Chapter 28

“Don’t call Stephen.”

Rye pulled his phone out of his pants. “He’ll know what to do.”

“No.” Liam slipped the phone out Rye’s hand. “Don’t. Please, Rye, don’t. Let me handle this. I know what to do. All right?”

“What’s wrong with you? You look like you’re about to pass out. Jeez, Liam. Get him down here then.”

“Rye—”

“Hey, kid!” Rye yelled, making his way to the landing. “Come down here. We’re driving you downtown. Get your stuff and come down.”

Liam was fidgeting by the staircase, shaking his head in utmost confusion. “Rye, it’s okay. I got this. I know what to do with him.”

“It’s okay? No, Liam, it is not okay.” Rye began to go up the stairs. “Come down here,” he cried out again. “Now!”

“Leave him alone,” Liam muttered.

When Rye had made it halfway up the stairs, Kieran appeared at the top. “Good morning,’’ he said coolly.

Rye was startled and stopped midway, staring up at Kieran. “‘Morning,” he muttered.