“He’s just a freight train, you know? But you heard how Julian talked about him? It’s just hard to know he feels so harsh on himself, too. It gets me in the feels. In my empathy to know that he values his life so little.” I was dumping on her, forcing her to be my therapist.

“It’s super sad and very scary.” Empathy softened her pretty eyes.

“Yeah.” I felt like it was an excuse. I was making it so that I was the only one that could fix Endgame. Even he didn’t hold a candle to how much I’d do to make sure he was safe.

“I can’t pretend to know what this is like for you. He’s not the devil, I’m sure of it. But it’s hard to see his good points right now. I feel like he took chances and you paid the price.” She stretched out her legs.

Axel looked from her face to mine and back again. “He’s hilarious. He’s part seal, part cartoon character.”

“He totally is a giant dingbat. I love him so much. I hope he didn’t hurt Endgame too badly.” She held her own hands.

“Yeah. He’s okay. Been hit in the nuts plenty over the years.” I pushed myself off the bed and shed parts of my suit. “I’m going to get into something comfortable, then I probably have to stay in his room with him to make sure he doesn’t have any issues. I mean, they for sure hit his head a few times. I’ll google head injury protocol.”

“Okay, good luck.” She gave me a sad smile. I appreciated that she didn’t give me grief about going to help Endgame. Tinsley and Parker would’ve been busting my balls left and right.

Taylor was a good human being, and I had put her freaking through it.

16

TAYLOR

I watched as Austin gathered his phone charger and a water bottle. I knew he was just monitoring a friend, but I was jealous.

I kind of understood why Endgame was a pain in the ass. Having Austin’s attention on you was addicting. A rush. I didn’t want to share it for a moment, and part of my schoolgirl heart crashed at the thought of losing a night with Austin in his bed.

Instead, I had my farting dog. A big nutball. I noticed that Austin locked the bedroom door on his way out. I knew he had trust issues with Endgame. And if tonight was any indication, it was a very valid opinion with lots of supporting incidents.

I wasn’t sure how long it took me to get to sleep, but in the morning, I was nose-to-nose with Axel and his drooling mouth.

I slapped my hands over my face as he sneezed. “Ugh. Gross, dude.”