“This isn’t Ma’s and I don’t just walk in without being told it’s okay,” he said, landing another blow.
“Pussy,” I whispered, moving around Anthony and walking inside.
Flash laughed, following behind me as Anthony grumbled.
“Smells damn good in here.” I inhaled deeply.
“Hey, sis,” Joe said, walking over to hug me.
“I brought someone. I hope you don’t mind.” I smiled, looking up into his eyes. I knew I was laying it on thick, but I was just trying to cushion the blow.
“Who?” Joe asked, looking over my shoulder. “Really?” he growled in my ear, grabbing my shoulder.
“Come on, Joey. He didn’t have anywhere else to be. He was in town and I told him he could spend the day with us. I know you made enough food for an entire army.” I batted my eyelashes at Joe.
“He’s here now.” Joe shook his head, staring down at me. “Next time ask, Izzy.”
“Okay,” I whispered against his chest, giving him a squeeze before ducking under his arms.
Joe held out his hand to Flash as Anthony walked by and grimaced. “Nice to see you again, Sam,” Joe bit out through gritted teeth.
“I go by Flash now.”
I cringed at his response. I always knew Flash wasn’t the most intelligent man, but to reply to my brother in that way was just plain idiotic—or he had a death wish.
“Whatever,” Joe said, rolling his eyes. “Welcome to my home.” He pulled Flash closer. “If you hurt my sister, I’ll fucking bury you. Got me?”
“Easy now, City. I wouldn’t dream of it. We’re just friends.” He stood toe to toe with Joe, gripping his shoulder.
I swear to fuck that all I could see was a train wreck. I thought I was standing in the middle of a Looney Tunes cartoon. There had to be a big kaboom coming at any second. Joe and Flash wouldn’t be parting on a happy note, but hopefully they could keep their hands to themselves for Thanksgiving.
“I don’t care who the fuck you think you are or what MC you’re in. You’re still Sam to me and I can still whip your ass. Just so we’re clear.” Joe glared at him.
Suzy’s arms slid around Joe as she looked at Flash. “Everything okay, baby?” she asked.
“Just perfect, sugar. This is Sam, Izzy’s friend.”
She released him, holding out her hand to Flash. “Hi, Sam. I’m Suzy. Nice to meet you,” she said, smiling.
“It’s my pleasure, Suzy.” He pulled her hand to his lips and gently kissed it. “You have a beautiful home.”
“Thank you, Sam.”
Joe growled. Honest to motherfucking god, the man growled. I knew that my brother was a caveman, but this was beyond the realm of normal behavior. Flash looked at Joe, his lips turning up in a half-smirk before he turned back to Suzy.
“Joe’s a very lucky man. I hope you don’t mind me crashing the party.” Sam looked to Joe with a shit-eating grin before he looked at Suzy.
Yep—death wish.
“Not at all. Come on in and make yourself at home,” Suzy said with a smile before stepping aside and wrapping her arms around my big brother.
“Let’s go say hi to my parents, dumbass,” I said to Flash, grabbing his shirt and pulling him toward the living room.
“Why the fuck am I a dumbass?” he asked, looking at me with a furrowed brow.
I stopped, turning to face him. “Starting shit with my brother,” I whispered, glaring at him.
“Dude, I gotta stand up to the guy. I can’t be a doormat. Show no weakness.”
