I drove aimlessly down the street, keeping one eye on the rearview mirror. Satisfied I wasn’t being followed, I turned into the parking lot of a pub that served pizzas. I was starving.

I checked my phone for messages, finding a couple texts from Easton inviting me over for beer and, guess what? Pizza. I texted him back that I’d bring the pizza if he had the beer.

I picked out two pizzas loaded with meat and drove the short distance to Big E’s condo.

An hour later, Easton, Steele, Kaden, and I had finished off both pizzas and a good amount of beer. I was disappointed to learn Easton’s fiancée and the kids had flown to Arizona for the weekend to meet with the grandparents. I’d been looking forward to meeting them.

A pink elephant lounged in the room, and so far, no one had broached the subject on everyone’s minds. I had to say something. They had to know my side of the story.

“Look, guys, I didn’t know Bria was married—to anyone. I ran into her the day I got into Seattle. She walked into the hotel bar. I was flying high because I’d been called up. She sat next me, and I bought her a drink. She wasn’t wearing a ring. She made it clear she was interested, and I took her up on it. I had a whole evening ahead of me and didn’t want to spend it alone. I had no fucking idea she was married.”

No one said a word. In fact, they looked everywhere but at me. I was annoyed.

“Easton, you’ve known me for a long time. Come on, have you ever seen me show interest in a married woman?”

“No,” Easton admitted. “But—”

“But what? I didn’t know she was married.”

The guys exchanged glances.

“Seriously? Guys, we’re Puck Brothers. You know me. I wouldn’t do that. She met me in the parking garage tonight and asked me to lie for her, tell Jock that I’d only given her a ride home because she was drunk.”

“She expects him to believe that?” Easton was incredulous. Well, so was I.

“Jock’s insisting on a divorce. She thinks I can help change his mind by lying and painting her in a good light while expecting me to go along with a lie Jock would never believe. It’s the old two lies don’t make a truth. I’m not digging myself any deeper.”

Steele shook his head in disbelief and groaned. “Axe, you’re in deep shit.”

“I’m fully aware of that.” I sighed. “Jock hates me, and I can’t blame him.” I looked at each one of my bros, assessing whether or not they were in the Jock camp or the Axel camp. Kaden was studying me as if trying to figure me out. Steele had on his usual unreadable mask. Easton was frowning, sympathy shining in his eyes. I knew I could count on Big E. He always had my back. And he’d help me persuade the other two.