Page 53 of Forgiven

Dylan’s eyes widened in shock at the sound of Callum’s voice, which was gritty and dangerous. Fuck, Dylan was scared, and Callum was defendinghim.

“You and whose army?” Rick demanded.

Callum stepped up beside Dylan. “I don’t need an army, now get lost.”

Dylan risked a glance at Tattoo Boy. Callum’s face was stern, his eyes were cold and hard. He looked terrifying, despite being shorter and slimmer than any of the men with Rick. Dylan definitely wouldn’t choose to mess with him, but Rick had the weight of numbers on his side, and Dylan knew they’d both get their faces smashed in if it came to a fight. Callum was far too pretty to end up bloodied and bruised. Not to mention the fact that he’d been in juvie. Hell, for all Dylan knew, Callum still had a criminal record. It would not go down well with the police if he was involved in a fight.

Dylan put his hand on Callum’s chest. “Leave it, they’re not worth it.” He smiled at Rick. “I’m sorry for being a loud-mouth. It’s a bad habit.”

“You shouldn’t be apologising,” Callum said through gritted teeth. “Heshould.”

“I’m not apologising to a fucking queer,” Rick said.

“It’s fine,” Dylan said, maintaining his fake smile. “It’s fine,” he repeated to Callum, attempting to tug him away. “Let’s go.”

Callum stood his ground for a moment longer and then let Dylan pull him round and away from the men.

“Yeah, run away puffs,” Rick jeered. “Cowards.”

Callum clenched his fists and made to turn.

“Don’t,” Dylan begged quietly. “They’re idiots and you’re not. Just keep walking, okay?”

This time, Dylan did look over his shoulder, repeatedly, until he was satisfied they weren’t being followed.

He sagged against Callum’s arm as they walked. “I thought you’d gone.” He realised Callum was shaking as badly as he was.

“I was coming back to apologise.” His harsh tone from earlier had vanished.

Dylan raised his eyebrows. “What for?”

“Upsetting you.”

“You didn’t upset me, darling.”

“Yes, I did.” Callum hung his head. His fists were still clenched.

“Well, whatever the reason, I’m glad you came back.”

“Me too,” Callum whispered. “When I saw him with his fist raised—” His voice cracked. “I thought—” He shook his head.

“I’m fine.” Dylan stroked his arm. “Mostly thanks to you. My big mouth just got me into more trouble.”

“They shouldn’t have been hassling you. Don’t try to make excuses for them.”

Dylan shrugged. “Oh, they were out of line all right, but I shouldn’t have sassed them.”

“Are you okay?”

“I will be, once I’ve stopped shaking like a leaf.” He tried to laugh but failed. “Maybe I should leave the heels at home next time.”

“Why?”

“So I don’t offend anyone.”

Callum stopped and pulled Dylan round so they were facing each other. “Don’tlet idiots like that dictate how you behave or dress.” He swallowed a few times, his Adam’s apple bobbing up and down. “And for the record, you look amazing in heels.” He turned and started walking again, more briskly than before.

Dylan had to jog to catch up with him, which was not an easy feat in heels. The compliment had put a silly grin on his face, but his head was reeling with concern for Tattoo Boy. There was definitely something off with Callum and he needed to know what it was.