Page 135 of Breaking the Rules
But Wes—my younger brother is standing next to Chase—is smiling.
Chase looks the same as he did the day he tossed me on my ass. Tall. Broad. Imposing.
He's an inch taller than me now, two maybe, but I never managed to outgrow seeing him as my tough older brother.
Wes has always looked small to me. Like he needed protecting. But he doesn't. He's not. He's the same height as I am. And he's utterly unaffected by everything.
He's wearing his usual aloof grin. Like he's ready to start shit right away.
Like he doesn't care that I'm here.
Usually, Chase is all steel and ice.
Usually, I don't have a clue what he's thinking.
Right now, his deep blue eyes are filled with pure disdain.
It's as clear as day.
My older brother hates me.
The buzz of a tattoo gun ceases.
That's Griffin, in the corner. Not a blood relative, but close enough to be a brother.
He's a good guy. Loyal. Idealistic. Straightforward.
Which makes hiswhat the fuck is thislook all the more concerning.
"Hunter…" Griffin whispers something to his client. Sets his gun down. "You look—"
"Like shit." Wes shrugs. "Sobriety hasn't been kind to you."
"Thanks." A chuckle falls off my lips. It's more nerves than anything. But it's good to see Wes. It's good he's the same. "I've been working on it."
"Yeah, I can tell. You wearing red eyeliner or something?" Wes motions to my eyes. "Maybe some light foundation. Like during your goth phase."
"That was to impress a girl," I say.
"So he says." Wes motions to Griffin.
But Griffin doesn't take the bait. He stares at Chase. His brow furrows. His lip corners turn down.
"Fuck, it's like a funeral in here." Wes moves out from behind the counter. "And Hunter isn't even rocking the My Chemical Romance look." He offers his hand.
I take it.
He pulls me into a hug.
Pats my back. Stage whispers. "Fuck, maybe I'm the only one glad you're here, but I am."
"Thanks." I step backward.
Chase's eyes stay fixed on mine. He's practically screamingwhat the fuck do you think you're doing here?
He's still my larger than life big brother.
But I can see the signs of strain. The frown on his lips. The tension in his shoulders. The tiredness in his blue eyes.
