Page 15

CHAPTER 15

Aries

I try to keep myself calm as I lead Rodney and Andry into the locker room. Inside, I’m freaking out though.

My little brother is falling in love.

It’s clear as day to see. I’ve known him my whole life. I can read him as easily as I can my boy.

Speaking of my boy, he’s going to flip. He loves Rodney and wants to see him happy too.

I just hope this guy is the person to make him happy.

My gut says he is.

No one looks at someone else like that and doesn’t feel seriously dedicated to the relationship. I even pick up hints of some Daddy energy from him. From one Daddy to another, it’s kind of obvious.

I’m not going to mention it out loud though. If I’m wrong, then it’ll create tension that wasn’t there. If I’m right, I might embarrass Rodney.

While I love to tease him about other things, I wouldn’t dare taunt him about this. That’s far too cruel.

“Try not to lose your cool, guys,” I call out over my shoulder. I’m met with a scoff that’s so clearly Rodney, I throw back my head and laugh.

People turn our way, watching the three of us like we’re fascinating or something. I shake my head and open the door to the locker room. No backing out now.

When I step inside, I’m greeted by the familiar sight of a professional locker room. It’s warm, smells distinctly of sweat, and is wall to wall half naked bodies.

“Aries?”

I turn to see Jake Bellport sitting on one of the player’s laps. He grins at me, then leaps to his feet and hugs me.

“Hey, Jake. How’s it going?”

He pushes my shoulder. “What kind of question is that? Bell didn’t mention you were coming tonight.”

“Because you didn’t speak with him, darlin’,” Jake’s partner, Leon, says as he wraps himself around the other man. The move reminds me of how Andry held my brother a few moments ago.

Yep. Definitely a Daddy then.

Wait! Does that change my brotherly duties now? I would have given him a firm talking to before just to be protective, but adding in the Daddy layer might mean I have to do more.

Note to self: Ask Bell what he did about Jake and his guys.

And yes, I do mean guys. Because Leon is only one of his Daddies. Maddox, the other man in the throuple, is on the bench still stripping off his pads. He nods my way when I glance at him.

“Daddy is tired. Forgive his manners,” Jake teases.

At his words, I hear a choking sound behind me. I turn to see Rodney coughing into his hand as Andry gently pats his back.

Jake gives them a knowing look. When he comes back to face me, he raises a brow.

A silent conversation is had.

“What is this? Are they dating?”

“Yep, sure are.”

“Daddy vibes? ‘Cause I’m getting them.”

“In spades! I don’t know what to do.”

“Let them be. They’re young.”

I frown when I realize this is all in my head and may not be what Jake is thinking at all. He’s not the most straightforward person in the world. He could very well be on a different page than I am with all this mess.

“Jake and Leon, please meet my brother Rodney and his friend Andry.” I wave to the couple behind me as I step aside.

“Nice to meet you both,” Jake says with a wave.

Leon, on the other hand, is slower to reply. “Andry? You wouldn’t happen to attend BU would you?”

Andry nods sharply. “Yes, sir.”

There’s an undercurrent of respect that litters the air at his words. Ok, fine. I like the kid. He might just be good enough for my baby brother.

“I know you,” Leon says, filling in the blanks. “Your skill is impressive. Coach was talking about keeping an eye on you this season. Funny how you wind up here already.”

Jake wiggles on the spot. “Don’t be mean to him. He is good. Luke and I talked about it already.”

“You’ve talked about me?”

Andry’s voice is softer now. I can see he’s amazed to know he’s even on their radar like this. Kid has no clue how serious this team is about sports.

“We are,” Jake confirms. “We’re not allowed to offer you anything currently, but we’re more than happy to get you an official tour and some time on the ice with the guys for some fun. Nothing official, obviously. Your education is important.”

“Yes, sir. I understand. My education is very important. So is staying in Bellport if I can.” Andry’s eyes cut to Rodney.

My brother is snuggling into his side, almost as if he’s unaware of everything else going on around him. I know he’s listening, yet he’s chosen to remain silent the whole time. No jokes or teasing. Nothing like he would normally do.

“Perfect! Let me get your number, and we’ll chat soon.”

The pair exchange numbers, which means Rodney has to let go of Andry for a few moments. I take the opportunity to pull him to the side.

Leaning down, I look into his eyes to try to gauge where he’s at. “What’s going on, baby bro? You’re acting different.”

His gaze takes me in. It’s like he’s seeing me, yet he’s not all there.

It’s then I’m hit with it. My brother is in subspace. That or he’s really damn close.

What the hell were those two doing when I walked up on them? They were fully clothed. That much I could see. For him to be this gone means something else was happening.

Then again, I know little space isn’t always sexual.

Raymond doesn’t get to this level often so I’m not sure what else can bring it on. Part of me wants to demand answers. My brother is too young for this lifestyle. He has been taken advantage of and taunted by classmates, though I know he thinks I’m clueless to it all.

Getting into a relationship like this and being so quick to fall could mean disaster if they don’t work out.

But then Andry finishes with Jake and turns our way.

And I see it.

The affection and love that’s already there is clear on his face. He moves over to us swiftly, pulling Rodney into his arms again.

“Ok, little genius?”

It’s barely a whisper, yet I hear the three words as if he screamed them into a megaphone.

Little genius.

Definitely a Daddy then. No question about it.

“We should get going,” Andry tells me, pulling me from my thoughts. “I think Rodney needs to rest.”

I look from my brother to Jake and Leon, who are watching with fascination. “Yeah, I think you’re right. Let’s get you two out of here.”

Taking the lead, I walk us through the building again until we reach the parking lot. I wait as Andry tucks Rodney into the car. Once the door is shut, I put my hands on my hips and relax my shoulders.

“It’s not my business, but I’ll say that if you ever hurt him. I’ll make sure your body is never found. I have friends who can take care of it.” Lie.

I don’t have mafia friends. There isn’t a single person on that side of the law in my contacts list.

But I’d find them. I have no doubt I would if it meant protecting my little brother.

“Aries,” he says carefully, “thank you for wanting to protect my little genius. I’m sure you’re aware now that I have no intention of harming him. If anything, I want to take care of him. The same way you want to take care of… Raymond, was it?”

I nod.

“We are far too similar, Aries. Athletes. Daddies. Men who love Rodney.”

“That’s three things. That doesn’t make us twins or anything.”

“No, it doesn’t. But I’d be willing to say they’re the three most important things in our lives.”

With that final blow, he leaves me standing in a nearly empty parking lot as I watch him climb in the car and drive away while I contemplate what the fuck just happened.