Page 17 of Orange Spell
Marlin winced.He needed to be more careful.“I apologize.”
Killian frowned.“You know I don’t care.I’m just worried because it’s not the first time something like this has happened recently.”
“He’s probably daydreaming about whoever he slept with the night of the party,” Birch teased.
Marlin winced.He really needed Birch to stop thinking about what he’d done after the party.“It has nothing to do with that.”
Birch shook his head.“Come on, man.I know you.It’s the first time I’ve seen you so focused on someone, and I really wish you’d tell me who it was.”
“Not telling us is making us wonder if it’s someone you shouldn’t be sleeping with,” Killian added.
Marlin shuffled his feet.“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He didn’t miss the way Birch and Killian glanced at each other.Maybe he should talk to Killian and ask him not to mention anything to Birch.He wouldn’t be happy, but he’d do it because they were friends.At the same time, Killian was the king.Was it right to ask that of him?Wouldn’t it be better for Marlin to keep all of it to himself?
It wasn’t like anything else would happen with Curran, anyway.He couldn’t even stand to be in the same room as Marlin.It would be a miracle if he talked to him.
“Well, there are only a few people he really shouldn’t be sleeping with,” Birch said.“Maybe one of your siblings.”
Marlin shuddered.“I wouldn’t sleep with one of Killian’s siblings even if they paid me to do it.”
“Who is it, then?”Birch asked.He’d always been pushier than Killian.
“No one,” Marlin said with a glare.“Besides, it doesn’t matter because they want nothing to do with me.”
That wiped the smile right off Birch’s face.“What?Why?”
“Things are complicated.”
“Maybe, but not so complicated that this person shouldn’t talk to you.Did something happen between the two of you?”
“Not the night we spent together, but it’s always been complicated.”
“Maybe you should find a way to uncomplicate it.”
“Don’t you think I would’ve already done that if I could?I don’t know what to do or even if I should do anything.”
Birch reached over to squeeze Marlin’s forearm.“Well, whatever happened, I’m on your side.Tell me if you need anything, please.”
“The same goes for me,” Killian said.“Letusknow if you need anything.I could give you some time off.”
Marlin shook his head.“There’s no need for that.Like I said, they’re not talking to me, so it would be useless to take time off.”
“It wouldn’t be useless if it helps you.”
“Besides, you’ve been distracted,” Birch added.“It’s good that nothing’s happened with Pearl, but you know that eventually, she’ll strike.We need to be on our A game and protect Killian when she does.”
Marlin swallowed.Birch was right.Marlin hadn’t been doing his job, and that needed to stop.He’d never forgive himself if something were to happen to Killian while he was distracted.“I’ll do better,” he promised.
Both Birch and Killian stared at him for a moment.He expected to be judged, but instead, they both nodded.“Of course you will,” Killian said softly.
Marlin didn’t have a choice.
* * * *
KNOWING FOR SURE WHATwas happening, Curran left the infirmary, but he was still confused about what to do about it.Part of him wanted to take Palmer’s offer and terminate the pregnancy.He didn’t know what to do with a baby.He hadn’t been planning on having one anytime soon, and he wasn’t sure what his life would look like if he did.
It would be a mess.His mothers would be happy but probably also kind of disappointed.They’d know that it had been an accident, and they’d always told him to be careful, which he hadn’t been.He also wasn’t in a relationship, and they’d want to know who the other father was.
