Page 18 of Silas's Sweetheart

No.

Life had taught Ziggy this the hard way. It led to miscommunication and heartbreak, and Ziggy was way past fed up at being ignored when his snake nagged continuously at him about the distance Silas put between them. They’d agreed—eventually—to give Silas the space he needed to figure his shit out.

Today, the universe had given them a sign, and his snake was eager for some close contact.

Talking. Talking is the only thing going to happen between us.

Ziggy’s reminder to his other half about them needing this job, one he loved and really wanted to keep, fell on deaf ears.

He’ll not sack us.

Hollis would be the one to sack us. He is our boss, not Silas. How many times do I have to say it?

His snake quit and sulked.

As Hollis had made no mention of an issue and hadn’t asked him to switch brothers, Ziggy had worked his ass off to be up to speed on everything, just in case. The effort had proven useful when his hard work had paid off today. He didn’t miss the shock and then respect Silas had shown about his knowledge and organization, which had given Ziggy a nice gooey warmth at the time. But after three hours of being ignored—on purpose—he just wanted to grab Silas and demand he stop being an ass.

“We’re done, you can head off Ziggy.” Silas didn’t take his gaze off the laptop he hunched over.

“What about the rest of us?” stated Laken. “Don’t we count?”

Silas continued to tap at his computer. “You never needed me to spell it out before.” He flicked his brother a grin that got Ziggy’s heart bumping against his ribcage. It was pure devilment. “But I can start now, if you like.”

“You ain’t ever gonna be the boss of me!”

Silas finally lifted his head fully, laughing so hard he shook. “Thank fuck.”

Ziggy stared at Silas’s transformed expression. He should really laugh more often. Serious Silas was hot, so was the intense side of the man, but right now Ziggy agreed with his snake, he was fucking gorgeous.

When Isley watched the brothers, showing no signs of getting ready to leave, Ziggy searched for a way to get them all to leave.

“Whatever, are we done?”

“Looks like.” Silas rolled his shoulders back, groaning just as his stomach let out a loud grumble. “What time is it?” he asked no one in particular.

“Late,” Laken replied, as he gathered up the pile of papers off the coffee table in front of him. “And time for food. Anyone up for ordering pizza? I’m too hungry to wait till I get home.” Laken spared them all a quick glance.

Ziggy’s smile didn’t have any genuine enthusiasm. “Thanks, but I’ve got leftovers that need to be eaten.”

“You sure?” Laken persisted, giving him a smile that altered the hard-looking man into one who—if he floated Ziggy’s boat—was way more appealing.

“Didn’t you hear what he said?” Silas growled and got up, basically forcing Ziggy up with him or he’d have fallen off the end of the sofa.

“What’s with you?” Laken questioned, not paying attention to Isley, who stiffened, then rose, jerkily bringing what he held in front of him in a defensive move before walking to the door without a backward glance.

Ziggy hesitated, watching Isley as he disappeared through the door.

Fuck!

“Night,” Ziggy muttered and did what any friend would do and gave chase. He caught up with Isley at the elevator. “You okay?” he asked, slightly out of breath.

Isley gave a jerky shrug, not meeting his gaze. “Tired is all.”

“I feel you. Wanna come to mine and eat leftover pasta?”

The lift quietly dinged, and the doors opened.

“Ziggy, can you come back? I’ve still got a few things to tie up.”

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