Savior:A Tattered Club Story(63)

Niko planted his elbows on the counter and held his head in this hands. “He’s not my man. He’s a…friend.”

“Buddy.” Seth squeezed his slumped shoulder. “What you think is a secret was written all over your face the moment he took that apartment. He makes you happy. You know me. Do I seem like any less of a man? Choose your response carefully or I’ll kick your ass.”

Niko laughed. “Like you could really kick my ass. I might not be as big as you, but I’m much quicker. You know I accept whatever you do.” He stood, his face hot from frustration. “I can’t do this. For the first time in my fucking life, I can’t do this. He’s not coming back. I messed up.”

“You’re the can-do guy. If you want him back, get him.”

Niko followed Seth toward the door. “I have no idea where he’d go. His parents are out of the picture. If he found another guy, I’m going to go ape shit. Jesus, what if he’s sleeping out in the cold tonight? It’s not like it’s July. Fuck, Seth.”

Niko locked the door and they headed down the stairs. “Let’s see what The Professor has to say then we’ll put our heads together.”

Niko didn’t have the peace in his head to answer. He knew his brothers had his back, but would Knox? He was in and out, and they never knew which personality they’d get next time he showed up.

When they got to The Professor’s office, everyone was there. Even Knox was leaning on the wall, wearing an unbuttoned grey and red flannel shirt. “We got disturbing news today. I called Mitch. He’s looking into the situation.” The guys looked at one another.

Scarlet added, “Someone has alerted the State Board of Health that we had a violation with disposal of bloody equipment. Obviously, it’s all a lie, but now we’re under investigation. Ethan has been great at keeping the rooms in order and everything disposed of properly.”

Niko fisted his hands at his sides, the good-bye letter in his pocket.

The Professor leaned on the desk. “The city wants to rezone the area. Apparently, some of the buildings in the district are being restructured into apartments and that makes this a residential area. The city can vote to close this place due to the zoning. If the city vetoes the plan, then we can stay. Trust me. We’ll fight this, but we’re going up against some heavy hitters. The good news is several businesses, have already bought the places around here and that gives us more credit, but they can still vote to get rid of the shop. I’ve talked to Mitch and he said he can look into it. I want you guys to keep up on your appointments and do the day to day in your normal routines.”

Niko snapped his gaze at Seth. He knew exactly who was behind this and he wasn’t about to let the bastard use money to close the shop or take Ethan out of his life. He shoved his hand in his left pocket and squeezed the letter. His heart trampled his chest, like CPR forcing him to wake up. Jesus, was he this man? Was he afraid? Was he ready to live under the bridge on the avenues?

For Ethan—fuck, yes.

“I need your help,” he murmured, his voice blending with the hum of the people talking, making plans, discussing what to do. “I said I need your help,” he said, louder. Everyone stilled. This was only the second time in his life he’d muttered those words. The Professor was the only other soul who’d ever heard him ask.

Scarlet was the first to speak. “What can we do, Niko?” Her knowing gaze made him uneasy, unsure if this was the right thing to do, but getting Ethan back was worth the humiliation. The fact that he loved his boyfriend was enough for him to tell the memory of his father’s words to go to hell.

“I’m… Jesus, I’m gay.” He held his breath until the burning in his lungs brought spots into his vision.

Knox started a slow clap. “And…so…are you asking me out or what? I am the hottest guy in here, but I’m not really boyfriend material.”

“No,” Seth added. “He already asked me out. I told him to back off. He just wants in my pants and I want something long-term.”

Niko shook his head, putting his hand over his mouth to hide his laugh.

“Wait.” Scarlet pressed her palm to her chest. “He was lying to me! Niko, you said you loved me. What about the other night? You promised me I was the only one.”

“Holy fucking shit, you guys.” He looked over at Ben who was leaning against the wall with his familiar baseball cap dipped low enough to hide the tip of his scar. Niko raised his eyebrows, waiting for the next jab at his confession. Ben just smiled and nodded.

“Anyone else want to reveal any secrets?” The Professor scanned the room. “Speak now or forever hold your peace. Nothing? Okay.”