“Don’t apologize. Iget it.”
“Wasn’t gonna apologize,” he snorts. “She’s my little sister, no different for me than Irsia. I’ll break any man who messes with her.”
“Point taken. Just so you know, Icanbe friends with a woman without trying to get into her pants.”
Amusement flickers across his face. “Nameone.”
“Chloe.”
He slants me a look which makes it clear he’s unimpressed.
“You slept with her.”
“We’re still friends. But that’s not the point.”
“Whatisthe point?”
“I don’t want you to go apeshit on my ass if you see me speaking with a woman related to you.”
“Do you plan on making it a habit to speak with women related to me?” he asks.
I trail a finger along the edge of my mug in a slick circle, pursing my lips thoughtfully. “I wouldn’t call it a habit, but I also don’t think I want to avoid her just because her older cousin gets his big-brother-panties in a bunch over us talking.”
“Why would you—”
“I saw Alia the other day.”
“The fuck?” he growls, going stiff once more. “You met with her again?”
I no longer know if I’m entertained or exasperated. Probably both. “Calm the fuck down,” I snap, irritated. “I ran into her while I was grabbing a bite to eat. Unplanned. We chatted a bit and I gave her a ride home. Like I would for afriend.”
“A friend.” Suspicion lingers in his furrowed brows, his expression only mildly less fierce than before.
“Yeah. Friends. Kinda like how I thought we are.” I glare pointedly at him.
I didn’t set out to become a fuck-boy, but when a string of one-night stands didn’twantanything further, I settled into the role everyone believes is the real me. I’ve fully indulged in that lifestyle,but I’m tired of Rohan behaving like I’m dangerous and can’t be trusted with Alia. Especially because I’m not going to stop being her friend evenifhe disapproves.
If anything, he’s challenged me to show him there’s more to me than what everyone’s seen so far. I can be friends with Alia without my dick getting friendly with her lady-bits. Easy peasy.
Rohan draws a massive hand down his face, scratching his stubble as he sighs. It’s a deep, heartfelt sound where every remaining tension in his body seeps away in front of my eyes. He looks tired when he finally meets my gaze.
“Sorry. I trust you, man. She needs people in her life,” Rohan admits. Maybe the alcohol has loosened him up some. “Good ones,” he adds. “Unlike the assholes who deserted her when her ex—” He shakes his head, filling his mouth with beer instead of finishing his sentence.
“When her ex what?” I prod. Sue me, I’m nosy. I want to know what Alia’s shitty ex did.
“Nothing. Long story. Don’t feel like getting into it.”
Unwilling to disturb this newfound peace between us, I don’t push. “Just know I’d never disrespect you or your family. Besides, I like your mom’s food too much to risk getting uninvited to dinners at the Moore house.”
Rohan finally cracks a grin, one I return easily.
“You coming to Diwaloween?”
“Wouldn’t miss it. I have my outfit planned already.” Every year, Mama and Papa Moore put on a team dinner between Halloween and Diwali in a strange and hilarious mishmash of traditions. It’s one of the few unsponsored team events everyone refuses to miss.
“So, we’re cool?” I hold my fist out and Rohan bumps it, rolling his eyes like it’s childish.
“Yeah, we’re cool.”