Page 22 of My Brother's Billionaire Best Friends
“It is when it gets you hurt every time.”
I blink. That lands harder than I expect.
She sighs, softer now. “Parker. I’m not judging you. I’ve made my share of mistakes. I’m just asking you to think about what this becomes if it falls apart.”
“Ihavethought about that,” I say, and it’s almost true.
I’ve thought about what happens if someone recognizes my voice in the leak, or if it turns out I’m just a phase. A fun distraction for three powerful men who’ll get bored and move on the second it gets messy.
But I’ve also thought about what it’s been like these last few days.
Feeling wanted. It’s been so long. Jack looks at me like he still remembers how I tasted seven years ago. Like it’s haunted him. Gavin watches me like I’m a puzzle he wants to solve with hispierced cock. And Harrison? Harrison kissed me like he wanted to start a war over it.
They don’t feel casual. None of them do.
“Can I ask you something?” I say, not looking at her.
Mom nods.
“If they were three regular guys…would you still say I’m making a mistake?”
She’s quiet for a long time. “I’d say it’s still a risk. But maybe not a dangerous one.”
I finally turn to her. “Because they’re powerful?”
“Because they hold your career in their hands. Because they’re connected to your brother. Because there are power dynamics at play that even you can’t see clearly yet.”
“I’m not stupid.”
“No, that’s the problem,” she says gently. “Smart people always get themselves in trouble when they think they know better than everyone else.”
That hurts. But I don’t argue. Because a part of me is afraid she might be right.
She finishes her wine and stands, collecting the glasses. “I’m not trying to ruin this for you. I’m just trying to make sure you’re okay.”
“I know.”
She kisses the top of my head like she used to when I was little and scared of thunder. Then she takes the glasses into the kitchen and disappears down the hallway.
I stay there, sitting on the couch, muted TV flickering in front of me. My phone’s on the coffee table. No new texts. No missed calls. No messages from Jack, or Gavin, or Harrison.
I don’t know what I expected. They’re not mine. Not really.
They’re my bosses. Billionaires. Men with reputations to protect and entire companies at stake. This was never going to be easy. But I didn’t think I’d feel this…untethered. I glance down the hallway toward the kids’ bedroom.
Their night-light spills soft yellow into the hall. Lyra’s probably kicked her covers off again and Levi’s snuggled up with the same worn shark plushie he’s had since he was two. They’re safe. That’s what matters. Whatever I do—whatever mess I make—it has to come second to that.
Still.
I reach for my phone and open a blank message. I start typing something—nothing important. JustHey. Then I delete it. I power off the screen and set the phone face-down.
This was never supposed to happen. But it did. And now I have to figure out how to live with it. Or let it go.
Neither option feels right.
6
JACK
