Page 155 of Stepbrother Dearest

“I can’t believe I never realized what a brat you are.” Kai slung his arm over Alex’s shoulder and tugged him close.

“What can I say? You bring it out in me, Daddy.” I slapped his ass hard enough my hand stung.

Kai yelped and jumped away. Alex burst out laughing and held his hand up for a fist bump.

“Me next!” Nick raced into the fray and slapped Kai’s ass.

“Ow!” Kai jumped again and rubbed his backside.

“Ow.” Nick shook out his hand and gave Kai an unimpressed look. “Aren’t you supposed to get all out of shape and floppy now that you’re an academic?”

“Aren’t you supposed to be all sophisticated now that you’re a man of culture?”

Nick snorted and squeezed around Kai. “Yeah, like that’s ever going to happen.” He leaped at me. I caught him and managed to stay on my feet as he bear hugged me. “Happy birthday, bestie!”

“Thanks.”

“Your cupcakes suck.”

I turned to Zane, who had a cupcake wrapper in one hand and blue icing residue on his lips.

“I didn’t make them.”

Nick let me go and slid down my body.

“Told ya.” River slapped Zane’s chest with the back of his hand. His lips, teeth, and tongue were bright blue.

“Next year you should.” Zane dragged me in for a bruising hug. “Happy birthday, kid.”

“Asshole. I’m not a kid.”

“Sure you’re not, kid.”

“How’s it feel to finally be as old as us?” River’s hug was gentler but still tight enough it forced the air from my lungs.

“You’re twenty-seven.” Nick looked between the twins.

“But weweretwenty-five.” River winked at him.

“You’re lucky you’re so hot.” Nick’s voice was heavy with affection.

“Don’t even think about it,” Kai said to Alex.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Alex smiled serenely.

“Do you remember what it’s like to be twenty-five, Kai? It’s okay if you don’t since it was such a long time ago.” Eli’s smile matched Alex’s.

“Et tu, Eli?” Kai held his hands over his heart.

Eli snickered and booped Kai’s nose. “It’s okay, old man. We still love you.”

“I hate all of you.” He rolled his eyes.

“No, you don’t.” River poked him in the side. “You love us.”

“Do I?”

“Yes.” I dragged him over and kissed his cheek. “You’re our favorite old man.”

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