The Damaged (The Insiders Trilogy #2) - Tijan by Tijan

Melissa had heard and frowned. “Like what?”

Jesus.

Those two words, how she said them … we both heard it, Matt and I. And a glance at a stiff Liam? Him, too. Longing. Disappointment. Jealousy.

Melissa was interested in Matt, not Fitz now.

Matt cursed under his breath before saying, almost gently, “I was going to have people over to my place at the Francois Nova. Just a small shindig. But now I’m going to invite a couple more of my friends.”

His gaze swept mine, and his was cautious.

Which told me who he was inviting.

“No.”

He cocked his head back. “Hmm?”

“No.” I was firm. “Not around my friends.”

His mouth twitched. He did not like hearing that. “They’re my friends, too.”

“No.”

Kash returned to my side. “What’s going on?”

Eyes still on Matt, I answered him. “Matt wants to invite Tony and Chester to his party at the Francois, where my friends will be.”

“No.” That was from Kash.

Matt’s nostrils flared. “I’m not remembering the moment when you two birthed me, made you my parents.”

Kash laughed. “That a joke?”

Matt’s eyes turned frosty, but he didn’t repeat it. “I’ll invite Guy, too.”

“He’s not much better around them.”

Matt gave me a dark look. “He’s way better and you know it.”

I had it. “Invite Torie and Tamara. Only then will I allow it.”

“Allow it? You her mom, too?” His eyes slid sideways to where Melissa was actively listening to everything. Liam was too, and he was looking pissed off.

Kash had had enough. He broke from my side, his hand going to Matt’s shoulder, and he forcibly turned Matt around. They started forward. Everyone started forward; it seemed we were all waiting for Kash’s move. We were shown to a private box a floor above. It wasn’t at the top, but we had our own terrace.

We walked in.

Kash led Matt to the corner. Kash was saying something. Matt wasn’t looking like he was enjoying it, and Kash wasn’t looking like he gave a shit. He broke away, coming back. “He’ll be fine. Your friends will be fine.”

Matt glowered at me before moving close to pass me. He hissed under his breath as he did, “I would’ve made sure she was safe.”

I said after him, “With Torie and Tamara there, I trust she will be.”

He was going to the box’s restroom. He stopped and glanced over his shoulder at me. “You could’ve come, too.” His jaw clenched, and it hit me then.

This wasn’t about Melissa. This was about me, because he assumed I wouldn’t come.

My head shot up. “Maybe I was always coming.”

He frowned, but his jaw unclenched. “Really?”

“Why not?”

His eyes moved to Kash, his meaning evident.

Kash sighed. “I said the whole day, Matt. I meant it.”

The frown vanished from Matt’s face, and he shot up. “Well, fuck that. I’m getting my drink on now.” He changed paths, heading for the bar instead.

Melissa came up to me later, once everyone settled. “What was all of that earlier? Does your brother not have good friends?”

I paused for a beat.

Melissa was impervious to so much, but it was in a good way. I wanted her to stay that way, but she needed to know. Pulling her farther away from everyone, I told her the truth.

“Fitz is not interested in you.”

Her face fell.

I kept on, “But Scott is.”

Her face brightened. “Really?”

“And Liam is interested in dating you, too, while my brother wants to sleep with you.” I didn’t miss a beat. “Do not sleep with my brother. Just trust me. He’s not head over heels for you.” Hurt flashed, but I made sure she heard me. “It’s not because of you. It’s not even because of the last woman he had feelings for. He’s got things in him that are blocking him from falling for anyone, so don’t sleep with him. As for Liam and Scott, it’s up to you. I think Liam could love you.” I hesitated, looking at Scott over her head. He was frowning slightly in our direction. I added, “I don’t know what to say about Scott, so that’s on you.”

With all that said, I stepped back to give her space.

She was floored—floored. Her mouth was hanging open. “All of them?”

I nodded. “Yes.”

“Are interested?”

Another nod. Another “Yes.”

“In me?” she squeaked, pointing at herself.

See. Obliviously cute. I hated taking that away from her.

I said, “I’m sure one or two of Liam’s friends would like to sleep with you too, but don’t fall for it. They’re just doing it to be dicks to Liam.”

Another squeak from her. “Oh my God!”

“Bailey.” Kash was standing by the seats.

I said to her, “Now you know. Be smart about who you choose.”

Melissa was quiet the rest of the game. Afterward, we were led to a private exit and left for the Francois Nova, since Matt said the after-game party was supposed to start immediately.

We got there, and it was fun at first.

And then … it wasn’t.