I rubbed my forehead. “I mean, who wouldn’t? She’s gorgeous. But, like my little sister’s best friend. I can’t imagine what that looks like. Or the amount of beatings all my brothers would dole out. She grew up in our house. And I’m living with my ex.”

“You kissed her? Did you guys have sex?” Tinsley pulled her sunglasses down on her face.

“No. Sweet craps, no. I didn't take it that far.” I pulled her along so we could resume walking.

“But you wanted to…” She trailed her fingers up my arm.

“I may have started something that I should’ve stopped instead.” I was finding it really hard to regret the night Taylor was in my arms. Her peaceful sleep was a delight. She kept finding reasons to touch me with her hands and feet. Every once in a while she would open her eyes and check to see that I was still there, then wiggle her butt like a happy kitten. It was calm and beautiful.

“You know Endgame has done some damage, right?” She pushed her sunglasses on her head.

“To the apartment? Yeah, I know. Hell, I wouldn’t even leave him alone with Taylor this morning. He’s got a meeting with his parole officer.” I stepped us to the side as a guy on a skateboard whizzed by.

“To you, babe. He did damage to you.” Tinsley had empathy in her eyes.

“What do you mean?” I never really had to worry about Endgame’s effect on other people, I was the only one in his crossfire.

“He emotionally abuses and manipulates you. Like the whole reason I wouldn’t do the shoot with you. You had to pay for him to be alive again, right?” She and I waited as Parker and Axel jogged past us. Parker gave us the motion with his finger that he was going to go around the block again.

“Yeah. Same old, same old.” I narrowed my eyes as the previous times flitted through my head.

“You know he does it just because he needs to be the center of your universe.” She pat my chest.

I covered her hand. “For a long time, I thought that was love.”

“That makes sense. Shit, you've the most stable homelife I’ve ever witnessed, so the rush of the danger and dysfunction with Endgame probably felt a lot like love. But putting you in danger, putting himself in danger isn't an adventure. It’s hostile and chips away at your soul.”

“You're going to be a great relationship therapist someday soon. How’s school?” I slid my sunglasses over my eyes.

“School is exhausting. Stop trying to change the subject.” Tinsley slid her sunglasses back on as well.