Page 65 of Nothing to No One

“I’d trust them both naked, alone, and drunk out of their minds, yeah. That’s not why it’s a bad idea.”

Even Tripp was shaking his head. “You know, Rox Out, I never walk away from a woman in need, but do you think I’ll make the situation better? Me in close proximity to Roman? How long ago was it I challenged him to a bareknuckle fight on the beach?”

“Hmm.” Rox’s head dropped to the side. “Good point. Well, if we can’t stay here, she’s coming with us.”

“I’m coming with you?”

“Excellent! That’s agreed.” Whoa, that was so not what she—did Roxie ever give up? “Magnus said you were safe herebecause they’d look after the press stuff for you. I can do that at Jane’s.”

“Jane’s?”

“It’s where Zairn and I stay when we’re in town. Most times. Jane’s our best friend and wedding planner. Tripp and I are staying there. It used to be Knox’s house, and then it was kind of Kintyre’s, but him and Lilya are on honeymoon at the moment, so we have plenty of extra room.”

“No, I wouldn’t want to impose on your friend. She doesn’t even know me, it wouldn’t be right to invite me—”

“No worries.” Tripp returned to his slouch, glass aloft when Struan appeared beside the chair to top it off. “She does it all the time.”

“What happened on set today?”

Oh, Roxie. As Struan sat again, he paused halfway to the backrest, absorbing the exact question he’d wanted to avoid.

“How do you know anything—”

“Because I have my sources.”

Tripp’s amused lips curled around the rim of his glass. “She eavesdrops.”

“I didn’t eavesdrop this, Priest. I heard it direct from an eyewitness. He had a tantrum and threw something at a producer.”

“Sound technician,” Tripp corrected.

“Oh, Mr. Breckenridge, sound technician, excuse me, that makes it okay then.” The blonde didn’t hang on to her sarcasm. “Do you know how dangerous that is, Stru? Your brother getting violent? With crew? When he’s supposed to be sober and—”

“I don’t need to be lectured,” Struan said, his hand leaving his leg. “I didn’t throw anything at anyone.”

“Yet you’re the one getting heat whenever he does something wrong,” Roxie said. “Every single time, and every single time you put up with it.”

“What do you want me to do instead? Throw you out? I’m not the one who’s done anything wrong.”

“Try focusing on the person who has and see that he’s not good for you.”

“So he should throw Roman out?” Tripp asked, maybe enjoying stirring the pot just a little too much.

“I don’t care what he does with Roman. I wouldn’t put up with it. I have an annoying sister whose mooching boyfriend is banned from calling my guy because he’s such an entitled jerk. I have zero patience when it comes to people screwing with those I love. There’s no law that says you have to live with your brother. Why not just leave?” As Struan answered, Roxie chanted along… “Because you won’t leave Bambi here alone.”

Somehow, Struan kept his good humor. “If you know the answer, why ask the question?”

“Okay, well problem solved, she comes home with me and Tripp. Everyone gets a breather. For the record though, you were here before Bambi got here. Your life is entwined with his.”

“I’ve heard this before.”

“And it never gets through. One of these days you’ll care about something enough to listen and see that what we’re saying is right.”

His unenviable position wasn’t made any better when the front door opened and bodies barreled in. Bodies? Magnus and Roman. Damnit. Caught.

“What the fuck are these people doing in my house?” Roman demanded.

TWENTY-THREE

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