Page 61 of Off Limits

“Will you tell Lochlyn for me?”

“Really? You want me to tell him?”

“I think he’ll take it better from you. He’ll just tell me I’m stupid and I don’t want him to make me feel worse right now.” While he wouldn’t intentionally want to make her feel bad about it, that is what would happen. His emotions would get in the way, and he’d surely end up yelling at her.

“Okay. Yeah, okay, I’ll tell him.”

Just before I walk out the door, her voice stops me. “Shay, you’re being careful, right? With John?”

Ice shoots through my veins. “Yeah, Chels. You made me go on the pill with you. Remember?” She said we needed to do it together, even though I wasn’t having sex and had no plans to at the time. The way things had happened between me and Lochlyn, I was extremely thankful I did, because condoms were not even on either of our radars, which we both cursed ourselves for after the fact.

“I know, but I’m on it too.”

Sensing this is going to be a little bit longer than just a few words, I turn around to face her. My hand lingers on the doorknob. “Yeah, but I take mine every day. Of the two of us, who do you think is more responsible to take it as directed?”

“Oh, absolutely you. I just don’t want you to have to deal with this yourself.”

“I appreciate that. You rest. I’ll stay the night.”

“I don’t think I want company.” The whine is in full effect.

"That’s okay. I’ll stay in Lochlyn’s room. That way, I’m here if you need me.” I try to sound as neutral about it as possible.

“With him on the couch.” She’s firm. It’s comments like this that are what make me stand my ground with Lochlyn about not telling her. It’s one night, while she’s in a vulnerable place, and she can’t even put aside her thoughts on it for one second to be comfortable with us. Right now, in secrecy, it may be hard on Lochlyn. And me if I’m being honest, but at least we get to be together and be happy. There’s no lashing out against us.

“I’m not going to kick him out of his bedandhis room. I’ve slept in there before with him in there. It’s not a big deal. He’s not a monster.”

“He is actually—a sex-crazed one.”

“So what, he’s so sex-crazed, he’s going to attack me while I’m sleeping?” He actually does, frequently. But it’s different when I want him to than what Chelsea is worried about. Which is him somehow coercing me into falling in bed with him and then never calling again.

“No, no, I guess not. Fine, sleep in the same room.” She gives in faster than I thought she would.

"I’m going to go talk to the guys. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.” I leave before she can say anything else, closing her door behind me.

Brendan’s exactly where I left him. And in one piece.

“Is she…is she okay?” His voice is strained. I’d like to think Brendan is actually upset, but I don’t really know him well enough to read him or his tone. The fact that he’s asking and seems genuine is a good sign in my book.

“No. But she will be. She doesn’t want to talk to you or see you right now, though, so please leave. She said she’ll call you tomorrow.”

“Shay, I didn’t, I don’t know what happened.”

“Brendan, I can’t talk about this with you right now. I just found out my best friend kept something pretty big from me.” It doesn’t feel so good being on the receiving end.

“I need to talk to her.” Standing here, he must have had time to reflect. When they came in, it was clear he was trying to talk to her, but now he’s practically begging.

“You need to wait. She’ll call in the morning.”

“Shay, ple—"

“Brendan.” I use the sternest tone I have. “Leave. She doesn’t want to see you. I’m about to walk into the kitchen to talk to Lochlyn. I suggest you not be here when I do. I guarantee he won’t be nearly calm as I am.”

That does it. With one last glance upstairs, Brendan leaves.

“Did I just hear the front door?” Lochlyn asks as I walk into the kitchen, not turning around to look at me. He’s seated, hunched over the counter.

“You did.”

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