Unwritten Law (Steele Brothers 1)

A strong hand clamps down on my thigh. “He’ll be okay,” Reed says. “This is the right thing.”

I don’t tell Reed why I’m really freaking out. There are too many memories. Too much blood.

I shake that thought free. Davis is not Anders. Davis is not in a hospital bed fighting for his life.

“Law, what’s wrong? You’re shaking.”

I can’t look at Reed. I can’t talk about it.

“We need some fresh air.” Reed stands and brings me with him, hooking my arm in his and dragging me. My feet don’t want to cooperate and almost trip over themselves.

When we reach the brick steps just outside the entrance, the cold snap brings me back into focus. I didn’t grab a coat when I left the dojo, and even though Queensland winters aren’t harsh, getting around in a T-shirt and thin pants isn’t ideal. Reed changed back into normal civilian clothes before he came back to pick me up, so he doesn’t have my issue. I shiver, and I can tell by the assessing way Reed looks at me that he’s wondering if it’s still part of my freak out or if I’m actually cold.

“It’s cold.” I don’t think he believes me. I was running around the park less than an hour ago.

Even though he thinks I’m lying, he takes his jacket off and wraps it around my shoulders. “Okay, I think it’s time you tell me what happened to Anders.”

“Why?” I ask as I slip my arms into the holes. The sleeves only go to my wrists, but it’s better than nothing. I’d feel bad about making Reed cold, but I think his agitation is doing a good job at keeping him warm.

“Because you look like you’re about to faint, and you’re the most casual person I know.”

“I’m the only person you know,” I mumble. I shove my hands in the warm pockets and avoid eye contact with Reed at all costs.

“Heard that. Sit.” Reed practically pushes me down on a step. “Spill.”

I go to open my mouth, but he cuts me off.

“You don’t have to get specific, but I’m guessing it was a domestic abuse situation, right? Is that why you look like you’re ready to hurl?”

Swallowing hard, I manage a small nod.

“Your father?”

I shake my head.

“Mother, uncle, aunt, what?”

“Boyfriend,” I choke out.

Reed flinches. Yeah, no one really expects that. Anders is built like me. We’re tall and lanky, but we’re like ten percent body fat. The rest is muscle. But Kyle was twice Anders’ size.

“An ex hurt him?”

That’s an understatement. I always knew there was something off about the guy, but I figured he was just another person who couldn’t handle that Anders and I were a package deal. Wouldn’t have been the first time a girlfriend or boyfriend got jealous of us monopolising each other’s time.

“He tried to kill him,” I say.

“Fuck.” Reed runs his hands through his hair. “Why didn’t he tell me? Shouldn’t he tell someone he’s seeing about shit like that?”

God, this is a clusterfuck. He’s not dating Anders. He’s dating me. The truth wants to come out, but I have to swallow it down. I can’t dump Anders’ shit on him as well as my own. Not at once. “You’re not dating, are you? You’re fucking. That’s what you keep telling him.”

“I …” Reed shuts his mouth. “He should’ve told me. I asked him if … dammit, no, I promised you I’d never talk to you about your brother in this sense, so I’ll leave it. He can explain it to me.”

This is what I don’t need right now. The stress of lying to Reed on top of sitting out here waiting for Davis is too fucking much. Davis was lucky to get away when he did. Who knows how far his father would’ve taken it. Visions of a faceless guy beating Davis to the point it’s caused bruises … God, are my classes even doing anything at all to help these kids?

I sniff, and then I realise my cheeks are wet. Great, I’m fucking crying now.

“Shit.” Reed’s arm wraps around me and he pulls me to his side.

His touch is tender and warm, and even though this is the worst possible time to be turned on right now, my cock stirs.

Hell. Reed only needs to come near me and my body acts on its own accord.

“You know how you asked me if Anders and I have that twin thing where one can sense something’s wrong?”

Reed nods.

“When he was attacked? There was nothing. He was complaining to me about something being not right. He’d tried to end it so many times, but Kyle kept coming back for more. I told him to suck it up, stay strong, and tell Kyle to fuck off. He did, but Kyle turned up the next morning asking for one last chance.”