Page 14

CHAPTER 14

Andry

The game is everything I’ve dreamed it would be. Since finding out I was approved to come to BU through exchange, I decided the Bears were my best chance at going pro.

Not only were they local, but they also accepted the few out and proud players in the league. It meant a lot to me to see men like me represented in the sport.

I wanted to be another member of the queer athlete community. And I wanted to do it with my little genius by my side.

Once the game finishes, we’re directed down the hall away from the crowds towards the dressing room. There are still a lot of people this way, including family, friends, and some reporters.

“Wow. This is just as bad as the stadium,” Rodney says when we tuck ourselves into a small alcove off the main path.

I nod, though I can’t say I’m familiar enough to understand fully. “Do you go to his football games often?”

“Not anymore. My brother would love me to be there for all of them. I’m just not social enough to make that commitment. It’s a lot of people for several hours. I’d rather watch from home in my cozy pajamas.”

The image of him in pajamas with little socked feet fills my mind. It’s adorable, and I immediately pledge to buy him all the pairs I can when I get my first bit of signing money.

“It’s no fun that way,” a deep voice says from behind Rodney. I go on guard to defend him, only to loosen my stance when I see the man waiting just outside the space we’re in.

There’s no denying he’s related to my little genius. Their features are similar, and there’s a warmth to the man’s eyes when he looks at his brother that only further confirms my suspicion.

“Don’t be a butthead!” Rodney spits out as he crosses his arms.

It’s the closest I’ve seen him get to a brat. I’m rather intrigued by the change.

Would he get that way for me? Will he need a time out to clear those petulant thoughts away?

“This is Andry,” he tells his brother. “Andry, this is Aries. Ignore anything he says about me.”

Aries clutches his chest. “How dare you? I only have the nicest of things to say about you. I’m a loving brother who hasn’t once harmed a hair on your head.”

“Ummm that’s a lie. Should we call Ma to ask her about the years right before puberty?”

At the question, Aries shrugs. His smirk isn’t fooling anyone.

“Enough about the past. Let’s talk about the future. What’s the deal with you two? Are you dating? Should I give him the ‘break his kneecaps’ speech I’ve been practicing?”

Rodney chokes out a laugh. “Absolutely not! Andry isn’t here to listen to your crap. He’s going to be on the Bears one day. It’s important he gets to know his future home.”

My heart swells at the confidence in his voice. There is no question in it for him.

To have that level of belief is amazing. And it’s all for me.

Fuck.

“I’m not sorry for this, little genius,” I say as I spin him and drop a hard kiss against his lips.

While I’d love to linger, I know he wouldn’t like it. If anything, he’ll be upset at the quick one I did take. A longer kiss would put me in time-out.

And the only person who should be doling out time out punishments is me.

“Well, that was different.” Aries’s words draw my attention to him. He’s watching me with a lot less apprehension. It’s almost like he appreciates the fact I couldn’t resist nearly mauling his brother.

Rodney shakes his head, then faces Aries. I deflate at the loss of his attention.

I can’t help it; I'm obsessed with him. It’s hard to share.

“You mentioned VIP passes?”

Aries nods. “Yep. Got them for us all since I got the go ahead to make an appearance. I was going to just lay low and stalk the hell out of you to make sure you were safe.”

“No stalking necessary, brother of mine. Andry is a gentleman.” Aries takes a deep breath, looking from his brother to me. “He takes care of me.”

Dammit, little genius. How am I supposed to keep it together when you say stuff like that?

Aries hums, which breaks the connection between us. I’m still only a second away from sweeping him into some private room for kisses though. And maybe more.

Yes, I’d like more. That would help the fucking rock-hard erection I’m now rocking.

“Ok, you two are a bit much. The tension here is intense. Reminds me of Bell and Finn a bit. Though Bell did basically move him in on day one, and you two aren’t to that level.”

I don’t move a muscle at his words.

Is that allowed? The whole moving in together so quickly? If so, then I’m signing up for that package. I want the upgrade. Charge me whatever you need to. As long as I get my boy with me in the end.

“You’re not near that level,” Aries repeats firmly. “Ma would be sad to be left alone.”

“Then he could move in with me.”

There’s no denying Rodney’s words are meant to bother his brother. It’s in the way he stares him down with purpose, like he’s daring the other man to tell him what to do again.

Aries might be a Daddy, but he isn’t Rodney’s Daddy.

I am.

And as such, I say we can move in together now. Right this minute works, actually. Let me just go pack up my life and head to his place.

The dream is only that. I wish it could be more though.

“Ma would probably let you too, wouldn’t she? You can’t do that yet though. Don’t rush things. I’d hate for you two to crash and burn.”

Rodney throws his hands up and huffs. “Make up your mind. Do you like him or not? You’re sending mixed signals.”

I wrap my arm around his waist, pulling him back into my chest. He instantly relaxes, as if my touch is the balm to his frustration.

Aries takes us in, his gaze moving up and down our connected bodies like he’s cataloging every point we’re linked. Arms on waist. Fingers threaded together. Head tilted back on chest.

“He’s not trying to confuse us, little genius. As your brother, he has a right to worry. Though he has no need to anymore. I intend to care for you until my last breath. As mine, you’ll be protected and safe from all who try to harm you.”

Rodney shudders in my grasp. I don’t have to feel him to know he’s aroused by my words. Being safe and protected is important to him. Knowing I can keep him that way is enough to lend me sway.

It works for Aries too because he smiles big, then motions for us to follow him. “Let’s go meet the guys. They’re going to love y’all.”