Then he told Ace everything.

  “You should have seen his face,” Red said, dropping onto the bench. “Like I’d hit him.”

  Ace sat beside Red, his expression going pensive. “That seems a little extreme. It has to be more than him just overhearing your phone call. I mean, yeah, I can see how maybe he’d be pissed, but to react the way he did? Laz isn’t so irrational. There’s something else going on there, buddy.”

  “But how am I supposed to do something about it, if he won’t talk to me?”

  “I’ll talk to Colton, see what he says. Maybe he can get Laz to open up a little. Don’t give up on him, Red. He really cares about you. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be so hurt about whatever it is he believes you did. Laz has been hurt badly in the past. Be patient with him, take things slow.”

  Red nodded. Ace was right. He had to be patient. Normally patience wasn’t a problem for him. Next to King, Red was usually the one to show the most restraint, and in some cases—especially where Ace was concerned—he was even more patient than King, but when it came to Laz, Red was struggling to figure out which way was up. He just hoped that whatever storm was brewing, they could weather it together, or their relationship was doomed after just beginning.

  Chapter 11

  How was it possible to have his heart broken twice in such a short amount of time? Did he have something written on his forehead that said “world’s biggest sucker”? As if that wasn’t enough, he still hadn’t confronted Red. Every time he worked up the courage to have a calm, adult conversation, he’d think about the betrayal and picture himself punching Red in his stupidly handsome face. His heart told him not to leap to conclusions, but how could he not when the evidence was right in front of him? God, how could he be so stupid, letting himself fall in love with Red so quickly. He was such a fool, and a coward, hiding away in his room.

  Yesterday, when Lucky pulled into Colton’s driveway to drop him off, Laz thanked him and fled from the car like it was on fire. Thankfully Red hadn’t been home, and Laz was able to get to his room without incident. He felt like such an asshole, but he’d even managed to avoid Colton and Ace. After locking the door to his room, he’d stripped and gotten into the shower, where he’d cried his eyes out like the sad, pathetic loser he was, and then he’d crawled into bed and stayed there.

  The saddest part was his reason for not confronting Red, knowing when he did, it would be over. They’d be over. Laz was more afraid of losing Red than he was of having his worst fears confirmed—that Red had betrayed him. What did that say about his sorry ass that he preferred to suffer and know Red was still his than cut him loose like he should? It was like Bryan all over again. How long was he going to let Red string him along? Except unlike with Bryan, Laz couldn’t pretend. He couldn’t busy himself in his work and act like everything was fine, like he didn’t know what was really going on.

  Colton had been worried and tried to get Laz to open the door, but Laz lied, telling him he had a migraine and would talk to him tomorrow. This morning he’d showered and crawled right back into bed. Instead of doing something about the shitty situation he found himself in, he decided to torture himself by looking at the photo again. He stared at it, the image seared into his brain. They made such a beautiful couple. She was small and petite, with killer curves, dressed casually in a flowy mauve top, black leggings, and mauve ballet flats. Her dark hair was piled high on her head, and her smile was sweet. She seemed happy to see him. And him. He had her wrapped up in his arms, his chin on her shoulder as he hunched over due to their difference in height. His eyes were closed, and he looked at peace. They stood holding each other on the front steps of her house.

  Once they were inside, had Red brought her into his arms and kissed her? Tears blurred Laz’s vision, and he wiped them away with a sniff. He choked on a sob when his eyes landed on the text beneath the photo.

  I’m sorry you had to find out this way.

  Turning his phone off, Laz tossed it onto the bed before rolling over onto his stomach. He couldn’t go through this. Not again. He wouldn’t stay in another crushing relationship that left his soul bruised and battered. He hadn’t meant to react the way he had when Red touched him, but it hadn’t been long after he’d received the text with the photo, and it was still fresh on his mind. His reaction had been horrible, and he knew it, but all he could think about was Red wrapped around someone else, and the pain had washed over him in waves, the heartache trying to cripple him. Was he really so hard to love? Why wasn’t he ever enough? He’d known Red was too good to be true. Damn it. Why hadn’t he listened to the little voice in his head?

  “Okay, that’s enough.” He’d had enough wallowing. He got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to wash his face. No more hiding. Colton was probably worried sick about him, and Laz wasn’t about to bring his drama down on Colton. After splashing some water on his face, he changed into some cargo shorts and a soft T-shirt, slipped into some flip-flops, and headed downstairs. If he ran into Red, well, then it was time to face the painful truth.

  It was over between them.

  At least his career was moving in the right direction. The editorial shoot had been a success, and both Maria and Elena had been thrilled with his shots. Paolo’s absence had been odd, and Laz had made sure to send Mason a text to let him know. Neither Maria nor Elena brought up the fact Paolo wasn’t there when he was supposed to have been part of the shoot, but Elena was her usual cheerful, flighty self, so Laz didn’t pry. He still had to retouch the photos, but Maria wanted to pick the shots she wanted for the article first.

  Laz found Colton sitting at the kitchen counter with a cup of coffee and his tablet. No Red in sight. Or Ace, for that matter. Laz didn’t know whether to be relieved or annoyed. When Colton saw him, he jumped from his chair and brought Laz in for a big hug, making Laz chuckle.

  “It was just a migraine, Colton. No big deal.”

  Colton held him out at arms’ length and looked him over. “Are you sure? How are you feeling? Do you need me to get anything for you?”

  “I’m fine.” With Gio being away so much, Colton had appointed himself big brother years ago, taking over Gio’s fussing for him. Laz didn’t mind. He knew how lucky he was to have two doting big brothers, even if one of them wasn’t related to him by blood. “I’m feeling much better. I’m sorry I didn’t come out to see you.”

  Colton waved a hand in dismissal. “You’re feeling better, and that’s what matters. Since the boys aren’t around, I thought maybe you’d like to join me for a swim in the pool?”

  “Ace and Red aren’t here?” Laz was surprised by that. Was it possible Red was avoiding him? But then that didn’t explain Ace’s absence.

  “They left about an hour ago.” Colton looked like he wanted to say more but then thought better of it. “I don’t think they’ll be back until later today.”

  “Did they say where they were going?” Laz asked, as he heated up some milk for his latte.

  “Ace said he had to help Red out with something.”

  “That’s it?”

  “Yes.” Colton tilted his head as he studied Laz. He narrowed his eyes. “Why?”

  Laz shrugged. “No reason.” Not feeling particularly hungry, he decided to just make himself some buttered toast. What exactly was Ace helping Red out with? Covering up the evidence? Whoa, okay, he needed to slow his roll. He wasn’t going to drag Ace into his mess either.

  “You don’t seem particularly satisfied with that answer,” Colton replied, resuming his seat at the counter.

  “It’s none of my business, but you don’t think that’s a little… suspect?”

  Colton frowned deep. “What’s suspect? If it was important and something I should know, Ace would tell me.”

  “So you’re okay not knowing what he’s doing?”

  “Laz, I trust Ace. And he trusts me. The moment we start demanding detailed explanations from one another for our every move, is the moment the trust in our relationship is gone. Did something happen with Red?”

  “You know, I think I will go for a dip in the pool. That sounds nice.” Laz smiled, but Colton wasn’t buying it. Instead of questioning Laz, Colton let out a resigned sigh.

  “Okay. When you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here for you, you know that.”

  Laz nodded. “Thanks.” He finished up his breakfast, then told Colton he’d be right back. He went upstairs to his bedroom to grab a pair of swim shorts and sunglasses, then joined Colton outside. It was a gorgeous day, and he was glad he’d decided to spend some time at the pool with Colton. An umbrella was open between two lounge chairs, and Colton had laid a towel down on each chair. He’d also placed a water bottle for each of them on the small table between the chairs. Laz changed in one of the cabanas, and when he came out, Colton was already sunning himself as he lay on a pool float, his blue-tinted sunglasses matching his swim shorts. At nearly six foot five, Colton’s feet hung off the edge of the float.

  “Mm, this never gets old.”

  Laz jumped into the pool, allowing himself to sink toward the bottom, the water heavenly, and nothing but quiet around him. He surfaced and smiled at the sound of Colton’s deep chuckle. Colton was on his stomach now, his chin resting on his folded arms.

  “Your hair is getting long.”

  Laz raked his fingers through his wet curls, his traitorous brain conjuring up images of Red grabbing fistfuls of his curls when they had sex, of the content little noises Red made when he nuzzled against Laz’s hair. “Maybe I should chop it off. Get a buzz cut or something.”

  Concern filled Colton’s silver eyes, his smile sad. “If that’s what you really want.”

  What he wanted was to feel Red’s strong arms around him, to have things go back to how they’d been just days ago when the two of them had been enjoying each other, caressing one another, mouths tasting, Red’s lips against his skin. Their future together had looked so promising.

  “You know what we need? Sangria.”

  Laz chuckled. “It’s like ten in the morning, Colt.”

  “So what? It’s cocktail hour somewhere in the world, right?”

  “Why not.” His life was in shambles, and his heart in tatters, so why not drown his sorrows for a while? Wow, bitter did not become him.

  “Ace made a nice big pitcher of summer berry Sangria last night.” Colton waggled his eyebrows.

  “That sounds amazing.”

  Colton held his nose and rolled off the float into the water, making Laz laugh. Laz swam for the stairs and climbed out of the pool after Colton. They quickly dried themselves off, then went into the house, the cool air-conditioning nipping at his skin. While Colton removed the large plastic pitcher from the fridge, Laz took two plastic cups from the cupboard. The last thing he needed was his clumsy ass dropping glass around the pool. They placed everything on a tray, along with some snacks, and went back out to the pool. The morning was beautiful and peaceful, which was ironic, considering the turmoil inside Laz.

  Colton carried the tray to the edge of the pool, carefully placed it down, and slid it close enough to the edge for them to reach easily. They filled their cups, and Laz gulped his down before Colton reached the bottom step. God, it tasted so good, the perfect mix of wine and berries. It really hit the spot. He refilled his cup before joining Colton inside the heavenly warm water.

  “How are things going with you and Red?”

  The mention of Red’s name was enough to spear Laz’s heart. He’d have to face the music sometime. His eyes welled, his heart wanting to confide in Colton, but Laz wasn’t ready to speak his fears out loud. Not yet. He plunged beneath the water in the hopes of disguising the wetness to his eyes. He came back up and wiped the water from his face.

  “I hope you’ve been getting some while I’ve been gone,” Colton teased, picking up his cup, and taking a long drink of his Sangria.

  “Colt!”

  Colton laughed. “What? Red is very sexy. Why shouldn’t you enjoy jumping the man’s bones?”

  “You have a boyfriend,” Laz reminded him.

  “I also have eyes. Just because I think Red is attractive doesn’t mean I don’t love Ace. Besides, Red may be handsome, but no one gets my engine revved like Ace does. God, the way that man moves. Mm, talk about a sinful body. I just want to sink my teeth into his gorgeous ass.”

  “TMI, Colt.”

  “Like you don’t want to do the same to Red.”

  Laz ignored the comment, because while his mind was conjuring up ways to verbally eviscerate Red, his stupid body was pining for him like it had been sex-starved for years or something. “You’re like my brother. I don’t want to hear about Gio’s sex life. What makes you think I want to hear about yours?”

  Colton shrugged. “You never know. You might learn a few tricks.”

  “Oh really? You’re a sex guru all of a sudden?”

  “I will choose not to be insulted by your clear misconception of my sexual prowess.”

  Laz laughed at that, and it felt so good. “Oh my God, you sound like Ace.”

  “Shut up.” Colton splashed at him, and Laz snickered as he splashed back. “You know, I saw it the moment Ace introduced you two. The way you looked at each other? I’d never wanted Bryan to be out of the picture so badly. I was one mimosa away from dragging him into the ocean with a garland of meat around his neck and hoping he got eaten by sharks.”

  Laz gasped before snorting out a laugh. “You are so evil.”

  “What? It’s the truth!” Colton laughed, and Laz shook his head.

  “I’m so glad you’re home,” Laz said, grateful to have Colton in his life. In truth, he was surrounded by loving people. It was important he not forget that, or take it for granted. “How did your meeting go?”

  “Great. Fine. Boring business stuff. I ate so much pizza. So good. We should go down for a weekend. Watch a show on Broadway or something. Damn this Sangria is good.”

  “Someone’s a little tipsy,” Laz teased.

  Colton shrugged. “Maybe, but not enough to not notice something’s wrong.”

  “Nothing is wrong.” Laz finished off his Sangria, then lay on his back to float. Above them, the sky was a perfect blue filled with white fluffy clouds. The sun was shining, and in the distance, the ocean waves rolled onto the shore. He closed his eyes and let out a steady breath. How long would it take before everything stopped reminding him of Red? He was surprised he didn’t sink to the bottom of the pool with how heavy his heart was.

  “Laz, talk to me. I’ve never seen you try so desperately to hide a broken heart, not even with Bryan.”

  “I think he’s cheating on me.” Why did he always bottle things up inside? It always went the same way. He’d try to bury it deep down until he just couldn’t fight it anymore and it all came spilling out like word vomit. Ugh, he was hopeless. Laz straightened, amused by Colton’s mouth hanging open.

  “Wait, you’re dating? When did this happen? Wait, never mind. We can talk about that later. Right now, tell me why you think he’s cheating on you.”

  Laz told Colton all about the phone call he overheard and the photo he received. He waited while Colton mulled it over.

  “Laz, I know the evidence seems pretty compelling, and I understand where your fear is coming from, but this is Red we’re talking about. I’m not saying it’s not possible for a man like Red to cheat, but Red isn’t a coward. He’s like the rest of the Kings, very upfront about things. He’s been crazy about you from the moment he met you. I’ve seen how he looks at you, how protective he is of you. I think you need to sit down with him and have a conversation about what you heard and the photo you received. I mean, you don’t even know who sent it. It’s very odd.”

  “You’re right.” Laz poured himself another cup of Sangria. “I’ve been avoiding him, too scared to find out the truth. I can’t keep doing that. I need to know.” Red was different. There had to be a reasonable explanation for everything. Just like Bryan had a reasonable explanation for everything. God, he hated his brain sometimes. He really was his own worst enemy.

  Laz enjoyed spending time with Colton. They talked about New York, Gio, the wedding in Miami later that year for Ace and Lucky’s cousin. The Sangria was gone in no time, and they moved onto funny stories about Colton and Gio in college. Laz laughed at their schoolboy antics. They’d been such big dorks at the time. Then again, to Laz, no matter the cut of their tailored suits, they were still a couple of big dorks, and he loved them. After getting all wrinkly, they got out to hit the showers.

  “Meet you downstairs for lunch?” Colton asked.

  “Sounds great.” They went to their rooms to shower, and once he was dressed in a pair of black cargo shorts and comfy T-shirt, Laz left his bedroom and smacked into a wall. Shit. No, wait, it was Red.

  “Hey,” Red said softly.

  As much as Laz wished he could say he was prepared, that he was just going to come out and say, “Hey, we need to talk,” he couldn’t take the heartache in Red’s gorgeous hazel-green eyes. Laz pointed behind him to his room.

  “Sorry, I just remembered I need to go through some photos, and—”

  “Stop. Please. Just tell me what I did to upset you, and don’t say it’s nothing because I know that’s not true. I can feel it down to my core. It’s breaking my heart.”

  Everything that had been bubbling inside him, all the pain, doubt, and fear came roaring to the surface, erupting like a geyser. “Breaking your heart? You son of a bitch! I can’t believe you have the balls to say that to me after what you did!”

  Red threw his arms up in frustration. “What did I do, Laz? How am I supposed to fix this when I have no clue what you’re so pissed off at me for?”

  “There’s no fixing this, Red. I heard you. It was a really great way to be woken up, by the way, after what I thought had been the most amazing night of my life.”

  Red frowned. “What are you—” It seemed to dawn on him, and his eyes widened.