Page 100 of We Are Yours

“So I look like a dumbass?”

He grinned. “At least your wit is still intact.”

“It’s about the only thing I have going for me these days.”

“I heard you’ve been doing better in school.”

“Isla told you that?” I nodded to her. “Don’t get too used to it. She hasn’t been tutoring me lately.”

“Kraven, you’re smart. You applying yourself is what got your grades up.”

“Debatable.”

“By just you,” he clarified. “I know what you’re capable of. You graduate this year despite everything you’ve overcome, and you know Julius is a big part of that.”

With a snide smirk, I snapped, “He doesn’t let me forget it.”

“You’re not being fair.”

“Fair to who?”

“Listen,” he reasoned, grabbing my shoulder. “At the end of the day, you’re brothers.”

“And sometimes blood isn’t thicker than water.”

“Kraven…”

I stepped back. “I don’t expect you to take my side.”

“There are no sides. You’re on the same team.”

“Easy for you to say.”

“Don’t give me that shit. I’ve been here since the beginning. Julius bends over backward for you. You should appreciate him.”

“You see me getting into trouble?” I held my arms at my sides. “I’ve turned a new leaf.”

“Is that her influence?”

“What if it is?”

He agreed. “I’d say it’s about damn time.”

I grinned, but it faded when he followed it up with, “But she’s your brother’s girl.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you?”

I rolled my eyes, mocking, “All’s fair in love and war, right?”

He jerked back. “You’re throwing around words like love and war, and you’re telling me you know she’s taken?”

I zeroed in on him. “Is she, though?”

“Kraven…” he warned in an authoritative tone. “Don’t lose your brother over a girl.”

I smiled. “But she’s such a good influence.”