Page 247 of Phobia

“No, thanks,” I mumble, “I’m actually just dropping by to see if you’ve—”

A scream from inside the house cuts off my words with a gulp.

Rory turns and roars, “Will someone shut that thing up?!” He peers back at me, feigning charm. “I’m sorry, Asa, you were saying?”

Jules is squeezing my hand so tightly, I feel bones snapping.

“Is Lena here?” I ask pointedly. “Or have you seen her at all in the last week or so?”

He pouts. “Sissy’s missing, hm? Well, that’s no good…”

“Rory, please,” I grunt. “I just need to know where she is. I’m worried.”

“Your sister is a free bird, Ace.” He cocks his head. “She can’t be held down in chains like the rest of the world. She likes tosoar.” He makes a motion in the air with his hand, and I’m starting to lose my patience.

“Listen, asshole, just answer the question,” Jules barks, and my eyes widen at him. “Have you see the girl or not?”

Rory’s grin becomes much more menacing as he straightens, stepping closer to us. I try to shield Jules with my body, but he just pushes into my space, leaning over my shoulder.

“I like this one,” he hums, like the rumble of a jungle cat. “Quick. Is he yours?”

“We’re—”

“Yea. I’m his boyfriend,” Jules hisses. “And I don’t appreciate people messing with his family.”

Rory’s eyes narrow. “Do you… have anyidea… who… you’retalkingto?” Each word is a carefully concocted threat, individual daggers shooting from his full lips.

I’m tense as hell, muscles bunch in wait. I can feel Jules seething behind me, and Rory is so close, his skin is giving off heat like a furnace.

But sudden movement from inside the house distracts us all.

Another tall, gorgeous figure emerges, and I’m able to relax a little.

Thank God… Pup.

He’s typing on his phone, dressed in tiny leather shorts and a top made of chains, exposing the definition in his torso. With the mop of silky golden curls on top of his head, sparkling diamond hoop in his septum, and an almost shimmer to his pale skin, he looks like a fallen angel.

Thegoodto Rory’sevil.

His painted nails move with clicks on his screen, and I can’t help noticing how Rory has retreated and is just watching him with a fiercely irritated glare. Finally, Pup looks up, tucking his phone into his back pocket.

His hazy gaze lands on me and Jules, and his mouth quirks. “Hi, Asa! Long time, gorgeous.”

I can’t help flushing under his attention, until I remember myself. “Hi… Um, Pup, this is my… This is Jules.”

Pup waves kindly. “Puppet Volovik. Nice to make your acquaintance, Jules.” He smirks at me and mouthsnice work.

“You two are brothers…?” Jules asks, taking in the two of them with appreciation for their hotness that’s hard to miss.

I don’t blame him, though. In truth, Rory and Pup were probably the first guys I ever found attractive, because they are. To an almostblindingdegree.

But they’re both off limits… For different reasons.

“Fosterbrothers,” Pup corrects. “I’d rather slit my throat than share DNA with this ghoul.”

Rory glares at Pup, and Pup glares back, though there’s a hint of amusement dancing on his lips.

Rory crowds Pup, backing him up into the doorframe, voice barely audible as he growls, “I’ve got some DNA for you, dog.” Puppet hums as Rory snatches up a fist of the chains he’s wearing like they’re somehowclothes. “Where do you think you’re going?”