Behind the Tears (Behind the Lives) Read Online Free PDF

mate.”
    “Why?”
    Corey took off.
    Sledge followed him into the passage, getting Corey’s door slammed in his face. He yanked it open and stalked into Corey’s bedroom. “What the hell is wrong with you?!”
    Corey spun around. “Get outta my room!”
    “Not until you tell me what’s wrong. You were all happy a moment ago, now you look like you’re gonna cry.”
    Corey covered his eyes. “I wanna move out.”
    Sledge went still. “What? Why?”
    “This ain’t working.”
    “Yes, it is.”
    Corey pulled his beanie completely down, hiding half of his face, only his lips visible.
    “Shit, don’t get upset.” Sledge reached out for Corey, pulling him into a hug.
    His mate stiffened for a moment, then leaned into Sledge. “I’m scared.”
    “’Bout the radiotherapy?”
    Corey hesitated, then nodded.
    Sledge placed his cheek on Corey’s head and tightened his grip. He was scared about that too. No, he was terrified; he couldn’t take it if Corey died. “You’ll be alright.”
    A female voice cut through the room. “What the hell?”
    Sledge let go of Corey fast. He glanced over at Juliet who was staring at him in disbelief. “Corey wuz upset,” Sledge said, feeling awkward, like he’d been caught doing something wrong. Juliet continued to stare. “What?” Sledge said. “Guys are allowed to hug too.”
    “Not like that.”
    “Yes, they do, so fuck off!”
    Juliet jolted, then disappeared around the corner.
    Refocusing on Corey, Sledge lifted up his mate’s beanie. Corey kept his gaze down, his cheeks bright red. “I’ve gotta get ready for the job interview,” Sledge said. “Will ya promise to be here when I get back?”
    Corey nodded.
    Sledge patted Corey’s cheek softly. “Things will work out, Corey. I promise.” Sledge turned and walked out of the room, not sure what just happened.
     

 
     
     
    4
    Beth
    Ash lay on their bed, still shivering from the shower, his dark eyes staring into nothing. It was freaking Beth out, because no matter what she said he didn’t respond. She’d seen him act like this before, but he’d had an excuse then, he’d self-medicated after a nasty fight, the drugs causing him to space out.
    Beth pulled the blanket further over him. “Please tell me why Sledge being at the hearing upset you.”
    He remained silent.
    “I wanna help, Ash, but I can’t if you keep shutting me out.” When he didn’t reply, she prodded him. “Say sumpthin’, anything.” She waited a few seconds then jumped off the bed. “I don’t understand why you can’t talk to me! It makes me feel useless, like I’m nuthin’ to you.”
    “I’m sorry,” he said, his voice barely audible.
    She went still, surprised he’d answered her, then she lowered herself back down to the bed. “What did Sledge do?”
    “Nuthin’.”
    “ Ash , don’t fob me off.” She waited for a moment then spoke again. “Please tell me.”
    “It’s personal.”
    “Then you should be able to tell me.”
    “I can’t.”
    “Why not?”
    “Just leave me alone.”
    “Not until you tell me.”
    He turned over, facing away from her.
    “Ash, stop ignoring me.”
    He pulled the blanket over his head.
    “God, you frustrate me!” She got up and stormed out of the room, too angry to deal with him anymore. As she entered the dining-room, Dante glanced up from his mug of coffee. He was seated at the white Formica table, tapping one of the packages in front of him. He dropped his gaze, giving her the impression he was ignoring her too.
    She tightened the belt on her kimono, yanking it so hard she thought it might snap. “You two are always hiding things from me. Well, stuff you both.” She stalked into the kitchen and poured herself some coffee, her hand shaking badly. She felt guilty for getting mad at them when they were both upset, but she was just so... Gah! It was like Ash and Dante lived in their own world, which she wasn’t a part of, just a guest overstaying her welcome.
    Coffee spilt on