Page 40 of Desperately Delicate Viper

“Sure, I promise.”

I let out a shaky breath and then pick up my drink to take a sip.

“So, are you excited about the big move?” It’s possible that I’ve been residing firmly in the ‘denial’ stage of dealing with Finn’s latest news. As much as I’d love for my brother to stay close, I don’t know how I’ll keep him safe if he’s here, not only from our dad, but from all the things he doesn’t need to know about.

For all he knows, I’ve been a bartender for the last few years. How would he react to the truth? How would he feel knowing I’m living with a Moretti? I imagine Sparrow meeting Finn and I have to hold back a laugh at how adorable the psycho twink would be about my sweet, himbo brother.

“I told you, I’m staying in Wildcliff,” he says. “I already accepted the job and I was able to break my lease at the other place, although they did keep my deposit. I was actually going to ask you if you’d come with me to look at apartments in the city tomorrow after my finals.”

“Are yousure?” I tap my foot against the linoleum floor. “A whole other city would be a big, fun adventure, don’t you think?”

Finn’s smile falls again. “Sure, but…you’rehere. The job pays the same and I never really wanted to move, so it just makes sense to stay.”

“Right,” I choke, gulping down more of my hot, overly sweet drink and ignoring the way it scalds my tongue.

“Are yousureeverything is okay? You’re acting weird today, Ands.”

“I’m fine.” I look across the table at my brother and the need to protect him turns to steel inside of me. I don’t know how I’m going to keep him from all the crazy underworld shit in my life, but I’ll have to find a way. “Of course I’ll look at apartments with you tomorrow. Just text me the time and address and I’ll be there.”

His smile returns, like the sun shining through the clouds. “Cool. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

I let out a weak laugh and reach across the table to pat his hand.

“That’s what big brothers are for, Finny.”

LUCA

I still daydream about the way Anders greeted me at the door last week, all rough kisses and desperation, but the soft sound of his fingers tapping over the laptop keyboard as I step inside and bend down to untie my shoes makes my heart race in a completely different way. Bringing him here was an impulsive decision, but having him here when I come home every night, waking up next to him every morning, getting the chance to soak up all of his snark and justifiable rage… it’s become an addiction I have no interest in kicking.

I loosen my tie as I come around the corner into the living room. Anders doesn’t notice my entrance for a few seconds, his forehead wrinkled with concentration and his lips pursed as he stares intently at the computer screen, his fingers flying over the keyboard expertly. His eyes flicker in my direction and he startles.

“Jesus,” he shouts, flipping the laptop off his lap and then clutching his chest with breathless laughter. “You scared the fuck out of me.”

I chuckle and cross the room in a few strides, stooping down to pick up the computer. Whatever he’s writing is still open on the screen. I try to glance at it, but he snatches the laptop from me and slams it closed quickly.

“Writing your memoirs?” I guess teasingly, straightening back up to my full height before bending over and bracing my hands on the back of the couch to bring my face close to Anders’s.

He wraps his hand around my slack tie and yanks on it, bringing his lips to mine.

“No, but that shit would be a bestseller if I did. Tragic backstory, forced prostitution, theMafia… it’s got Lifetime Movie written all over it.”

I smile and sink onto the couch next to him.

“What do you think about ordering a pizza for dinner?” I pull my phone out of my pocket.

“Only if you get pineapple on my half without giving me any attitude about it.”

I grin a little wider and lean over to nuzzle his ear. “What happens if Idogive you attitude? Will you punish me?”

“Yes, but it won’t be the fun kind,” he says in a low voice that sends heat racing down my spine. “None of the rough play you love so much. Instead, I’ll be so gentle with you you’ll cry.” I scoff and he cackles, turning his head to nip at my bottom lip. “Just order the pizza. I’m sure you can find a more fun way to annoy me tonight.”

I chuckle and place our order while Anders pulls up a show we’ve been binge watching.

“It’s stupid,” he says once I put my phone away again.

“What is?” I frown.

“What I was writing. It’s an admissions essay for the university. I’m probably not even going to send it, it was just in my head so I thought I’d write it down.” His tone is tight, and so is the way he shrugs his shoulders like it’s no big deal.

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