Page 49 of Thick as Thieves
“I want you in my life, Gabe. We’re brothers. Been through hell and back tofuckingether. I don’t want to split up the band, but I don’t want you hurting every day you see something that reminds you I’m not free.” I’m begging him with my eyes to believe me.
He nods. “I want the band. I want you, Levi, and Xan in my life. It’s the only thing I know and want. I won’t say it’ll be easy, but I’m willing to give it a go.” At least he’s being a bit rational.
I step back and blow out a breath, smiling at him, relief in every inch of my body.
He doesn’t smile. Taking a step back, he draws his fist back and punches me in the face.
I fall backwards, knowing he’s blacked my eye, my nose burst open bleeding.
“You should have fucking told me years ago. That’s for keeping it from me,” he growls at me, his face unsmiling, sad, but his eyes are full of pain and disappointment as he walks away.
I grin at his back, then watch as he looks over his shoulder and grins at me, the fucker.
Levi looks over, laughing. He comes across and throws a shirt at me. “I told you to wait til tomorrow. You just can’t, can you?” He’s shaking his head at me.
“He’s alright, clearly, so I’m off back to my wife,” I state with the biggest grin on my face.
“And your husband,” he laughs at me. “You fuckwits. We got your back, though. All of you. Are we still a band?”
“Yep. If you both want us, I’m happy to carry on. I told him so.”
“Good, get going th?—”
“Where’s my sister? You better not be in here without her. You know that shit will not fly again.” Jude comes up from behind me, stepping between me and Levi, getting up close and personal in my face. His voice is a snarl but I can see the panic in his eyes.
“She’s in the house with Xander. I came to see Gabe, not that it’s any of your business, Jude. Fuck off.”
He looks over at Gabe, and then back at my black eye, the bloodied shirt in my hand. “What’s up? You have a lovers tiff? Does Evie know you fuck your bandmates?” He’s goading me now. He knows jack shit.
“She does, actually. Again, not that it's anything to do with you. Go find Isobel, or wait, where is she? She’s usually hanging off you?”
“I’m here,” says Issy, walking up.
I smile at her, with blood still on my lips. “So Isobel, has Jude talked you into a threesome? Well, stay away from Gabe, you won’t survive it. Or Levi. Maybe John Clayton, he’s not so savage.” I smile sarcastically at Jude. “Does she know how often you’re at the club with Jonno? Or are you still pretending to be a good boy?” I’m just trying to piss Jude off now.
“You’d know. You and Xan were there more than me.”
My smile widens. “Never said we weren’t.”
“Does Evie know how much Xan likes to whip you? Or anyone?” He’s back to pissing me off now.
“She fucking knows us better than anyone. You of anyone should know that, Jude.” I stop and look around. “Stage is free, Jude. Why aren’t you up there? You like to perform.”
I honestly have no idea if he does, but I know it’ll annoy the hell out of him. It does, and he punches me in the gut as proof.
“Fucking hell,” I gasp out, my torso collapsing inwards as I’m doubled over in pain. He stands there smirking at me. When I get my breath back, I tell him, “That’ll be the last time you do that, Jude. Next time I’ll be hitting right back. Stop fucking digging at Xan and me. We love your sister, we want her happy. What don’t you get?”
Isobel’s eyes go wide at my statement. Yeah, fuck you as well.
“I invited you both as family. I’ve told you before, Jude, we are not the issue. We want to be a family with you and everyone. It’s time to get behind us, because we’re going nowhere.” My eyes are clear, and burning into him.
He looks at me, and I can see the confusion on his face, but I’m deadly serious.
“Your nephews are my sons, we don’t need to be on different sides here. We weren’t before, but of late I’m sensing a lot of bad vibes.” I stare at him, checking out his face. I can see the conflict running across it. What the fuck is wrong? We’ve done nothing to him.
He nods, then walks away to watch as someone has taken up the stage.
Isobel stays at my side. “Are you alright Marcus? You look terrible.” She’s touching my arms and the lapels on my jacket. Brushing her hands down it. It’s over familiar, and I don’t like it.
