Page 103 of Vicious Little Snakes

“We’re good, Brooks.”

He pulls me in for a shoulder-to-shoulder hug, giving me another nod as we separate. But I shake my head, still smiling.

“Wow. That’s so much more reasonable than the conversation I had with Grey months ago in this very spot.”

Kai turns, saying over his shoulder, “Well, think about who you’re talking about,” as he heads back to his locker, and I start to stretch.

The boathouse door opens with a thwack against the wall as Grey strolls in. “Think about who?”

Grey tosses his bag my way, landing in front of his locker that’s next to mine. He looks between our smiling faces with an approving look. “I like this better. Now, what are we talking about?”

I turn my back to rifle through my bag as Kai offers, “Caroline.”

My head shifts over my shoulder with raised brows, and Kai grins. “Well, Liam being an asshole, but ultimately Care.”

Dick.

Grey lifts his arms overhead, yawning. “Ah, has Romeo admitted he loves Juliet?”

“Not yet. Or is there something you’d like to add, Brooks?” Kai pushes slyly as they both stare at me.

I should’ve quit being friends with these two bastards when I had the chance. I lift both of my hands, flipping each the bird.

“One for each of you. I’m not talking to either of you about her.”

Grey shakes his head, grabbing a water bottle from his bag. “Why not? We’re the perfect audience. I’m her brother, and well, Kai”—he motions to him—“knows her biblically. No two better people to talk to.”

Kai’s head hangs, hiding his laughter, but I fake Grey out, making him flinch as I act like I’m going to toss my shoe at him.

“Too soon?” he jokes, holding up his bag to hide behind.

My ass hits the bench, amused at the ridiculousness of my reality. It doesn’t bother me that Kai and Caroline had sex because I know the piece of herself Caroline gave me was only for me. That’s all that matters. Plus, I like that she’s knowledgeable—it’s more fun.

“Fine. You want honesty?”

Grey and Kai get serious as they wait for me to speak, seeing that I’m about to tell them shit I never say.

“I’m trying to figure my shit out so that I can make her an offer. But I made the first step and turned down Harvard for Columbia art school.”

Grey put his hand on my shoulder, and Kai taps his knee with his fist, saying, “Oh shit. Brooks for the win. Grey, our baby’s all grown up.”

“It’s about fucking time,” Grey levels, giving my face a light tap before sitting back with his hands behind his head.

My brothers are proud of me. A weaker man might pretend that didn’t matter, but I’m not weak anymore, so I smile to myself.

We’re silent for a few more moments until having feelings begins to make it uncomfortable, so I clear my throat and add, “I’m so ready to kick St. Simeon’s ass today. What do you think we’ll beat them by?”

“In seconds or minutes?” Grey laughs, diving into his duffle and pulling out his gear.

Kai stands. “Fuck that school. Although, I did meet a stunner named Sutton there once. Damn, legs for days.”

More crew members begin to filter in as the chatter continues, my moment all but forgotten until the coach blows the whistle, and we all start to make our way out. Kai’s hand grabs my shoulder holding me back as the others leave. His eyes meet mine as he jumps right to the point.

“Do Caroline and yourself a favor, and don’t cross the line anymore. Not until you’re ready to stay. You understand what I mean?”

“Yeah, dude. I understand.”

And I do. But sometimes,knowingwhat’s right anddoingwhat’s right are mutually exclusive and uncontrollable.