Page 67 of My Brother's Enemy
All signs indicated that he wanted to go in under the radar, but just as I caught up with him, the front door opened and a bouncer stepped out. “If you’re going to call me a slut, then use the actual word,” I hissed. “Don’t be a passive-aggressive little bitch about it.”
Tyler whirled around.
I swallowed, meeting his gaze head on.
“Pretty sure I was clear,” he said. “You fucking him or not?”
“No, I’m not.” I stepped closer, digging my finger into his chest. “For the record, I have donenothingsince I met you. I told you who I was. I was honest with you.”
“Not fucking fast enough.”
I winced as if I’d been slapped.
He cursed under his breath. “I didn’t mean that.”
I shook my head, woodenly. “No. Say it. You meant it, and I am sorry it took me that long. I did tell you, though. I came clean. Right now, you’re the one with the problem. You’re the one who can’t choose, so I’m saying it. Either get your head together and choose to move on—with me or without me. I amso donewith being shit on by hockey players.” I stepped away from him, ignored the bouncer, whose jaw was on the floor, and went inside Harry’s Tulip.
I took a moment to absorb the giant flowers on the wall and all around the bar. Techno music blared, neon lights pulsed. Many of the guys were walking around shirtless. My heart rested easy, because no matter the jackass behind me, I felt safe here.
Tyler stepped up next to me, also looking around. “This is a gay bar.”
42
TYLER
We went to the bar, and the bartender took one look at us and began shaking his head. He was slim, maybe six feet tall with a pretty-boy face. The guy fought back a grin. “What can I get for you?” Giving me a once-over, he turned to Rain, indicating me. “No offense, but first time?”
Rain smiled. “We’re looking for someone. Skylar Griffin.”
The change was immediate. He stiffened. His eyes hardened. “Who’s asking?”
A table of women were now eyeing Rain. I stepped closer and placed my hand at the small of her back. She tensed in surprise and glanced at me. This was a gay bar. Those women could be straight, and usually I’d be the one getting the attention. I wasn’t, and a possessive streak rose within me. Rain wasmine.
“I am. I’m her brother.”
His mouth formed a small o. He reached for a rag on the counter.
I took some comfort when he didn’t outright lie and say he didn’t know her, but he looked torn.
“A buddy told me she’s been calling him, and he was concerned enough to reach out,” I continued. “If you know my sister, you know that generally she and I get along.”
His shoulders softened. “Yeah. I—” His eyes clamped shut. He hissed under his breath, “Fuck.”
“Look, a compromise? Call her and see if she’ll talk to me. Or see if she’ll come here. She feels comfortable in this place. It’s her territory.”
A guy whose skin was covered in glitter, joined us, draping himself over the counter. “This looks fun. What’s happening here?” He had dark eyes and black hair with rainbow highlights at the ends.
The bartender motioned to me. “This is Sky’s brother. He’s looking for her.”
The guy’s eyes lit up and a wide smile came to his face. “Well, no shit.” He leaned an elbow on the counter, facing me. “Sky never told us what a hottie you are. Look at you.” He sounded flirty, but his eyes were cold. “She’s been holding out on us. You’re coming off all straight and manly. Just my type.” He winked, but I wasn’t fooled.
The guy was also a watchdog. The bar wasn’t too full, and we were attracting attention from the people around us. As soon as Sky’s name came up, he’d gone into full protection mode.
The bartender gestured to us, now with his phone in hand. “Maybe we should call her, Eric. He seems concerned.”
Eric snatched the phone from the bartender. “We will do no such thing.Youwill do no such thing, Paul. If this guy is looking for Sky, there’s a reason she doesn’t want to be found.” The two shared a look. Eric’s was heated. Paul’s was still torn.
One of the women smiled at Rain.
