Page 36 of Chains
Bret shook his head. “I lost the fucking bet. Amelia and Emily said you’d come, but I said you’d do your usual no-show routine. Damn, dude—I lost fifty bucks.”
Chains moved away from his brother. “I came for Mom.”
“I know that—you’d never come for me, but then I wouldn’t go for you either.” Bret took a sip from the flute in his hand.
“You don’t have to worry about that—I don’t go in for this pansy-ass shit. Where’s the booze?”
“I’ll get something for you,” Amelia said. “Do you want a glass of champagne?”
“Tequila—two shots.”
“Okay.” She squeezed his hand then scurried away.
“How’s your web development business going?” Bret asked as he scooped up a handful of cashews.
“Good.” Chains crossed his arms over his chest.
“It looks like you got some new tattoos. I got one on my upper arm. It’s fucking awesome. Where’d you get yours done?”
“At the club’s ink shop. One of the brothers did them for me.”
“What’s the name of the place?” Bret took another gulp of his drink.
“Get Inked.”
“That’s your club’s business? I didn’t think you guys owned anything but strip bars.” He gave him a wry smile.
Before Chains could reply, Amelia walked in, drink in hand.
“Here you go,” she said, handing him the tumbler.
“Thanks.” Chains threw the tequila back.
“When are you gonna get married again?” Bret asked.
“Never.”
“You’d think differently if you had a pretty and classy woman like mine.” Bret raised his hand and gestured to someone behind Chains. “I want you to meet her.”
“Is the drink good?” Amelia asked.
Chains jerked his head back. “It’s tequila—of course it’s good.” When his sister’s face fell, he shook his head. “I’m just messin’ with you. Yeah, it’s real good, and I could use another one.”
“Okay.” She snatched his glass from him and ambled away.
“Here’s my sweetie,” Bret said.
Chains turned around and his insides went cold as he locked gazes with Autumn. A gasp flew past her lips, and she quickly pressed a hand to her mouth.
“This”—she faltered, her eyes cutting to Bret—“is your brother, Chet?”
Chains leaned in slowly. “Yeah,” he said in a low voice. He was so close that he could smell the fresh, clean scent of her hair and the seductive fragrance of her perfume.
Autumn’s skin flushed pink and then red, and she stumbled backward, nearly losing her balance, but his strong arm reached out and supported her. Her gaze sliced to his, and it looked like she was going to pass out.
“You don’t look so good. Are you okay?” Bret asked.
A few heartbeats passed before she spoke. “All of a sudden it feels so stuffy. I just need to get some fresh air.” She looked away from Chains.
