Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Leo gave Chunky's belly a playful slap. "Still hoping to drop ten pounds in your sleep?"

Firecrackers snapped and popped in the distance, thickening the air with smoke until everyone turned into hazy silhouettes.

Andre's car was parked far off, headlights dim. He sat quietly, watching the tall kid standing by the edge of the neighborhood.

In the rearview mirror, Noah caught Andre's expression calm but unreadable—- as they watched the fireworks get set up, lit, and burn out. Andre didn't say a word.

Leo had his arm around Chunky, laughing with a few of their buddies, all of them soaking in the fun at their little hangout.

Noah looked back again. Andre's eyes held pride, but seeing the place-old, rough around the edges-maybe there was a bit of sadness, too.

Beside Andre on the seat was Chunky's file. Noah knew these two-uncle and nephew—were stubborn as hell, both proud, both secretly looking out for each

other.

One of them left Cedillo Inc. but still kept a close eye on the company, sharp enough to spot trouble like Greg. The other, quick to say the harshest things and kick people out, but the moment Chunky got close to someone new, he ordered a background check-only relaxing when he knew there was no threat.

"Boss, want to go down?" Noah asked quietly.

back. "Let's

winding down, and Andre signaled

was still grinning, waving everyone back inside. But just as he turned, he caught a glimpse of that black car driving off. His smile faltered. He stared after it, a bittersweet ache settling in his

standing by the

forcing a

the empty road, but the only

you didn't even let me be part

"Babe, I just didn't want you running around

either! I'm tired of all

a quiet corner, trying to win her over

of the college juniors piped up, "Hey

phone with his girlfriend. Let him be, we'll keep drinking." Chunky popped open

student reached over, blocking him. "Hey, Leo said you're only allowed three beers tonight-this is

bosses me around, and now you

at our company for five years and teach you everything

freedom. It's