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16

Lincoln

M y walkie crackles at my hip. “Officer Reed, you have a phone call.”

“On my way.” I hasten my walk to the office. No one would call me at work unless it were an emergency.

When I enter the office, the receptionist points me to a phone, and I pick it up, tapping the blinking line.

“Officer Reed.”

“Lincoln, man. What have you done? You have a brother?”

“Axel? I have a stepbrother. What does that matter? Why are you calling me at work?” He’s laughing, and I’m a bit frustrated at his humor and lack of explanation for calling.

“Your boyfriend and stepbrother had a brawl in a sandwich shop downtown, and both are down at the PD asking for you. Spencer called me when she realized she didn’t have your number.” Shit . How could I not have exchanged numbers with her? Orgasm? Sure. Phone number? Nah.

“What the hell happened?” I cover the mic on the phone and let the receptionist know I have a family emergency and need to leave. Axel’s laughter booms again, and I want to pummel him through the phone.

“According to Spencer, your stepbro kissed her, and Miller went all caveman on him. There’s a story I’m missing, and I want the gossip, Linc.”

“Fuck.” I look apologetically around the office for my slipped curse. “I’m heading to the station. Let me know if you hear anything else. Is everything good over there?”

“Yep. Furniture is in and moved around. It’s a teenager’s dream.”

“See you soon.”

? ? ? ? ?

“Thanks, Westbrook.” I double tap my knuckles on the counter after signing the paperwork for Miller and Tucker’s release. Shortly after Axel’s call, Westbrook called to let me know that they were asking for me and giving each other the stink eye, trying to figure out how they each knew me. For the station’s entertainment or my aggravation, they were kept at opposite ends of the room so they couldn’t talk.

“Anytime, Reed. You owe me a drink and a story. These two were going at it pretty good.”

“I got you.” I walk into the room and nod to the rookie in charge of watching them. Miller and Tucker are each handcuffed to a bench, glaring at each other.

“This is rich guys.” I walk to Tucker, who’s closest to the door, and uncuff him. He rolls his shoulders and rubs his wrists. I watch him lick at a cut on his lip as he eyes Miller across the room. “Tucker, meet Miller, my boyfriend.” His eyes fly to mine and are as wide as saucers. “Miller, meet Tucker, my stepbrother.”

“Stepbr—Fuck, I’m sorry, Linc. I had no idea. Not that it makes kissing Spencer any different.” He shoots a death glare at Tucker, and I sigh. I cross the room and uncuff Miller. He gives me his boyish smile, melting my insides.

“Tucker, why must you instigate things? Didn’t you satisfy your childish antics by kissing her the first time?”

“The what?! There was a first time?” Miller’s eyes shoot daggers at Tucker.

Shit . I never thought to say anything about the kiss to Miller because it was such an isolated incident. Spencer never contacted Tucker, so I thought the entire thing was a random fluke. I also never thought I’d find myself in a situation where I’d be kissing the same girl my brother had, or my boyfriend wants too for that matter.

“There sure was. It’s hard to forget the sweet lips of my Little Miss. Tell him, Linc.”

I place a flat palm on Miller’s chest and feel it heave. He grabs my wrist and stares me down.

“You knew about it?” I see the hurt and confusion in his baby-blue eyes.

“I was there, but I promise you it was consensual. Spencer actually kissed him first.”

“Bullshit. Spencer doesn’t go around kissing random guys.” He pushes my hand away and paces the length of the wall.

“Fireball, look at me.”

“Aww. What’s wrong, Fireball ? Are you afraid of a little healthy competition? I heard you refer to her as your woman .”

I wish Tucker would just shut up and stop stoking the fire. Although I’ve never seen Miller act this protective. I’d be lying if it wasn’t turning me on.

“ Our woman.”

Fuck me . I guess we’re putting all our cards on the table in the middle of my PD.

“Our? Are you holding out on me, little brother? If I had known you were up for sharing, I might have asked to join.”

I have no idea why my usually mild-mannered brother is acting like a huge dick right now. He’s throwing all his Southern gentlemanly charm out the window to goad Miller about Spencer.

“Tucker. I’m respectfully asking you to shut the fuck up. It’s not too late for the sub shop to press charges.”

“Your boyfriend here threw the first punch. I was just kissing a beautiful woman, who, by the way, was kissing me back.”

“Lincoln,” Miller growls my name, and I really need my cock to understand this isn’t the time and definitely not the place.

“Miller, I hate to side with him, but I saw it with my own eyes the first time.” His shoulders deflate as he digests my words. He takes a few deep breaths before he perks up.

“Hey Tucker, family meeting tonight. You got plans?” His smile is wicked and I don’t like where he’s going with this.

“Miller. That’s not a great idea.” Putting them in a room together again, after their already volatile encounter, doesn’t seem like a fun evening for me.

“I think it’s a great idea. Spencer can clear the air. We can all figure out what’s going on.” Miller speaks with conviction as he stares Tucker down.

“I’ll be there. Send me the information, little brother. Am I free to go? I have a business to check on since I’ll be unavailable for a few hours tonight.”

“You’re all set, Tuck.”

“It was nice meeting your beau. See you tonight.” He tips his imaginary hat and leaves the room.”