Page 33 of Enemies Under One Roof

The three of them had bonded after that, although still Ethan had been wary of them, held them at arms’ length. But over time, he’d learnt to trust them and vice versa—so much so that it had become known, if you took on one of them, you took on all three. And that hadn’t altered. They had each other’s backs and always would.

Eight years ago, they’d been apoplectic at the release of the folly kiss pictures and Ivy’s hand in them. In the aftermath, there’d been none of the easy banter in their conversations. Instead, they’d been ready for action at his command with a range of tactics that had made Ethan glad they were on his side.

And while Ethan had appreciated it, he’d known if he took a metaphorical swing at Ivy, he’d also hit Ruby, and that was something he’d never do. None of them would—they all adored her.

But neither Cam nor Luc had known how much the kiss, and Ivy’s betrayal, had rocked him. How his vow never to be played by anyone ever again had been shattered so spectacularly in one afternoon.

One afternoon.

That’s all it had taken for him to throw every hard-learnt lesson out of the proverbial window. And he’d paid for it. More than he’d ever let on, even to Cam and Luc. Because she’d slipped through his defences in a way that made a mockery of every promise he’d ever made to himself.

Yet now, despite knowing she hadn’t set him up, it was even more imperative he didn’t lower his guard. He was not entrapped by feelings towards her, other than a natural attraction that would wear itself out. What if they did something to speed up that process and stamped it out, once and for all?

‘You okay there, Chief? You’re looking a little green around the gills. It must be the constant rain you’ve been whingeing about,’ Luc drawled.

With a shake of his head, Ethan dragged his focus back to his mates and gave Luc the finger, pretty much how they started every catch-up, although who had the first honour alternated.

All three laughed.

‘Nice to see your ugly head as well,’ Ethan said, linking his fingers behind his head. Trading insults was a pretty standard opener for their monthly calls, and despite their jam-packed schedules, they squeezed one in each month, without fail.

Luc gave the finger.

‘Glad to see you’ve both matured,’ Cam deadpanned.

‘Shush, kids, Dad’s here,’ Luc drawled.

Cam gave the finger.

Laughter filled the call along with the customary ribbing while they got their standard greetings out of the way, followed by an easy fifteen minutes while they caught up with each other.

‘What’s the latest with the plans for WillowGlen? Any progress?’ Cam asked.

‘It’s going to be a retreat.’

‘Like a health retreat, to keep me fit and healthy?’ Cam asked.

‘No, like I need somewhere to keep me safe.’

They both sat a little straighter, all teasing disappearing as the words hit.

‘And Ivy Flame’s thoughts on this?’ Luc’s eyes narrowed, his voice lowered to something lethal.

‘She’s onboard.’

‘Meaning?’

‘We agreed, together, that this was the best way forward.’

‘I have the feeling you’re not telling us everything,’ Luc said.

‘There’s nothing to say.’

‘You’re dealing with Poison Ivy. I’m sure there is,’ Luc said.

‘Don’t call her that,’ Ethan snapped. ‘There’s more to Ivy than you think. Not everything’s what it seems.’ He wasn’t going to divulge the truth behind Ivy and the photos, because that would be breaking her confidence, even as he hated not sharing the details with them.

‘Be careful, Eth.’ Cam scowled.