Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Fifteen

Clint

“I’ve been here before,” said Clint, eyeing the apartment building. It was his kind of place, with a lived-in worn look and a menagerie of busted cars in the parking lot.

Places like it were always more real than the shiny newbuilds, and the people could hide nothing from their neighbors, who were only a few inches of insulation away. A fight would be known by everyone in a few hours, and you always could tell who fucked the best.

“I used to live a block from here,” said Clint, pointing down the street that was still so familiar. “I used to eat at that restaurant all the time before I learned how to cook more than spaghetti and soup.”

It looked exactly the same, down to the rusted-out sign that was missing a few letters and the ‘help wanted’ posted in the front window. His heart ached. It had been years since he’d even come close to visiting the neighborhood. Between the club, and well, the club, everything had seemed to blur together.

Scotland was smiling at him, his eyes dark. He’d been quiet all day and had hardly said a thing in the car. Somewhere in those lips was Clint’s answer to the question that had been burning through him the whole time. Anticipation was curled right next to nervousness, but there was no regret.

“Tonight, you call me ‘Sir’.”

Goosebumps prickled over his skin, which was suddenly too tight over his frame. His mouth was dry, words lost as his heart pounded. Yes. He let his eyes fall shut, leaving any worry behind.

Ross flickered over his mind, but only as a memory of his sweet smile. The ache was still the same, but there was something new next to it. It had been a long time since he’d had hope.

“Yes, Sir.”

Scotland reached out, tracing his thumb over Clint’s bottom lip. Dipping the tip inside, he paused until Clint parted his teeth, shuddering as Scotland stroked his tongue.

“You have your safewords, and I trust you to use them,” said Scotland, pinching Clint’s tongue between two fingers and tugging softly. “Any limits for tonight?”

Clint shook his head as much as he could with his tongue trapped. Drool was pooling in his mouth, and he let it fall, dribbling down his chin. Some of the limits he’d given Scotland the last time they’d talked about this probably didn’t exist anymore.

I trust you.

“I only have one rule for tonight,” said Scotland, moving his fingers deeper until he tested Clint’s gag reflex. His jaw ached as he licked Scotland’s fingers, letting his saliva fall. “Anything I ask you to do, you do it without question while we are here. You can brat all you want when we get back to the car. Until then, I need your complete submission. I think you need it just as much as I do.”

Clint hated when Scotland was so fucking right. Ross had always accused him of using his bratty behavior to be defensive. The asshole had always been able to read him.

“Let’s go,” said Scotland, releasing Clint and stepping out of the car. Before Clint could wipe his chin and follow him, Scotland was opening the passenger door wide and holding out his hand. “Let me help you.”

Clint flushed, lowering his gaze automatically as he stepped outside. He’d never been able to meet someone’s eyes when he was in a submissive state, much preferring the view of the floor.

He didn’t release Clint’s hand as they walked to the door past a crowd of teenagers who gave them nods as they approached. It was almost a blockade of sorts, but Clint wasn’t nervous.

“You guys friends of Derreck and Ice?”

Clint blinked, giving the group and the apartment a second look.

“Yeah,” said Scotland, his hand twitching against Clint’s. “I’m not sure who Ice is, but Derreck—yes.”

This is Derreck’s place?Clint had never visited, even though Derreck had been at the bar and his old apartment too many times to count. Glancing over his shoulder, he spotted Derreck’s beast of a car in the lot. He was surprised he hadn’t noticed it before. It was the only one in the lot that had four of the same tires.

“That guy of his,” said one of the teenagers, scuffing his shoe against the cracked pavement, “he’s a fucking legend, but the first time I saw him I thought he was an ice cream cone. The name stuck.”

“Maddy?” asked Clint, scratching at his cheek. That was classic. Maddy was the most na?ve and masochistic man he’d ever met. ‘Ice’ fit him perfectly.

“Yeah.” The kid nodded. “Anyone who can fuck in a graveyard is a legend.”

Clint snorted, leaning against Scotland as he chuckled. Scotland pulled him closer, wrapping his arm around Clint’s shoulders. He fell into the embrace, letting out a sigh. “Why did you guess we’re his friends?”

“You guys all have that same kind of look,” said one of the other teenagers, grabbing his phone from his pocket as it dinged. “Like you know your way around too many things to risk a fight.”

Scotland snorted, flexing his arm. Clint couldn’t tear his eyes away as the muscles of his arm rippled before his eyes, his tattoos stretching and bulging.

The teenager eyed the display, not seeming nearly as impressed as Clint was. “You guys don’t give a shit about where you get laid.”

Clint nodded. “That’s so true.” He glanced up at Scotland, his cheek dragging over the scruff of his chin from how close they were. “We should get badges for the club or something. Like a ‘never have I ever fucked on a rooftop or a movie set’. You’d get a badge for every place. We could do prizes! Oh, Maddy would love that.”

Scotland chuckled, nosing along Clint’s jawline, despite their audience. “I love it when you’re like this. You’re so fucking good.”

The first teenager narrowed his eyes, tilting his head to the side. “That’s another thing, too. You’re always saying ‘good boy’ and ‘Sir’ and other weird shit like that. Dead giveaway.”

Clint’s smile flitted away in an instant, his teeth clacking together as he clenched his jaw. Scotland had gone tense, and Clint rolled his shoulders, shrugging him off. “You’re a kid, so I’m gonna let that last comment slide.”

“I’m nineteen, man.” The teenager seemed to puff out his chest a bit as he glanced at his friends.

He’s just a kid. Take it easy on him. “Then you should know to have some respect, especially if you know we’re Derreck’s friends. We don’t use words lightly in kink…or titles. I call my Dom ‘Sir’ because he deserves it, and I trust him completely.”

The teenager flickered his gaze to the door, his eyes going a bit wider. “Sorry, man. I really meant no offense. I was just talking shit.”

“Oh.” Clint grinned, advancing a step. “Perfect then. I was all prepped for a little knife play there, but I guess I’ll keep it in my pocket for now.” He winked, grinning when the teenager took a sudden step back.

Scotland looped his arm through Clint’s, pulling him off balance before leaning over to whisper into his ear. “Give the kid a break. He looks like he’s gonna piss himself.”

Without looking back, Scotland led them to the door and pulled it wide. As soon as they let the door close behind him, Clint let out a laugh. “When I worked as a nurse, I got to understand punks pretty well. They were just testing us—probably making sure we’re worthy of being Derreck’s friends or something.”

He bounced up on his toes, landing a kiss on Scotland’s cheek. He couldn’t explain it, but he was more excited than he’d been in a long time, bubbly energy rushing through his limbs. “Why are we visiting Derreck and Maddy, Sir? It’s not that I don’t want to see them, but we weren’t exactly on the best of terms before my vacation.”

“No questions,” said Scotland, putting his hand on Clint’s lower back and propelling him toward the door. “I have a surprise for you.”

Anything that Clint could have said was cut off as Scotland knocked and the inside door swung open a moment later. He blinked, his breath catching in his throat and his cheeks burning as he caught sight of who was standing there.

“Hey, I’m Scotland. Nice to meet you.”

“Rowes.” Rowes took Scotland’s hand, shaking once before he turned his gaze on Clint. Clint gaped his mouth like a fish, his brain stuttering to a complete halt. The Rowes Keppel—the star of his favorite show on earth and the only show he watched religiously. Lately, he’d even downloaded it onto Maddy’s phone so he could watch it while chilling in a chair at the club.

Over his shoulder was Isthmus Linton, the supposed star of the show and Rowes’ partner. Clint had always assumed something was going on between them, but he hadn’t known for sure until they’d show up at Unkinked one day.

“Nice to see you again, Clint.” Rowes dropped his hand as Clint continued to gape, a smile on his lips. “Derreck asked me to grab the door while he pulled dinner out of the oven. Come on in.”

Rowes turned away from the door, his presence still looming, along with the smell of expensive cologne.

He didn’t belong in a run-down apartment building, even if Clint loved the place already. He probably had four penthouses and a summer home somewhere exotic with palm trees and freaking coconuts growing in the yard.

What the hell? How?He lifted his hand, staring at it. Rowes Keppel and Isthmus Linton were two of the hottest actors on television, their show gaining even more popularity after a recent stir in the media. They’d been to the club a few times, but they lived out of town. Clint had never expected to see them again.

“You are such a fanboy,” said Scotland, kissing Clint’s neck as his brain blipped. “The last time I saw you this awestruck was when you saw my cock.”

“Yes, Sir.” Because wasn’t that the fucking truth. The two actors looked even better off-screen than they did on, and Scotland’s cock had been a sight to behold.

“Take a seat next to Rowes, and I’ll grab us some food.” Scotland grabbed the door as it started to ease shut in Clint’s face, holding it open and letting Clint through.

Sit…next to Rowes?Clint toed his shoes off without looking down, flinching as Maddy and Derreck’s cat started howling at him for pets. Maddy told him all the time how much he loved the little furball, but also how terrible its yowl was. It suited its name, which was Demon.

Rowes was seated in front of the couch, his head leaned back against Izzy’s knee. There was a collar around Rowes’ throat, matching the one on his wrist that Clint had heard so much about on celebrity news. He’d known exactly what it was as soon as he’d seen it.

He took a deep breath before he crossed the small space between the door and the couch. Rowes gave him a small smile and a wave before he trailed his gaze back to the television.

It’s okay. It’s okay. They’re only superstars—ones you’ve been crushing on since season one.

“You guys get your stuff sorted okay?” asked Clint, immediately slapping a hand over his mouth and letting out a small groan. “Sorry. Not my business. You are just both so beautiful. Beautiful and kinky…like heaven.”

“I’m beautiful and kinky,” said Scotland, saving Clint from digging himself any deeper as Izzy started to chuckle. Rowes was covering his mouth, his eyes sparkling. “Sit down, love.”

“Yes, Sir.” He dropped to the ground, shuffling until his back was against the couch. Instead of ending up to one side of Scotland’s legs, he landed between them. He grabbed each ankle, shuffling them closer until he was effectively caged. He let out a soft sigh. So much better.

Izzy and Rowes seemed much calmer than the time he’d last seen them when they’d been close to their breaking point. With the stress from the show and exploring their kinky side, they’d looked ready to snap.

“Truth be told, I thought you were a Dom, Clint. My apologies,” said Izzy, letting out a sigh as he weaved his fingers into Rowes’ hair.

“Everybody does.”

Clint looked up at Maddy’s voice. Hell, he was a sight for sore eyes. He’d spent more time with Maddy than anyone else, and he’d never admit how much he missed him while he’d been away.

Maddy looked good, and not at all like the club had been too much to manage for him. There was a smile on his lips, and he looked calm and well-rested. There were times when Clint worried about him. Maybe I don’t need to worry.

“But I know Clint’s secret,” said Maddy, shooting them a wink. He had the most adorable blue polka dot oven mitts on, which happened to be Clint’s favorite pattern, and the tray he was balancing between his hands smelled divine.

“Brat,” said Clint, surging to his feet to adjust the wooden cutting board on the table before them so it would be easier for Maddy to set the food on. “How have you been? How’s the place holding up? You started a brat night, didn’t you? I knew you would. All you subbies getting together to plan something…”

Clint grinned, adjusting the tray with his fingertips until it was in line with the edges of the table. “Can I help with anything? Do you have plates? Or, did anyone need a drink?” He turned to Scotland, who was looking at him with one raised brow.

“Clint?” asked Maddy, pulling him in for a brief hug. “Go sit down. You’re still on vacation.”

“But—” He looked to the kitchen where he was sure he’d just heard the sound of a breaking plate. “You hate serving food. Let me help?” He bounced on his toes a little, his hands itching to grab the oven mitts right off Maddy’s hands. If they hadn’t opened a bar together, Clint had planned to convince Ross to let them start a restaurant. They would have hired a chef so Clint wouldn’t have had to do the cooking part, but he would happily deliver every plate himself.

“What he’s trying to say,” said Derreck, peeking his head through the door of the kitchen, “is that his ass is getting punished, so he has to do this himself.” Derreck was surprisingly done up for the occasion, wearing the first button-down that Clint had ever seen him in. He was usually more of a jeans and T-shirt kind of guy, with varying degrees of dirt on him from his job as a gravedigger.

“Oh.” Clint took the two steps back to the couch before dropping to the ground between Scotland’s knees. He landed closer to Rowes than he had before, his skin prickling from the proximity. Is it rude if I stare at him?

Clint cupped his hand over his mouth, aiming his voice away from Maddy, who was making his way back to the kitchen.

“What did he do?” he asked Rowes, ignoring the way Scotland bumped him with his leg. “I mean, he’s great at pushing Derreck’s buttons, but I don’t think I’ve actually seen him in trouble before.”

Rowes shrugged, smiling as Izzy reached for a plate and loaded up on a few potato skins. He took a small bite as Izzy held one to his lips, licking the bacon bit that clung to his lip. “Something about candles? I didn’t hear the whole story.”

They are so sweet.Clint’s heart melted as he watched Izzy feed Rowes another bite before reaching for his drink and carefully bringing the cup to his lips. Thinking about them as actors had his heart pounding, but as a cute and kinky couple, he could let himself relax.

“Oh, God.” He rubbed a hand over his face when Rowes’ words caught up with him. “Maddy must have started a freaking candle club at Unkinked. I knew I shouldn’t have left the kid in charge.”

Scotland touched his cheek, dragging Clint’s attention to him. There was something soft in his eyes that probably shouldn’t have been there with a friend. Clint couldn’t bring himself to care. He was loose and free, a laugh in his throat, despite the threat of candles near his life’s work.

“When Derreck found out Maddy didn’t ask you about the wax play scene, he had a few choice words,” said Scotland, moving his hand to Clint’s hair before digging into the strands. “Word on the street is that his punishment is going to last the entire time you’re on vacation.”

“And you say I’m the gossip,” said Clint, closing his eyes and letting out a hum as Scotland scratched his nails over his scalp. His hair was softer than usual since he’d started using Scotland’s shampoo, and he’d fallen in love with the deep scent of it. All it was missing was the hint of donkey, and it would match Scotland perfectly.

Chuckling, he leaned his head back, tilting to the side to follow Scotland’s hand as he moved.

“You like that?” asked Scotland, his voice lower than normal.

“Yeah, Sir.” Clint cracked one eye open, bending so he could catch sight of Scotland. It was good that he wasn’t the only one enjoying it.

“You want me to feed you, love?”

It did look nice the way Izzy brought the food to Rowes’ lips, letting him take little bites and even wiping his cheek with a napkin when a small piece went astray. He nodded, not trusting his voice. Isolation must’ve turned him sappy.

“Here.” Scotland held out a piece of potato skin, the grease probably stinging his fingertips. Clint opened wide, accepting it onto his tongue with a moan as flavor burst in his mouth. Maddy was a damn good cook.

“What are we watching?” Clint looked to the television when Derreck silently entered and started setting something up on the screen. His heart was beating way too fast as Scotland offered him another bite, his fingers stroking Clint’s tongue like he had in the car. Any more and he was going to be sporting a hard-on next to his idols.

“The season premiere of a certain show that’s not out yet,” said Maddy, strolling back into the room with yet another plate. “Rowes and Izzy seemed to think they owed you a favor, so they got their hands on it for you.”

Clint’s jaw dropped toward the floor, a piece of potato spilling out and rolling onto the ground. Gunlover was only his favorite show of all time, but the season finale had been the last, despite so many unanswered questions. He’d heard about Rowes’ and Izzy’s new roles and had been waiting to get his hands on more than just a few sneak peeks.

“It feels kind of self-centered to be watching this,” said Rowes, playing with a loose thread on his pants.

“You just don’t want to see the wall I fucked you against on set.” Izzy’s voice was a deep grumble that took Clint’s brain almost completely offline.

Fucked on set?“Oh! I have to do one like that for my new ‘never have I ever’ game. It was totally one of my ideas. I may have suspected something like that happened a few times during the last show. You guys are intense. I saw a leaked video of a kiss— Amazing.” He let out a wistful sigh.

“A lot like this?” asked Scotland, grasping Clint’s chin and tilting his head back. Their lips met a second later, and Scotland immediately opened his mouth, his tongue skirting between Clint’s lips.

Fuck.Clint groaned, carefully moving to his knees and turning before his neck could strain any farther. Burying his hands in Scotland’s hair, he tugged him closer, deepening the kiss. His heart pounded, the music for the beginning credits starting up behind him, but he didn’t care.

Tilting his head, he tried to deepen the kiss, dragging Scotland harder against him. He didn’t want Scotland to get any ideas and pull away.

“It’s starting,” said Maddy, his voice coming from somewhere to Clint’s side. “You’re gonna miss it.”

Clint drew back, licking his lips as he pressed his forehead to Scotland’s. They were both panting, his lips throbbing from the force of the kiss. “That’s what the pause button is for.”

He dragged Scotland back to him, who put up zero resistance, slipping his tongue into Clint’s mouth and stripping Clint’s Dominance from him in a heartbeat. Scotland’s grip on his hair turned fierce as he dragged Clint onto the couch to follow him as he leaned back.

Clint scrambled, landing on Scotland’s lap and immediately grinding down to bring their groins together. The touch was like a shock of both heat and electricity, his balls aching and full already. Considering he hadn’t emptied them after so much prolonged edging, he wasn’t surprised.

Scotland jerked Clint’s head back, clicking his tongue. “I don’t want your idols to see how much of a slut you are, Clint. And Maddy made all this wonderful food.”

Clint blinked his eyes open, looking slowly to the side. Every eye was on them, the show paused with a shot of Rowes screaming, his mouth open in horror.

“I don’t mind,” said Maddy, leaning his chin on one hand. “I’ve only been with two guys, so it would be interesting to see how other couples do it.” He winced as Derreck flicked his ear from his position seated next to Maddy. “What?”

First off, how was Maddy not a virgin when he met Derreck? Secondly… “I’m your boss.”

He spotted Rowes’ flushed cheeks before he quickly looked away and leaned his cheek against Izzy’s knees.

“Sorry,” said Rowes, muffling his voice behind his hand. “I didn’t mean to stare.” Izzy didn’t seem to have any qualms.

“Sorry.” Clint scratched the back of his head, hissing as he shifted in Scotland’s lap. That almighty treasure of a cock was right against his, teasing him, even as he tried to stay still. “I’ll watch—I swear. I just got distracted.”

As soon as he tried to turn, Scotland grabbed his hip, stilling his movements. “Where’s the fun in that?” The grin on his lips was malicious. “You guys are all fans, but I’ve never heard of this show. Give me something else to watch.”

What?Clint looked to his pocket where his phone lay. There was nothing on there unless Scotland wanted to play shitty games on a flip phone.

“Take your shirt off, Clint,” said Scotland, releasing Clint’s hip before patting it. “I need to check that spot I tattooed yesterday anyway.”

Clint swallowed, choking when he wasn’t able to get it all the way down. My shirt? Sure, more than a dozen people had seen him without a shirt on at Unkinked, Maddy and Derreck included. But Rowes and Izzy were another story. They were both so goddamn perfect that he would look like a disaster next to them.

His gut throbbed, but not in the familiar way from sweet humiliation. Biting his lip, he gave Scotland a wary look. “Yellow?”

Scotland froze with his hand midway through petting Clint’s ass. “Is it the shirt?”

Clint nodded, glancing at Izzy through his lashes.

“I’m willing to compromise. How about you lose the pants instead?” asked Scotland, resuming his strokes.

Now that had him throbbing in an instant. There was nothing wrong with his cock, and the scars along his hip would mostly be covered by the hem of his shirt. “Green.”

“Good boy,” said Scotland, giving him a quick kiss. “Thank you for letting me know you were uncomfortable. Now turn around and take those pants off.”

Maddy hit play on the television as Clint awkwardly spun around, almost kneeing Scotland in the balls when he moved too quickly. The opening credits bloomed before his eyes, his excitement building for more than one reason as he slid his pants from his hips.

When he settled, his naked ass brushed against Scotland’s clothed cock, his chest burning into Clint’s back. Scotland immediately snuck a hand around his waist, brushing his fingertips against Clint’s cock.

It was fucking torture.

Every time he was dragged into a scene on the television, Scotland would stroke him slowly. Clint would stop mid-comment, glancing to either side, but no one was looking their way. It was only when his breathing started to come in fast that Maddy or Derreck would glance over.

Maddy’s gaze lingered, burning over Clint’s flesh, but Derreck didn’t pause before looking back to the screen. Izzy and Rowes either didn’t notice or didn’t care, their eyes locked on the screen as they called out a few critical comments.

“We had to wait three days to finish this scene,” said Rowes, reaching for Izzy’s leg and squeezing. “A storm rolled in the first night and completely trashed the set. Our agent Lorena nearly had a meltdown.”

Then Scotland would stop, stroking his thigh or the scratchy bit of hair above his prize, and Clint would throb and struggle not to squirm.

Maddy looked at him for a long time, flicking his gaze everywhere. Maybe he couldn’t quite believe that Clint was in this position, blatantly grinding his ass against Scotland when it became too much.

Clint couldn’t believe it either.

“We need to head out to catch our flight,” said Izzy, about a half-hour into the show. “It was good meeting you again, Clint.” They didn’t shake hands, but Rowes turned pink when he caught sight of Scotland’s hand resting around Clint’s cock, his fingers tight but not moving.

Clint sent them an awkward wave.

“Sorry about having my dick out the whole time. It was great to see you guys again. Good luck with the new show, and seriously, come by the club any time you want to get your kink on.”

Rowes flushed bright red, missing Izzy’s soft smile as he looked at him. The two were so in love it was nearly disgusting.

“We’re still new to kink,” said Rowes, clasping his hands together. “Well, kind of. It was cool to see a different kind of dynamic. And hot…really hot.”

Clint could agree with the ‘hot’ part. He’d been hard for so long that he was sweating, his shirt sticking to his back and probably to Scotland’s chest as well.

“They were really nice people,” said Maddy as he started to clear the table, stacking the trays on top of each other. “I have no idea how Derreck got them to come, though. He wouldn’t tell me the details, but something about them being in town.”

Derreck shifted in his armchair. He’d been typically silent the entire evening, his gaze locked mostly on the screen and Maddy. He steepled his fingers, letting out a grunt. “They owed me a favor.”

“Um.” Maddy bit his lip, his cheeks flushing as he nearly dropped the trays. “Like a work favor or a kink favor?”

That was a good question. A work favor for Derreck would have to mean either digging a grave or burying a body. Holy shit.

“Does it matter?” asked Derreck, reaching for the disc that Izzy had signed for Clint before they left and flipping it over to eye the shiny bits underneath. “We’re even now.”

Clint had nothing but respect for Derreck, but he was freaking terrifying sometimes. He was probably even scarier than the twins, who were actual gang enforcers. Maddy seemed completely enamored, however, with stars in his eyes and the trays steady as he shook his head and turned to the kitchen.

“It was a kink favor,” said Derreck lowly as soon as Maddy disappeared as he gave Clint a rare smile. “I just like freaking Maddy out.”

Just Maddy?“Hell, my heart is pounding, and I’m not the one sleeping with you.” He moved his hand to Scotland’s thigh, squeezing the muscle as it flexed beneath his hand.

“Oh, are you guys sleeping over?” asked Maddy, his eyes sparkling as he returned with a tray that looked like Jell-O topped with whipped cream. “I’ve never had a sleepover before. Derreck, can they stay? Please.”

Derreck rubbed his temples, letting out a sigh. “Since you asked so nicely. It’s after ten, anyway. Probably best to stay off the road at this time of night in the country unless you want to hit a deer.”

Clint let himself sink a little farther, grinning as he squirmed in Scotland’s lap. “Can we? Can we?” he asked Scotland, cranking his neck to the side to place a kiss on his throat. “I’ve been good.” He wiggled his ass, Scotland’s cock throbbing against him.

“We don’t have a spare room,” said Derreck, standing from his chair. “Plenty of blankets and pillows, though. One of you can take the couch. I guess Clint can have the floor.”

Aw, less fun.

“Sounds good,” said Scotland, before Clint could protest. Bastard.

Maddy’s spoon jiggled as he laughed, the whipped cream nearly landing on the carpet before he managed to catch it with his mouth.

A frown tugged at Clint’s lips. No matter what anyone had to say, the only reason he was here was Maddy. Without him, so many people in his life would have ended up in a different spot. He’d probably be amidst his own mental breakdown, the weight of the club and the never-ending paperwork too much to think about any sort of future.

“Hey, Maddy?” said Clint, laying a hand on Scotland’s wrist to pause his movements. “I’m sorry.”

Maddy dropped his spoon, a bit of Jell-O going flying. Derreck eyed the spot of green on the carpet with a look of exasperation. Demon chose that moment to sneak out from under one of the chairs, going up to the glob and sniffing it.

“It’s okay,” said Maddy, setting the bowl down before loosely wrapping his arms around his middle.

Shaking his head, Clint leaned over, placing one hand on Maddy’s elbow. “I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my life, but you aren’t one of them. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to Unkinked.”

Maddy sniffed, his eyes going shiny as he swallowed and looked away. “Thank you. For the record, I’m sorry, too. I should have asked about the wax stuff.”

Clint shrugged. They’d both made mistakes. He hoped they still had enough friendship left that they could truly move on.

“That’s nothing,” said Scotland as he moved his hand to Clint’s hip. “I started a campfire yesterday. You want to talk about fuck-ups? I get the gold and silver medals for that stunt.”