Unspoken Vow (Steele Brothers 2)

While Brody was the catalyst that made me want to finally get better, I know all the work I’ve done has been me. I’ve gotten myself to this point. Sure, I’ve had a lot of help from a few different people, but it’s been my journey, and this is just another obstacle for me to overcome.

I might not be sure of much, but my fight instincts are stronger than ever. No matter what the world throws at me.

* * *

The plan is to not tell Law the news on his big night, but all that’s shot to shit when we arrive and Brody beelines it over to my brother and Reed immediately.

The new dojo is packed and probably close to breaking the fire safety code, but the thing about Brody is he’s such a commanding presence, people part for him like they’re the goddamn Red Sea.

I’m not so lucky.

I have to practically fight my way through the crowd.

“He’s out,” Law says as I reach them. His skin pales, and for a second I think we’ve switched bodies or something. “He’s out.” His panicked gaze turns to me. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. It’s okay. Well, not okay, but I’m handling it. I promise.”

“He could come after you.” Law starts shaking, and again, I’m wondering if we’re having a Freaky Friday moment. Is this what I look like when I have a panic attack? Because it’s fucking scary.

Reed’s at his side instantly, putting his arm around him.

“He’s not coming for Anders,” Brody says. “It’s part of his parole conditions. He’s still got four years of probation, and if he comes near Anders, he’ll go back to prison.” He lowers his voice and mumbles, “If I don’t kill him first.”

The probation might be the only reason I’m not freaking out like Law right now. Kyle might be out, but legally he can’t come and see me. A piece of paper won’t stop him if he was adamant, which is probably why my eyes keep darting to the door every few minutes, but logically and deep down, I think Kyle wouldn’t risk it.

He’s not dumb.

With Law breaking down at his own dojo opening, my confidence in being able to stay calm wavers, but with one squeeze of my hand from Brody, one look of assurance, I know I can do it.

We can do it.

“If I’m dealing, you’re gonna be fine,” I say lightly.

Law looks at me as if I’m joking about killing puppies. “Anders—”

“Stop. I know you’re gonna try to pull the overprotective shit, and I get it. I do. I also know you have your own demons when it comes to Kyle, but for real. I’m okay.”

“Are you sure?” Law asks.

“I don’t like that he’s out, and if this had happened last year, I probably would’ve needed to be sedated or something. But you know how far I’ve come in the last twelve months. I’ve got it covered.”

It’s probably the first time in six years where my twin has analysed me and wondered if I’m lying when I’m actually telling the truth.

He nods. “Okay.”

I clap his shoulder. “Let’s get this bitch opened.”

Law backhands my chest. “Dude. There are kids here with parents who are prospective clients. So just …”

“Don’t say bitch. Got it.”

“Behave,” Law says and leads Reed to the front of the dojo where there’s a raised platform for Law to do his demonstrations.

Brody leans in, his breath hot on my ear. “Behaving doesn’t sound like fun at all.”

“Right? Maybe I should get changed into a gi and pretend to be Law. Ooh, we could totally pull the switcheroo and make future clients think Law’s a ninja.”

Brody laughs. “You’d have to shave your beard to do that.”

My face drops. “Oh. Right.”

“You know I’d still think you’re hot no matter what, right?” His lips land on my beard, right on top of my scar. “Battle wounds and all.”

“I know,” I say quietly. “I’d shave if it was only you or my family who’d see it. But when strangers ask what happened, it gets a little trigger-y.”

“Fair enough. How are you really doing? You keep looking at the doors.”

“I’m …” I think about the right word to describe what’s going on with me. “Hopeful.”

“Hopeful?” He sounds confused.

“I thought the letter would set me off. It’s kinda like when we found ourselves on that double date with Chris and Rhett. I keep waiting for the freak-out to come, and I’m glad that it’s not. But I can’t say with certainty that I won’t flip about it all at some point.”

Brody pulls me close. “As long as you keep me updated if you do flip out. We’re all here for you.”

He nods towards the front where my parents stand off to the side with Reed while Law takes to the stage with a microphone. He welcomes everyone and starts his speech as a little sprite in the form of Brody’s sister bounds up next to us.