Page 70 of Secret

I walk over to them, looking at Seb’s paintings. Seb has the same talent as Izzy, but not as good. It’s still clear the black-haired, pale girl in all the paintings are his ex-girlfriend Maisy. There is a pair of fists in the middle painting, dripping with blood. It’s a little disturbing if you don’t know he fights, and to Seb, that has always been a part of his life.

It’s been a bit weird between all of us since Izzy and I have been out in the open. I try to keep the touches and kisses between us to a minimum around them, but I'm not pushing Izzy away because her brothers can't accept us together.

"Hey. Are you all right?” I ask Seb, who is staring at his painting with sadness.

"Yeah, I’m ready to get out of here," he says, looking away from the painting to me.

"Izzy told me you got into uni, congrats, man.” I pat his back, and he does the same.

"Same to you." He grins, and I smile back.

"What about you, Elliot?" I ask. I know he doesn't want to go to university, and I'm aware he is more interested in buying something to work in.

"I bought a space in town. I'm building it to be a new night club," he says, as Seb punches him on the arm.

“Why the fuck am I only hearing about this now? I’m your twin, bro,” he says.

“I am telling you,” Elliot says, clearly not giving two shits.

"I’m looking forward to coming."I smirk.

"Yeah, I guess I prefer running things," he says and shrugs. I hold back a smile as I know Elliot couldn't deal with being told what to do by anyone.

"Can't wait until opening night," I say, patting his arm. Izzy slides in next to me, her fingers entwining with mine.

"Hey," she says to all of uswith a big smile.

"Hey, my little sis," Seb grins at her as Elliot nods in hello.

"Where's Allie gone?" I ask.

"Home. Something about her dad." I try not to tense at that, and I know her brothers do too, but I change the subject quickly, just in case.

"Are you excited about uni?" I ask. I know she doesn't know yet, but I paid all of her university fees off. Her brothers know because Harley tried to do the same, but I beat him to it. We laughed together and agreed to go halves on the money, so we can blame each other when she realises.

"Yes. My art therapy course looks amazing. I really can't wait, and its good that’s it's only half an hour away so I can live at home."

I frown a little at that because I would love for her to move into the new apartment I bought. I have found two roommates, but it's not the same. I know it’s a little too soon yet, though. I know she is only half an hour away and we agreed she would stay at my place half the week anyway.

"That is good. I can't be losing my new sister already, Izzy." Seb smiles at her.

Elliot's girlfriend, Lily, joins us then and smiles at us all before hugging Elliot. "Hey guys," she says.

"Hey, Lily, I didn't know you would be here today," Seb says, and I'm a little confused too. I mean, Elliot isn't in this class, and she isn't that great of friends with Izzy.

"I was just near anyway," she mutters before looking around. Honestly, she looks like she is looking for someone else.

"Coming to my place tonight? I could take you out for dinner," Elliot asks.

She doesn't even look back at him before saying, "I can't. I have plans."

"What plans? I haven't seen you all week, and you haven't replied to any of my messages, Lily," he says,trying to get her attention. I can feel Izzy tense up as Lily ignores her brother. She is more protective than I thought, but then she told me she feels closer to her brothers since that night.

"It's a long story,"she mutters, clearly getting annoyed at Elliot.

"Come outside, and you can explain it,"he demands, walking out. She rolls her eyes before following Elliot out.

"That was awkward. If you guys argue, can I not be there?" Seb asks.

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