Hunter would tell Gabriel. He might be telling him right now. Nick could imagine the text messages. Dude. Just found your brother with another guy. No, seriously.

Nick choked on his breath. The heat in the room was turning into a bitter chill. He shivered.

Adam’s arms came around him from behind, holding him. “It’ll be okay.” He brushed a kiss against Nick’s hair. “I promise. It’ll be—”

Nick jerked free and hit him in the chest, shoving him away with a force driven by rage and fear. “It is not okay!”

As soon as he did it, he regretted it. With the light on, he could see every ounce of hurt in Adam’s eyes. Every ounce of disappointment.

Every ounce of anger.

Nick took a breath. “I’m sorry. Adam—wait.”

But Adam was already pulling his shirt on, shoving his phone into his pocket, heading for the door.

Nick went after him, catching his arm. “Please,” he said. “I’m sorry.”

Adam stopped, but he didn’t look at him. “Let me go, Nick.”

“I don’t want to.” He paused and moved closer. “I’m sorry. I didn’t—I wasn’t ready for that—”

“You know what?” Adam looked at him now. “I’ve heard it before, okay?”

Nick jerked back. “I would never hurt you.”

“Too late.” Adam pulled the door open and kept his voice low. “Let me go. Now.”

Nick couldn’t take the pain in his voice. He’d build a rainbow banner in the front hall announcing his sexuality if it would fix this. “Please. Adam, stay. Please.”

Now Adam turned and shoved him away, dislodging Nick’s grip. “I told you to let me go.” He didn’t wait for a response, just walked out the door.

Nick followed, buttoning his pants as he jogged down the steps after him. He had no shoes, no shirt, but he was ready to follow Adam down the street barefoot if he had to.

“Stop,” he pleaded. “Wait—wait. At least let me walk you to the bus stop.”

“I’m not a girl, Nick.” Adam didn’t even hesitate at the front door.

“Please wait. Please—I’m sorry.”

Adam rounded on him on the porch. His eyes were shining in the light. “You know what sucks about sorry? It’s the worst word in the world. Because it always happens after you fuck up something good.”

Then he turned and started walking. Nick went after him again. Wind whipped between them, whispering of Adam’s fury.

Adam whirled. “Don’t you follow me. I don’t want you near me right now. Do you understand? You’re so worried about what everyone else will think? I’ll make it real easy for you.”

“Stop it. Let’s talk about this.”

“What’s to talk about? You care more about what people think than you care about me. Crystal clear. Message received.” He started walking again.