Page 276 of Fragments
The three of them share another look, and I’m getting some vibes that I’m trying hard not to fixate on. It’s clearly not lost on me or Ren that Tauren’s hand is resting on Colson’s knee.
His left hand has a ring on it still… That’s interesting.
Colson’s wearing one too, though he has a few rings on, so maybe it doesn’t mean anything.
My eyes are trying to be subtle while they search Cyrus’s hands, landing on a ring on his left hand. I blink rapidly.
“Have a seat,” Cyrus says kindly. “Make yourselves comfortable. Mi casa es su casa. You want something to drink?”
“Uh, that’s—”
“On it.” Tauren jumps up from his seat before I can finish, storming back toward the house.
Ren and I plop down on the same chair, Ren’s arm slinking possessively around my waist. Colson is eyeing us pretty hard, and when our gazes meet, his darts away, focus back to his guitar.
“So… What the hell have you been up to for the last five years?” Cyrus asks, sitting cross-legged on his chair, giving us his full attention.
“Alright…” I sigh. “I’m just gonna dive right in. Remember how I helped you erase that video that time?”
Colson’s face snaps back up.
“How could I forget.” Cyrus purses his lips to cover up a smirk.
“And you agreed to owe me a favor in return…?” My brow arches.
Cyrus nods. “Mhm…”
“Well, I’m here to cash in on that.” I straighten. “And if we’re being honest, it might seem a little crazy. But I need you to promise you won’t tell anyone we’re here… Not that you’ve seen us or talked to us. As far as you’re concerned, you haven’t heard from me in five years, got it?”
“Already done.” Cyrus nods. “No questions asked. You have no clue how much you actually helped me back then, Luthor. I’m eternally in your debt.”
“That’s sweet… Hold that thought.” I grin. “So basically… we’re escaped fugitives.”
Cyrus chokes on nothing and starts coughing.
Colson’s face lights up. “This just got a fuckload more interesting…”
“Hang on…what now??” Tauren barks, staggering over with a tray full of drinks like he’s the butler.
“It’s a long story.” I rub my eyes. “I can’t get into the whole thing right now, but I promise I’ll tell you all the details. Essentially, we were in this awful prison, and we escaped. And we just need somewhere to crash for a few until we figure out our next move.”
“Holy bananas…” Cyrus whispers, gaping at us.
“Alright, listen,” Tauren growls. “You seem like sweet kids. But this doesn’t sound safe in the slightest. I’m gonna have to ask you to leave.”
“Hang on, let’s just hear them out,” Cyrus whines.
“Nope. Sorry.” Tauren shakes his head assertively back and forth. “You two are my only concern, and I willnotgo to jail for harboring fugitives. Not a chance in hell.”
“The cops won’t be looking for us,” Ren says. “It’s not that kind of place.”
We give the three of them knowing looks, and since they’re all obviously smart, they piece together what we’re not saying.
“Okay, well, I’m suresomeonewill be looking,” Tauren argues. “And I can’t have that.”
“T…” Cyrus mumbles.
“Don’tTme,” he grumbles, arms folded over his chest like he’s laying down the law. “It’s myjobto protect you both. End of discussion.”
