Page 223 of Fragments

Trevel nods. “How long have you all been an item?”

“Five years,” I mumble. Again, easier than breathing.

“Wow.” His lips twitch. “And he hasn’t driven you mad yet?”

I chuckle. “Oh, every day.”

He makes this tiny humming sound that I think is supposed to be a laugh, his eyes moving away from Ren, back to their host.Kang.He watches Kang and Joy kicking and punching at one another, blocking, advancing, like a graceful dance.

“What about him…?” Trevel’s voice grows much softer. “It’sByron… right?”

I side-eye him, warding off my sly smirk.Smooth, bro. We all know you know his name.

“Mhm,” I rumble.

His face slopes to look at me, violet eyes shining with intensity. “Is he… seeing anyone?”

Standing taller, I puff my chest as much as possible so it doesn’t feel like he’s towering over me. “Look, man… Byron is one of my best friends in the entire world. So I’m only gonna say this once… mess with him, and you’ll answer to us.Got it?”

He blinks, sucking on his bottom lip for a moment. “That’s not what I asked you.”

My teeth grind. “He’s not seeing anyone. He’s straight… sort of.” I pause and shake my head.Shut up, idiot! Don’t tell him anything.“Whatever, the point is that he doesn’t need anyone messing with him. So just tread lightly.”

“I’m sure he can look after himself.” Trevel tilts his head. “And from what I understand, he’s not been thrilled with your partner lately.” My gaze narrows. “They’re usually quiteclose, isn’t that right? He told me they’ve had bunches of sex… Was that before or after yourfive-yearrelationship started?”

Clenching my hands into fists, muscles stiffen all over my body, an instant fury burning so strong it’s seeping from my pores.

Oh, I do not like this guy. Not one bit.

What a damn prick!

And why the hell has Kang been telling him all of this shit?? He said he barely spoke to the dude! Sounds like they’ve been staying up late, braiding each other’s hair and swapping sex stories.

Trevel’s mouth lifts at the corner, andGod, I really want to bitch-smack that little know-it-all smirk right off.

Turning, I search for Darcey, needing a backup,stat. But I find him at the entrance to the rec room, greeting a large, strapping black man with immaculate dreads.

Oh, shit. Dr. Love is here.

“Baby, I thought we were gonna play.” Strong arms wrap around me from behind, a warm, muscular body pressing into my back.

Ren drapes kisses along my nape while I hold his hands around my waist, spinning to face him.

“Not now. We’ve got a problem…” I tilt my head, nodding toward the doorway.

Ren is still evil-glaring at Trevel, but when he picks up on what I’m trying to show him, his face drops. “Oh, damn. That’s—”

“Dr. Lemuel Love,” Trevel growls, immediately storming over.

“I think this room is cursed,” I grumble, taking Ren’s hand and dragging him with me.

I have no idea what kind of drama is about to go down, but my stomach is all bunched up with nerves. Ren and I stagger up to Felix and Dr. Love, right behind Trevel, expecting to have to pull him off the good doctor.

“Holy mother ofGod, he’s fine,” Ren whispers by my side, and I want to scold him, but I’m too busy admiring the warm and fuzzies that come from watching this unlikely pair together.

Felix and Dr. Love look so different insomany ways. And knowing that Felix Darcey is aserial killerand Lemuel Love is a clinical psychiatrist only adds to list of blatant contrasts you’d think would make them the last two people in the world to be romantically involved.

But then there’s the way they’re looking at each other…