Page 115 of Don't Say You're Sorry

I breathe a sigh of relief and repeat his message to the boys. Adam’s grip on my hand finally loosens, but he doesn’t let go.

“Who’s Sophie?” Axel asks.

“Mum’s friend,” Adam replies as I text my dad back. “Her daughter was the photographer for the anniversary party.”

Easton: How do you know?

Dad: I checked her credit card statement. She used it at the store a couple blocks from her house.

“Is she okay?” Axel demands, reading over my shoulder. “When’s she coming back?”

Easton: Stalker. Did you talk to her?

Dad: I tried. She wouldn’t let me in.

“I’ll go.” Axel steals my car keys from my pocket. Just as he turns toward my car, Carter steps in front of him, his chest bumping Axel’s. “Get out of my way.”

Carter doesn’t move. “Give her time.”

“Don’t act like you know what’s best for her. She’s my mother.” He moves again, and Carter sidesteps, not letting him pass.

“You want me to go check on her?” Carter asks, trying to meet his eyes. “I know Sophie’s daughter. I can be subtle about it.”

Axel finally looks at him then. “There’s nothing subtle about you.”

“Thank you.”

“That wasn’t a compliment.”

Carter grins. “Come on. Give me the keys. I’ll go make sure your mom’s okay.”

Axel looks horrified at the thought. “No.”

“Why not? Maybe she wants some company. A shoulder to cry on. You think she and Michael will get divorced? I’m gay as fuck, but I could be straight for h?—”

I sigh as Axel’s fist flies toward Carter’s face. He punches him, and Carter stumbles back, but Axel doesn’t let him fall. He grabs him by his hoodie, spins him, and pins him to the side of my car, so close their faces touch. Carter’s nose is bleeding, his teeth stained red as he smiles. The dumbass looks thrilled. It makes Axel even more furious.

“You never know when to shut up.”

“You remember how to make me?”

Axel laughs cruelly. “You couldn’t handle me anymore, love.”

“Why don’t you let me be the judge of that, straight boy?”

Adam’s eyes are so wide, they look like they’re about to fall out. I hide my lips behind my knuckles, smothering my laugh.

Axel shoves Carter in the chest and walks away, tossing me my keys before he disappears into the house. Carter’s still smiling even after he’s gone.

Adam gapes at him. “What is wrong with you? Seriously. Have you been diagnosed?”

“What?” Carter laughs. “I got him inside, didn’t I?” He blows him a kiss before heading for the front door. “You’re welcome.”

Adam stares after him. “My guess is sociopath.”

I bump his shoulder with mine. “You want to know Carter? Wait a little longer. He might surprise you.”

“He already surprises me,” he deadpans. “Literally every time he opens his mouth.”

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