Beast Brothers 2

But I’m much too responsible for that, and, more importantly, last night was perfect. It was perfect, and it’s over. Why take a chance on messing up such a great memory?

“Good morning,” I say to both of them. “I’ll be right back.” I make a gesture toward the clothing in my hand and disappear back into the bedroom.

When I return, Lucas is bringing a plate of sausages to the dining table, and Alex, who was pouring coffee, holds a mug out to me.

“Thank you,” I say, cupping my hand around it and inhaling the caffeinated aroma.

“You didn’t need to dress,” Lucas says. “Breakfast is casual around here.”

“I have to leave,” I say. “I have work.”

“Do you have time to eat first?” Alex asks.

I grab a sausage link, take a bite, then set it on the edge of one of the plates. After another sip, I set my coffee down too. “I’m good. Thank you both for last night. It was…” I search for the right word. “Unforgettable.” I give each of them a sweet smile and a kiss on the cheek, then grab my purse.

“Whoa, wait a minute,” Lucas says. “I’ll get changed and drive you.”

“No, thanks,” I say, already tapping my phone to arrange for a cab. “I’m all set.”

“We’ll call you later. What’s your number?” Alex asks, reaching for his phone from the counter.

But I’m already on my way out. “I’m sorry. I need to dash. Thanks again!” I pull the handle of the door but only get it open a few inches before it's slammed shut by a strong arm reaching past me.

12

Ruin It

Zoe

“Hey!” I turn, fuming, to find Lucas behind me, his arm blocking me in on one side. I slide free of him, needing space to vent my anger. “What the fuck!? I need to leave.”

“I don't think you're rushing out for work,” Lucas says.

My temper flares. “Oh, are you a psychic too?”

“We’d like to get your number. Why are you running out on us?” Lucas asks.

Alex joins his brother, and now they’re both blocking the door. “We had an amazing night, and you're leaving us with a peck on the cheek?” he says.

This is what I meant. This is them, ruining a great experience. Why didn't they just let me go peacefully?

“I can leave whenever and however I choose,” I say through clenched teeth. “Move out of my way.”

Alex folds his gorgeous arms across his broad chest. “Tell us you don't want to see us again and you can be on your way. Tell us you didn't have a great time.”

The last of my frayed hold on my temper snaps. Since they’re bound and determined to piss me off, I’ll just return the favor. “I had a great time — and I don’t want to see you again.”

“Why the hell not?” Lucas retorts.

I sigh. “It's going to be a great memory. Please stop spoiling it.”

For just an instant, what looks like hurt flickers through their eyes and I feel terrible — until their expressions harden into anger again. “You’re not —” Lucas starts, but then his phone rings and he moves to answer it. “Lucas Wolf. Yeah. Yeah. All right.”

He ends the call and looks at his brother. “New client, urgent.” Then back at me. “We’re not finished.”

“Oh, yes we are. Because I might have considered seeing you again. But this?” I gesture back and forth between me and the door, where his brother is still standing. “This little stunt you just pulled? Guarantees I won’t.” I turn my angry glare on Alex. “Now get out of my way.”

A muscle moves in his jaw, but he steps aside and I storm out, slamming the door. As I stride down the hall, I’m jolted by a sudden loud thud behind me.

The elevator opens immediately and I get on. Beneath my simmering fury as I punch the button for the ground floor is an unwelcome layer of pain.

Dammit. It was perfect. Why did they have to ruin it?

13

Done With Us

Lucas

The reverberations from the slammed door echo in our ears. I toss my phone onto the counter. “Fuck.”

Alex turns and bashes his fist into the wall. “Fuck!”

“We screwed that up, little brother.” I’m not sure if I’m more angry at Zoe or myself.

“We can fix it.” The stubborn set to my brother’s jaw reminds me of when we were eight and he accidentally smashed my model airplane to bits. He spent hours gluing all the pieces back together. It was never the same, of course, but I couldn’t stay mad at him.

“Superglue’s not gonna work this time,” I say, and get the ghost of a smile.

“Flowers.” Alex starts checking things off on his fingers. “An apology card. Gifts. We’ll wear her down.” He meets my eyes. “She likes us, Luke.”

“A lot of women like us.”

“True enough.” He arches a brow. “Let’s say we go out tonight and find another beautiful blonde who wants to come home with both of us. Who wants to do all the same things Zoe did, and more. Would that satisfy you?”

I feel the wrongness of that scenario as soon as he says it. “No, goddammit. It wouldn’t.” And that’s the hell of it. In one night, she somehow got her hooks into both of us — and then walked away like it didn’t mean a thing.

“So we fight for her.” His tone makes it a challenge.

I nod. Neither of us has ever believed in quitting. “We fight.”

“Good.” He makes the mental shift to work. “Who’s the client?”

“I don’t know. Stacy didn’t give me the details, just said she had a call from someone wanting an immediate consult.”

“Better get moving, then. I’ll see you at the office.” Fortunately, his apartment’s in the same building so he doesn’t have far to go.

“Take some food with you,” I say, looking at the table I’d set with such care. A fresh flare of anger — and determination — hits me.