Page 16 of A Game Of Love

“No,” they both mutter at the same time.

“No. Because it’s not right. You two need to be nicer to Bennett. He loves you, he’s your brother. And at the end of the day, he’s gonna have your back. Why can’t you do the same for him?”

I watch in awe, not remembering the last time Toby went all big brother on these boys. I like it. It’s what they need. I do my best, but sometimes big brothers do it better.

“Sorry, Bennett,” they say together, tones filled with remorse as they drop their heads.

“Now, go to your room.” Their faces brighten. “Scratch that. Isaiah, you go to the spare room, and Raiden, you go to my room. But don’t touch any of my shit. This way, neither of you can play with toys.”

“But your room smells.” Raiden scrunches up his nose.

“Get out of here, you little shit,” Toby mutters, pushing the two of them forward as he lets go of their shirts. They take off, running towards the stairs.

Toby sticks his hand in the pocket of his sweatpants and pulls out Bennett’s phone.

He looks so damn good right now. He doesn’t have a shirt on, showing off all of his sexy tattoos. His pants are hung low, the damn V that makes my mouth water on full display. Now is not the time to be thinking dirty things, yet there goes my mind.

“I don’t need your help,” Bennett snaps, snatching his phone from Toby’s hand.

Toby lets out a heavy sigh, running a hand through his hair. “Are you going to hate me forever?”

“I’m going to hate you as long as you’re hurting my sister.” Bennett crosses his arms.

“Hey.” I step forward. “First of all, no one should be hating anyone. We’re family. We don’t turn on one another. I know you're upset with how things have been between Toby and me. And I love you so, so much for that—for being on my side and caring about me as fiercely as you do.” I give him a soft smile. I love my brother. He’s my best friend. But I hate seeing a rift between him and Toby. “But there’s no need to be pissed at Toby anymore. We’re on the road to mending things, okay? He’s not going to hurt me anymore.”

“No. I’m not,” Toby’s gruff voice behind me makes me shiver. “I’m never going to hurt her again,” he vows.

Bennett snorts. “Actions, buddy. Words don’t mean shit.”

He’s got him there. “I know. And I plan on showing her.”

Bennett narrows his eyes suspiciously.

“No fighting today, okay? It’s supposed to be a fun day. A family day. Any issues are put on pause.” I remind them.

“Fine,” Bennett mutters, rolling his phone in his hand. “Thank you,” he tells Toby.

“I’m always on your side,” Toby replies. Bennett pauses for a moment before nodding.

“Now that's all settled.” I clap my hands and turn to Toby. “Where’s the adults?”

“Rain and Ellie went to go get some stuff to bake pies. Chase, Brody, and Jax went to pick up craft supplies. It turns out the twins broke into the storage room and used up all the paper and glue. And Dad had to go to work to handle something. But he should be back soon.”

“I don’t think I want to know what they did with all that paper and glue,” I laugh. A mess our parents are sure to find someday.

“So, that leaves us and the boys,” Toby says.

“To do what?” Bennett asks.

“Well, I thought instead of going to the grocery store to buy pumpkins, we could go pick some out.” Toby shrugs, shoving his hands into his pockets. My eyes track the movements, and I find myself looking at that damn V again. I catch myself quickly, snapping my eyes up.

Bennett’s eyes light up. “Really?”

Toby nods. “Go get dressed. I’ll handle the gremlins.”

“Awesome!” Bennett takes off running.

Toby turns to me, and when our eyes meet, my body sways, and my heart thunders in my chest.

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