Unwritten Law (Steele Brothers 1)

“Law, what is the one thing eighteen-year-olds don’t want?” Reed asks.

“Responsibility,” I say.

“He congratulated me on my wife being pregnant.” Anders laughs.

“You didn’t,” I say.

“Oh, I did,” Reed says. “Dude was too stunned to be pissed. Ran right out of here.”

“That totally could’ve backfired,” I say. “He could’ve been looking for a closeted married guy to call whenever he got bored.”

“Was worth the risk. Besides, most people with even a smidgen of morals don’t like it when kids are involved.”

“You clearly haven’t seen the morally corrupt people Anders usually goes for.”

“Dick,” Anders says and gives me the finger.

Reed takes a swig of his beer. “Ready to do this? Seeing as I won, the floor’s all yours.”

“Guess I have to man up or whatever.” I slowly turn to my brother but flake out. “What’s with that saying anyway? Man up. Like how is doing something you need courage for a manly act?”

“Lawson,” Reed says. “Stop stalling.”

“Okay.” I take a deep breath. “So … umm … we have something we need to tell you.”

“You and Reed are moving in together,” Anders says for me.

“You know?” I ask.

“Figured. Saw you looking at real estate on your phone and knew it was only a matter of time. And you’ve both been super nice lately—”

“Hey, I’m always nice,” Reed argues.

“True,” Anders says. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t know you guys were hiding something. I’m happy for you both.” His tone is casual, his posture relaxed, but Anders is good at putting on a show. Sometimes when he’s had a panic attack in the past, I never saw it coming, because he’s good at hiding the small signs.

“Are … are you sure?” I ask.

“I’m a big boy, little brother. I can deal with this. It’s time for me to deal with this.”

I want to believe him, but the truth is, if Reed hadn’t stepped in tonight, I don’t think Anders would’ve gone through with the breakup. I know I need to stop helping him just as much as he needs to stop asking, but this is a big change. I don’t want him to have a setback because I move out and disrupt what little peace Anders has in his life.

He stares at me with a steely gaze. “I. Can. Do. This. You need to not worry about me anymore. It’s not your job. You have a boyfriend and a life. So, go live it.”

“The house is only fifteen minutes away from your apartment. I’ll still be there if you need me,” I say.

“Haven’t needed you in the last six months.”

This is true. He hasn’t until tonight. But he’s also in intense therapy twice a week, and if his date tonight is anything to go by, he’s not making any progress.

“Seriously, I’ll be fine,” Anders says. “But now that”—he waves his hand in the direction of the table he was sitting at—“is all over with, I’m going home to shower. I don’t think I’ve sweated this much since my week-long sex marathon with—”

“We don’t need to know. Thanks,” I say. My brother, the over-sharer.

“When do you move?” Anders asks as he stands.

“Next week.”

He scoffs. “Thanks for the heads-up, dickhead. Now I’m going to have to find a roommate or break the lease. I can’t afford that apartment on my own.”

“I’ll pay my share for a full month. You have time to figure something out.”

Anders runs a hand through his hair. “Okay. I’ll see you guys at home.”

As I stare at Anders’ retreating back, Reed moves seats so he’s next to me instead of opposite. “You look like you need a drink,” he says.

“He took it better than I expected, which makes me worry.”

“It’s not like we’re moving to the other side of the country.”

“I know.”

Reed hesitates. “Are you sure … are you sure Anders is the only thing you’re worried about?”

My brow furrows. “What else would there be?”

“That it’s fast. Six months isn’t long …”

I reach for his hand. “We practically live together as it is.” I might complain every time Reed tries to go home to his apartment. “I’ve been in relationships in the past that have been nothing but work trying to keep a hold of it. You and I might’ve had a shitty start, but now … I can’t remember what my life was like without you.”

“I remember mine. Depressing as fuck. Work, gym, TV. Bam, that was my life.”

“Aww, now the only difference is you have me and Anders annoying you.”

Reed grins. “Anders isn’t as annoying as you are.”

“Yet, you still love me.”

“For some reason,” he murmurs. “I bet it’s the black belt thing. You seem badass, but really, you’re a big softy.”

I cock my eyebrow. “Excuse me. There is nothing soft about me, and if we weren’t in a crowded restaurant, I’d prove that to you.” Under the table, I bring his hand to my crotch.