Page 6 of Edge
“Oof. You said you grew up abused. Do you want to drag that out too?”
Edge couldn’t stop smiling. Even the heavy topic didn’t dim his mood. “I mean, if you want. Honestly, I’d be shocked if you didn’t already know all about me. Between being friends with Kylo and Beau having us all investigated—I’m sure—you probably know more about me than I do.”
“Be shocked, then. Kylo doesn’t talk about any of you beyond your present friendship. If Beau had you investigated, and he likely did, he didn’t share any of that info with me. I’m just a foot soldier.”
Edge tossed Mickey a look of disbelief. “I highly doubt that. Beau wouldn’t trust just anyone with Kylo. You’re a lot higher in those ranks than you think. I’d go as far to say you’re right under Henry, if not equal to him.”
Mickey laughed. “Don’t let that fool you into thinking I know a damn thing going on in Beau’s business. He’s always been the type to move in complete silence. That’s what makes him so fucking terrifying. Well, one thing.”
Edge nodded. “I can imagine. People like him don’t live as long as he has without being genius levels ahead of everyone.”
“I have a feeling that you’re also describing yourself.”
A snort burst from Edge before he could stop it. “I don’t know about all that.”
“How long have you kept your bunch alive, hidden, and out of prison?”
“Yeah. I’m not doing that alone. It’s a team effort. Everyone plays their role. We all stay safe. Why do you think Austen moved in with us rather than Rain moving in with him? If we don’t stick together, everything we’ve built will fall to pieces. I recognize that sounds dramatic, but that’s just how it is. We’ll be hunted until the end of our days. If we split, they’ll pick us off one by one. Only together are we a force they won’t dare cross.”
“Who is we?”
Edge had forgotten he spoke to someone who didn’t know him. He was so accustomed to being surrounded by only his brothers that he hadn’t watched his words. Not that it mattered. “The Russian government.”
Mickey didn’t react right away. When he did, he did so in the funniest way possible, in Edge’s opinion. “Yeah. That’s a lot of people.”
A bark of laughter escaped Edge. He genuinely liked Mickey. Unfortunately, their time was over too soon. The moment they pulled into the garage, Henry damn near ripped the passenger door off his car. “I tried calling. Where in the hell have you been?”
Mickey leapt from the car like his ass was on fire. “I got Kylo’s milk. I forgot my phone. Is everything okay? Is Kylo all right?”
Henry ran his fingers through his hair. It was the most shaken Edge had ever seen the guy, including Edge bringing Mickey home from Mexico. “Yeah. Sorry. I didn’t think about you not having your phone.” His gaze slid down Mickey’s body. “It looks like you forgot a few things.”
“Not the milk.” He waved the jug.
Henry automatically lit, becoming someone new. “I see that.” His eyes sparkled with laughter. “When Kylo’s up and moving, and Beau lets him leave the bed again, I’m sure Kylo will be grateful.” His gaze slid down Mickey’s body again. “Where is all your stuff? You’re not even armed. You know better than that.”
Edge whipped a gun from a holster at his waist. “He was good. I had his back.”
Henry’s gaze moved from the weapon to Edge. He dipped his chin. “Thanks for that.”
Mickey made another awkward motion with the milk. “I should put this away and grab my shit from the gym.” He focused on Edge. “Thank you.”
Edge dipped his chin. He desperately wanted to find a way to stay in Mickey’s company, but Rain appeared, stealing his chance. “Hey. Can you take me home so I can pick up my car and pack a bag for Austen and me? We need to stay the night in case Kylo needs us. Well, Austen. I’m pretty useless in this scenario.”
He recognized Rain tried to lighten the mood, but all Edge felt was longing. For years, he had avoided all attachments. Now here was this guy and everything stood in their way, especially Edge’s inability to simply reach for what he wanted. But Edge would be back, and he would keep trying. He hadn’t been this invested in a long time. The time had come for him to try to move on from things that would never be.
Chapter Three
Unknownnumber:It’sMickey.I hope you don’t mind, but I got your number from Rain. Do you want to go do something tonight? Beau is making Kylo stay in bed while he hovers like a worried mom. So I’m free and bored.
Unknown number:Not that I’m only asking because I’m bored. I realized how that sounded as soon as I hit send.
Edge:Just saved your number to my phone, and I’d love to do something. What did you have in mind?
Mickey:LOL! I kind of hoped you’d have a suggestion since I never do things.
Edge:And you think I do? It’s Saturday night and I’m sitting here with a book. That’s what I do.
Mickey:Oh. Well, what are you reading?
