Brother Is Novels & Stories

he said, in a stern, annoyed voice. “Because the matter I need to discuss is not a personal one,” I said, and he sighed. “Whatever the nature of the matter, I am always a text message away... never forget that,” he said, and I realized that he had called me brother. “Did you call me brother?” I mumbled, and he laughed. “Aren´t you mated to my sister? Doesn´t that make you my brother? part of my family?” he said, and I took a deep breath.

Dante’s twin brother. I'd never met Marco; I only knew he existed. Dante had told me Marco handled family business in Europe and rarely came back to Chicago. Whenever I asked, he'd say they didn't get along and told me not to push it. But what was he saying now? "Bro, you really never touched Rose? Seriously though, she's a hell of a ride." Marco’s face twisted into a sickening grin that made me want to throw up. I had to fight to hold it down.

Katrina turned at the feel of his closeness, and she almost collided with him. The air between them tightened, charged, and her pulse suddenly became loud in her ears. She barely had time to inhale before he leaned in and kissed her, swift and silencing every thought in her head. When he pulled back, Katrina stared at him, a bit stunned, her lips parted slightly. “Do brothers kiss their sisters like that?” Jace asked quietly, his gaze still lingering on her lips. Katrina swallowed hard, trying not to falter. “Well, I heard brothers tend to be overly protective of their sisters,” she said lightly, forcing the words out.

“I wouldn’t expect him to leave work just to come get me.” Stacy scoffed. “That man is unbelievable. What kind of brother doesn’t even check on his sister? All he does is send random gifts like that makes up for everything.” I laughed softly, trying to act normal. “He’s always been like that,” I said. “You know how busy he is.” “Girl, I know he’s running the country’s top company and all that,” she said, “but that’s not an excuse.” I could already imagine her rolling her eyes.

“Showtime, brother.” Brother. Yeah. That was what mattered. My brother.

"Brother?" Was it that little brother?

He said. Brother? Did he just say he's doing his job as my brother?

The question hit me like a slap. “No—God, no,” I said quickly, turning to him. “You’ve been amazing. I just…” My voice trailed off. What was I supposed to say? I’ve been seeing my brother-in-law behind my sister’s back? Jake studied me, his soft blue eyes searching my face. Without a word, he reached out and brushed a strand of hair from my cheek. His thumb lingered along my jaw. Tears welled before I could stop them. “Hey,” he whispered, alarmed. “What’s wrong?”

“Ever since you came home, you’ve been calling me ‘brother’ and being all nice. Do you want money? Are you in trouble?” He laughed lightly, playful. “Let me know. Big brother will fix it for you.” Warmth rushed through my veins, real and sudden. It felt so nice to have a big brother. Someone who cared without conditions. I smiled, small but genuine. “No, nothing’s wrong. I just want to inquire about…” He leaned in, still grinning. “Okay, Leny. Ask away.” I swallowed. “Brother… have you heard of Ice?” The change was instant.

A leg suddenly appeared within my legs sending me falling forward into a broad chest. "Come on, brother!" You weren't about to walk past without saying hi to your beloved brother now, were you?" His voice sounded so hurt that he might have actually convinced a passerby into thinking he was a good brother who was trying to keep family ties alive. Too bad none of them ever waited to see just how far he went to keep the family ties alive and very well defined.