Page 275 of Fragments

I elbow him hard in the ribs. “Sorry. This is my boyfriend, who has no manners…” Leaning into Ren, I whisper, “Behave. We’re in the presence of greatness.”

“I couldbow…” He bites his lip.

Tauren simply chuckles and steps aside. “Please, come in. Cyrus and his brother are out back.”

He guides us inside, and we follow like eager puppies. I knew Tauren would be here, given that Cyrus told me so when we were messaging. He lives with his stepdad and his twin brother now, after all the drama went down with his parents before I was locked up.

We didn’t get into any of that, though. Basically, I just told him I needed help, and he gave me his address.

He’s always been the sweetest dang human on the face of the earth.

But Tauren Vance… I mean,wow. The guy is a rock star to us tech nerds. His startup blew everyone’s minds, and he became a billionaire at thirty-four. After which he sold the company to Amazon, and now I guess he travels the world with his stepsons as a super wealthy and almost unfathomably attractive genius.

Seriously… Goals. I mean, not the stepsons part. But the rest… The dude’s an icon.

“Great place,” Ren croons, heart-eyes aimed primarily at Tauren, which has me scowling.

“Should I muzzle you now, or…?” I whisper.

“Baby, you know who I am.” He slopes his face in my direction. “I’m never not gonna notice hot guys. But no matter how much I tease, they’ll nevereverhold a candle to my sweet, fuckhot, big-dicked perfect boyfriend.”

My cheeks flush, and I bite my lip while he kisses my neck. “Are youlying, Warren?”

“Never to you, my beautiful love.”

I blink at him, beaming. “I believe you.”

Tauren peers at us over his shoulder while we walk through the house toward the backdoor. “I didn’t want to interrupt… That was highly adorable.” I don’t think I could possibly be redder. “But regarding the house, thank you. It’s just a rental. We’ve been here for a bit, but we tend to move around a lot. I’m sure Cy will tell you.”

We stop in front of the doors, and he turns to face us. “Honestly, I’m really glad you’re here. The boys don’t get to make many friends… Since we travel a lot, and all.”

Ren and I nod, sharing a look before he pushes open the door, gesturing for us to head out back. It’s a gorgeous view of Malibu, trees and ocean just a few yards away. There’s a pool, but it’s a little cold for that right now.

Ooh! Hot tub!

Glancing left, I spot two black-haired guys sitting side by side in reclining chairs. They’re identical twins, a fact that’s only apparent because Iknowit. Otherwise, it might be hard to tell.

One of them has his lip pierced and his fingernails painted black, all black clothes, hood up with a guitar in his lap as he strums beautiful music. And the other looks like his nerdy reflection, in a blue hoodie that says, ‘Ask me about my cats,’ typing away on a laptop.

That one’s obviously Cyrus.

Tauren brings us over, and they both look up at the same time, identical green eyes locking us with shockingly similar expressions.

“Hey! Oh my God, it’s really you!” Cyrus jumps out of his chair, throwing his arms around me.

Smiling fondly, I hug him back, thoroughly warmed by this friendly greeting.

See? Online friendsarereal friends.

Releasing me, he peeks at Ren. “And this must beWarren.” He gives Ren a hug, and Ren looks surprised by the affection. Cyrus pulls back, holding him at arm’s length while he glances at me. “I’ve gotta say, I was only mildly shocked when you said you were coming over with yourboyfriend…”

I chuckle, rubbing the back of my neck. “Yea, I know. I guess a lot can change in five years, huh?”

Cy’s eyes fling to his brother, then to Tauren. “You can say that again. Um, guys, this is my brother, Colson.”

The emo version of Cyrus nods at us and grumbles, “’Sup.”

Tauren plops down next to him on the chair. “Don’t mind him. He gets grouchy when he’s in the zone.”