Page 36 of Beastly Mr. Buchanan
I lean my elbows on the table and prop my chin on my hand.
“You know I’d never pry, but…”
I waggle my eyebrows.
He chuckles and launches into a retelling of Fabio’s latest kitchen fiasco.
I push away my envy then smile and soak in my best friend’s happiness.He deserves it after all the hate life has thrown at him.
I do too, but doubt plagues me.After all the time I’ve spent at Declan’s place, he’s never once asked me to stay, and after all the time I’ve spent wrapped in his arms, he’s never once said he loves me.
Declan’s face appears over Matthew’s shoulder.
He’s angry.So angry.
Instinctual fear roots me to the spot.
The accusation in his glare twists my stomach and shreds my heart.He shifts his glare to the back of Matthew’s head.Horror ices my veins as he slips closer to the mindless beast he became while pulverizing Brad.
As though in slow motion, he shifts his menacing gaze back to mine and starts toward me.
I swallow and rise as he approaches.Matthew turns.
I step around the corner of the table to meet Declan.Visions of Brad’s bloody and swollen face remind me of the power behind Declan’s fists.The thought of Matthew suffering the same terrifies me.
Guilt and shame strike me next.Brad deserved a beating.Declan wouldn’t do that unless Matthew provoked him, and definitely not if we’re in public.I’m a bitch for even thinking he would.
Except he seems capable of anything with the feral beast shining in his eyes.
I reach out, take Declan’s arm, and press myself against his side, hoping to remind him I asked him to come here and to calm him with my nearness.
My nerves get the better of me as I realize I finally get to introduce the two most important people in my lives to each other, so I stand like an idiot with my heart in my throat and my arm linked with Declan’s as they meet each other’s gazes.
Confusion spears through me when recognition flashes in Declan’s eyes.I wanted to introduce them in middle school but never got the chance.Matthew transferred to our school the day after Declan got suspended for fighting, and after I found out he liked boys—which took me, like, two seconds because I could never stop pestering anyone—I told him all about my fairytale love story with Declan, but when Declan returned, he ripped my heart out and walked away without even entering the classroom.
I clear my throat.
Matthew rises, the same confusion lingering in his eyes, but despite the fury emanating from Declan, he seems more curious about our linked arms than concerned for his safety.
“Declan, this is Matthew, my best friend.Matthew, this is Declan, my boyfriend,” I introduce.
Matthew holds out his hand.Declan stares.A muscle in his jaw ticks.
“How long have you been friends?”he asks.
I nudge him with my elbow, but he still refuses to shake Matthew’s hand.
“Since middle school,” Matthew responds.
“That’s a long time to remain in the friend zone,” Declan says.
I roll my eyes.
“We never dated.It’s not like that between us,” I say.
“I’m gay,” Matthew announces.
Declan quirks a skeptical brow.
