“This is not a good idea, Des.”
Dressed in nothing but a pair of basketball shorts, he places the controller and headset on the glass coffee table. “He likes you too.”
My expression contorts, and my brows pinch. “No, he doesn’t.”
He grins, that familiar grin that grants him whatever he desires, the one that makes it hard to believe we’re twins. “Yes, he does. He asked about you. He said he was attracted to us equally.”
That blows my mind. I was certain Charlie wanted me in a max-level prison. He side-eyes me as if I’m a snarling wolf poised to attack. His interest can only be physical. “So…?”
“So,” my other half drags out. “We’ve shared people before. Right?”
“Women. For one night.”And I didn’t exactly love it.“Not a man who’s practically family and works for Homeland Security.”
I walk into the adjoining kitchen and open the fridge, only to remember we don’t have any alcohol to get me through this, and I slam it shut. Ethan made the rules for staying here veryclear: no drugs or alcohol, no smoking indoors, and no bringing anyone home, particularly women. I think he expected us to throw a rager and fill the pool with liquor and naked chicks.
He’s only ten years older than us, but Ethan reminds me of our dad—not much for words, but when he speaks, you’d better listen. And both of them are ridiculously protective.
Desi meets me in the kitchen. Resting his elbows on the island, he tilts his head in slight annoyance. “He works for Homeland Security because he’s brilliant.”
“No. He works for Homeland Security because Reece does. Hechoseto be on his team. Another reason he’s a terrible idea.”
I don’t want anyone breaking my brother’s heart, especially someone I can’t easily get rid of.
He smirks and his eyes light up. “The more you worry about a person, the more I know you like them.”
I lower my gaze and shake my head. There’s no fooling my twin. “No.”
“Oh yeah? You don’t run background checks on one-night stands. Tell me what you found. Does he pass your strict approval?”
“Des—”
“Give me a summary at least. Before he gets here.”
I release a defeated sigh, knowing he won’t give up, and lean against the counter. “Lucas Parker-Mercer. Age twenty-six. Adopted. Has two moms, hence the two last names. Went by Parker prior to the military. Has a handful of foster siblings. Near-genius IQ. Forced to work for the government at eighteen after repeatedly hacking into the Pentagon for the challenge and attempting to erase student loan debt. Injured in combat and developed agoraphobia. Discharged from the military around four years ago. Offered a job with the CIA but accepted a lesser position with Homeland Security to be on Reece’s team,” my gaze connects with deep-brown eyes that mirror mine, “who he’llnever leave. Which means, unless they all move to New York, this is only temporary.”
Desi rests his chin on his fist, closes his eyes, and swoons dramatically. “He sounds sweet. Perfect for us. Ma will love him. Let’s drag him over here and make him a twin sandwich.”
A fire ignites within me, and my blood heats. This cannot be happening. “Are you listening to me at all?”
Standing to his full height, he dismisses me with a wave and turns to leave. “Reece is becoming more involved with Aurora. Parker will be the perfect house husband.”
I grab him by the collar just as he reaches the door. “No, Des!”
There’s a knock. He peers at me over his shoulder, a diabolical grin on his face. “You’re going to love him.”
This is why I smoke.
Chapter 10
Desmond
Iswing the door open, and Charlie’s soft, green-eyed gaze fixates on my bare chest. I could’ve worn a shirt, but where’s the fun in that? I lean against the doorway and hook my thumb in the waistband of my shorts.
“Hello, piccino.”
He gulps, his gaze slowly meeting mine, and raises his hand. “Hi.”
I smile, finding his social awkwardness absolutely adorable. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t smitten, and his history only strengthens my determination to have him.
