Page 90 of Tangled Hearts

Nic’s gaze snaps to me, his jaw dropping. We stare at each other in shock for a few beats before there’s another knock. “I’m serious. Come help.”

Nic blinks at me. And I blink at him. “Do you think if we just stay really quiet, they’ll forget we’re in here?” I whisper.

That makes Nic laugh. He drops his face against my shoulder. “Oh my God. This is the fucking worst. I told you that was a bad idea.”

Oh absolutely not. I step back, turning my nose up at him. “You’re not going to blame me for your lack of control.”

Nic lets out an incredulous laugh, then glares at me playfully. “Mylack of control? I need you to be fucking serious, doll. This is onyou.”

I open my mouth to defend myself when there’s another knock. “Iwillcome in there if you don’t come out.”

“Fuck,” Nic whispers. “Well, here goes nothing, I guess.”

He smoothes his hands over his clothes, but there’s really nothing that can be done about the fucked-up, finger-tangled hair and his swollen lips. Jesus. He really does look hot right now. My dick twitches. For fuck’s sake. I glare down at it. Now is not the time.

Nic pulls open the door. “Hey, what do you need help with?”

Beck stares at him impassively for a second while I hold my breath. How is this gonna go?

“Oh good lord, put the poor guy out of his misery,” Roman shouts from out of view.

Beck looks in his direction. “You don’t let me have any fun.”

I can’t help but giggle. This is such a fucking mess. “So, uh—Nic and I are dating. Please don’t hate us.”

Beck looks at me with a bright smile. “Yeah, you guys suck at hiding it. We know.”

My jaw drops open. God, I’m not that loud, am I? I fucking hope not.

Beck laughs. “We’ve known since the day we went hiking.”

Roman steps up beside Beck, scoffing. “Fucking liar.I’veknown since we went hiking.Youwere oblivious.”

“I know what you know, beautiful,” Beck says, turning to press a kiss to Roman’s lips.

Nic clears his throat. I can tell he’s uncomfortable, but he’s doing a really good job of not showing it. There’s a bit of a tense set to his shoulders, but overall, he’s keeping it together, and I have to applaud that. “You’re not mad?” he asks, only a slight tremor in his voice.

Beck wraps his arm around Roman’s waist. “Of course not. Do we wish you had told us and we didn’t have to… you know, hear it?” Nic’s ears turn red, and I stifle a giggle. I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him blush before. “Yeah. But I’m serious about needing help.”

“What um—” Nic starts, clearing his throat again. “What do you need help with?”

“Alphabetizing nameplates. I’m about to throw myself off a cliff,” Beck says solemnly.

“Well, that’s dramatic,” I muse.

“I’m just taking lessons from you and Hold,” Beck shoots back.

That’s not nice. Not nice at all.

Nic nods. “Yeah, I can do that.” I’m not sure I’ve ever heard him like this.

Beck glances at Roman, then back to Nic. He steps forward, and I flinch, resisting the urge to step between them. Beck pulls Nic into a hug, slapping him on the back. “Welcome to the family times two.” He lowers his voice. “And Nic? If you hurt my kid, I’ll end you.”

Nic drags in a quick breath. Roman rolls his eyes, and when Beck lets go of Nic, Roman takes his place. “He won’t end you.”

As soon as they let go of Nic, he’s rushing past them.

I can’t help but laugh. I should have known they’d react like this. I practically dive across the room, smiling when they both wrap me in big hugs. “Are you happy?” Beck whispers.