Chapter Five #2
“Yea, that doesn’t sound like a good idea at all,” Tauren grumbles. “You told us you nearly died trying to get out of there. Now you’re just gonna turn around and go right back?? For what possible reason…?”
Ren lifts his face, peeking at me. I shift in place.
“Their friends,” Colson says before I can get to it. My eyes spring to his. “Right? Your friends are there… and you’re worried about them?”
“They’re our family,” Ren breathes. “And they’re in trouble.”
The room is quiet, and I feel like a total bitch ass for ruining the mood like this.
“Meaning if you go back there… you’ll be in trouble too?” Tauren seems to be piecing it all together. He’s smart like that.
Ren and I both nod.
“Maybe,” I sigh. “But it’s worth it. Honestly, any bit of danger we face getting there is worth it to make sure they’re safe. And… help them. If they need it.”
It’s a strong possibility they’ll need it, based on what Trevel Fenwick said to me on the phone…
“Things aren’t going well on this island, Luthor… Not for your people. The storm only made things worse… The Ivory has Velle on the ropes…”
I have nothing but faith in John Chevelle. Those guards are not to be fucked with, we know this. But Manuel Blanco has the cartel on his side. He has endless resources and experience…
Not to mention he’s an unhinged fucking maniac.
And that’s not to say I think me and Ren showing up will somehow save the day. Sure, he’s scrappy as hell and likes setting things on fire, but I’m less than useless in a physical altercation.
That said, we do have advantages no one else knows about… Like my computer, for one. Under the right circumstances, I could do damage with that thing.
Depending on the situation, of course. The whole place could be rubble at this point, we have no clue.
“It would be a different story if we could get in touch with someone over there, but we can’t,” I tell them. “They’ve been radio silent for too long. Something’s wrong, I can feel it…”
“Yea, not to mention the shit-talking Snape Jr. did to you on the phone the other day,” Ren mutters.
“Who?” Tauren laughs.
“Hang on, you talked to someone?” Cyrus chokes. “From the prison??”
“I was trying to get ahold of Joy for the millionth time,” I explain. “And her phone finally rang. Trevel answered it… That British dude.”
“The one who’s dating your friend?” Colson’s brows lift. Truth be told, he looks intrigued as hell.
All three of them are fascinated by the whole premise of Alabaster Isle and what we went through there. Makes sense… It is a riveting fucking story.
We’ve told them everything—almost everything—knowing with full certainty they’d never say a word to anybody. Mainly because they’re trustworthy dudes. But also, it would make them seem insane, and they don’t talk to anyone anyway, so… Who are they gonna tell?
“Pfft. He wishes they were dating,” Ren scoffs. “Byron’s just hypnotized by dark-haired disasters with pretty eyes.”
I’m giving him a highly unamused look he can clearly feel, because he slowly peeks at me, grinning wickedly.
Colson is chuckling while Cyrus just looks stupefied.
“So what’s the plan here?” Tauren, aka the responsible adult, interjects once more.
“Because let’s just scoot on back to a cartel war zone in international waters because no one’s answering the phone and I don’t like the guy my friend is dating doesn’t sound like it’s been given an ounce of goddamn thought. ”
I’m trying not to smirk while Ren mumbles petulantly, “They’re not dating…”
“T…” Cyrus whines.
“I’m serious,” Tauren growls. “How are you going to do this without getting yourselves captured, or killed, or both? You wanna talk about family?? Well, you two are ours, and when it comes to my family, I don’t play around.”
“Tell me about it,” Colson grumbles under his breath, smirking when Tauren shoots him a serious glare.
I shouldn’t be all warm and squishy right now, being yelled at and all, but I’m sorta melting.
He said we’re family…
“Aww! Daddy,” Ren squeals, flinging himself at Tauren, who looks thoroughly mortified. “Right, I forgot.” Ren jumps back, placing his finger to his lips. “My apologies… Sir.”
He winks at Cyrus and Colson, who are cracking up.
“Jesus…” Tauren rubs his eyes.
“You regretting it yet?” I snicker.
“Sometimes family chooses you,” Cyrus cheers, leaning into Colson’s side. “Isn’t that right, T?”
Tauren lets a grin slip through his stern step-daddy grimace. “Exactly. Which is why we can’t let you do this…” My gut falls a bit. Until he adds, “Alone.”
Colson and Cyrus are beaming in instant excitement. My lips part, but I’m stunned speechless.
“You two are gonna need help,” he goes on, smirking. “Now, if only we knew someone else with too much money for his own good…”
“Ooh! I know I know!” Ren’s hand flies up. “Is it the guy who spent five grand ordering wagyu steaks online because his husbands were missing Australia?”
I cackle.
“First of all, that was worth every dime,” Tauren says pointedly. “Those cows drink red wine and get massages.”
“And wear Louis Vuitton sunglasses,” Colson teases. “I’m pretty sure they have more TikTok followers than I do.”
“That’s weird,” I rumble. “It’s like eating an influencer.”
“The point is,” Tauren interrupts, chuckling, “that I think we can work something out. Let us help you do this, and make sure it’s done right. Smart.”
Our eyes are locked, and I can see determination in his sparkling blue.
“After all,” he hums, popping a blueberry into his mouth, “if you’re gonna be bad… you might as well be really good at it.”
Ren and I share a look. Smiles brighter than fireworks… over the goddamn ocean.