house there before Drake puts it on the market.”

“I’m surprised he still has it knowing how much he dislikes that city,” Mami says knowingly.

I watch as Val stands and tries to slip out unnoticed.

“I don’t fucking think so,” I snap as I pull away from Mami and head toward her.

“What’s wrong, son?” Papi asks.

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