Page 37 of Silas's Sweetheart

“I think I’m disappointed I didn’t get to find out now,” Frey said, giving an exaggerated pout, making Ziggy laugh.

“I’m sure that big bear has some talents too.”

Frey groaned and wiggled his butt against the cushions. “Don’t do that, I’m getting…”

A furious red. Ziggy couldn’t figure how Frey managed to blush like that when he could flirt hard enough to make Ziggy want to take lessons.

“Let’s change the subject. Will you ring your doc tomorrow to let him know what happened?” Ziggy wished he’d not brought it up when Frey lost his smile.

“Yeah, I’ll need to ring and make an appointment to see him. He’ll want to do more blood work, or that was what he mentioned at my last appointment.”

Ziggy reached to pat Frey’s knee. “If you need me to come with you, then I will, for support.”

Frey’s eyes sparkled with bright tears, like the sun was hitting the surface of the sea. “No, it’s alright. You have done enough, and I need to do this on my own.”

Ziggy nodded, looking about for his sneakers. “The offer’s there, you only need to ask.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.” He got up and gave Ziggy a big hug.

“Friends have each other’s backs.”

“You’re more like family.”

The innocent words left Ziggy struggling to contain his emotions. “Yes,” he managed to get past his closing throat. He patted Frey awkwardly and went to where he spotted his sneakers.

With them on, he went around the room, grabbing his things and shoving them into the overnight bag he’d brought with him on Thursday.

Frey watched him with a thoughtful expression as he finished and grabbed his jacket. “If you ever want someone to talk to… I’ll listen and promise I won’t judge.”

Frey was more insightful than many gave him credit for, Ziggy included. He gave him a wobbly smile. “Thanks… anyway I’ll be off. See you later.”

He made a quick escape, only breathing easy when he got into his car.

He sat for long minutes staring out the windshield.

Family. He shuddered at the chilly feeling inside him that never went away. He accepted it. Lived with it. But that didn’t stop the question. What would it be like to have a family who really wanted him?

Sniffing, he wiped the back of his hand over his nose, blinking back tears as he switched on the engine. Frey’s uncontrollable hormones must have rubbed off on him.

Give over!

He drove off, putting the music on loud to block out the pesky voice, singing at the top of his lungs with the determination of an Olympian, and avoiding looking at himself in the rearview mirror when he knew what he would see. Desperation.

Chapter Fifteen

Silas

The weekend had been torturous. His imagination had gotten a workout at all the possibilities of what Frey and Ziggy were up to. With his firsthand knowledge of just what Ziggy could offer a bed partner, he’d spent most of the time hiding in his room after losing his temper once more with Booker, resulting in a damaged laptop. Then, to top it off, he’d taken a pot shot at Jupiter and upset him. He’d eaten crow and apologized but he’d seen how the shadow of hurt had not lessened. So in the end he’d stayed clear, sulking in his bedroom.

His brothers were far too observant and already looking for another target with Taylin out of the picture, having moved in with Hollis. Everything there was moving at warp speed, Silas just didn’t get why.

He’s happy… whereas you are not!

He released a sharp exhale at how fucked up he really was.

“Somethin’ up?” Ethan questioned, bringing his attention back to the call they were having. One he wasn’t paying attentionto, despite having thought it would help keep his thoughts from Ziggy.

Work had been his only option to distract himself, because hunting down Frey’s address and dragging Ziggy out by his hair was a step too far—possibly. Instead, Silas had been in the office since six am and, knowing Ethan would be up and free at this time, he’d called him. Now he rolled his eyes at his computer, glad that Ethan couldn’t see his expression.

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