Page 43 of Tutoring Mr. Hotshot

There’s an undercurrent of respect that litters the air at his words. Ok, fine. I like the kid. He might just be good enough for my baby brother.

“I know you,” Leon says, filling in the blanks. “Your skill is impressive. Coach was talking about keeping an eye on you this season. Funny how you wind up here already.”

Jake wiggles on the spot. “Don’t be mean to him. He is good. Luke and I talked about it already.”

“You’ve talked about me?”

Andry’s voice is softer now. I can see he’s amazed to know he’s even on their radar like this. Kid has no clue how serious this team is about sports.

“We are,” Jake confirms. “We’re not allowed to offer you anything currently, but we’re more than happy to get you an official tour and some time on the ice with the guys for some fun. Nothing official, obviously. Your education is important.”

“Yes, sir. I understand. My education is very important. So is staying in Bellport if I can.” Andry’s eyes cut to Rodney.

My brother is snuggling into his side, almost as if he’s unaware of everything else going on around him. I know he’s listening, yet he’s chosen to remain silent the whole time. No jokes or teasing. Nothing like he would normally do.

“Perfect! Let me get your number, and we’ll chat soon.”

The pair exchange numbers, which means Rodney has to let go of Andry for a few moments. I take the opportunity to pull him to the side.

Leaning down, I look into his eyes to try to gauge where he’s at. “What’s going on, baby bro? You’re acting different.”

His gaze takes me in. It’s like he’s seeing me, yet he’s not all there.

It’s then I’m hit with it. My brother is in subspace. That or he’s really damn close.

What the hell were those two doing when I walked up on them? They were fully clothed. That much I could see. For him to be this gone means something else was happening.

Then again, I know little space isn’t always sexual.

Raymond doesn’t get to this level often so I’m not sure what else can bring it on. Part of me wants to demand answers. My brother is too young for this lifestyle. He has been taken advantage of and taunted by classmates, though I know he thinks I’m clueless to it all.

Getting into a relationship like this and being so quick to fall could mean disaster if they don’t work out.

But then Andry finishes with Jake and turns our way.

And I see it.

The affection and love that’s already there is clear on his face. He moves over to us swiftly, pulling Rodney into his arms again.

“Ok, little genius?”

It’s barely a whisper, yet I hear the three words as if he screamed them into a megaphone.

Little genius.

Definitely a Daddy then. No question about it.

“We should get going,” Andry tells me, pulling me from my thoughts. “I think Rodney needs to rest.”

I look from my brother to Jake and Leon, who are watching with fascination. “Yeah, I think you’re right. Let’s get you two out of here.”

Taking the lead, I walk us through the building again until we reach the parking lot. I wait as Andry tucks Rodney into the car. Once the door is shut, I put my hands on my hips and relax my shoulders.

“It’s not my business, but I’ll say that if you ever hurt him. I’ll make sure your body is never found. I have friends who can take care of it.”Lie.

I don’t have mafia friends. There isn’t a single person on that side of the law in my contacts list.

But I’d find them. I have no doubt I would if it meant protecting my little brother.

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