Page 149 of Contentious

Carson wished they’d stop making him laugh. “Tell me something I don’t know.”

“You and Cresley Dane. For real?”

“Pretty damned real.”

“What is happening in this family lately? All the rules are being broken.”

“Aren’t rules meant to be broken?” Julian asked.

“Not this one,” Roman said in a serious tone. “I’m worried about you two.”

“Don’t worry about us, Romy,” Carson said. “Your sole focus needs to be on finishing school, passing the bar and getting back home to us. We can’t wait to be with you every day.”

“I can’t wait for that either, but you guys… You’re being careful, right? Not getting into anything you can’t get out of?”

“It’s all good,” Julian said. “I’m watching Carson to make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.”

“Shut your mouth,” Carson said. “You’re the one who’s totally off the rails.”

“And you’re right behind me, brother, whether you want to admit it or not.”

“This is worse than I thought,” Roman said.

“Nothing to see here,” Carson said. “Keep pushing with school. The finish line is in sight.”

“I’m so ready to be done. Are you going to study for the bar with me?”

“If I must.”

“You must if you want to pass.”

“Whatever.”

“I’m sending you the link to the study guides,” Roman said. “You’d better get your ass in gear if you’re going to be ready by July.”

“Yes, dear.”

Roman laughed. “He has no idea what he’s in for, does he, Jules?”

“Not the first clue. I can’t wait to see how badly he bombs it.”

“Or how totally I ace it,” Roman said.

“That’s right. Watching him be humiliated by you will be the frosting on the cake,” Julian said.

“I thought you guys were glad I didn’t die.”

“We are, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t eagerly anticipating Roman wiping the floor with you on the bar exam,” Julian said.

“I see how it is. Your gratitude for my life was short-lived.”

“Right back to business as usual,” Roman said. “I’ll check on you tomorrow. Don’t do anything crazy overnight, you got me?”

“I’ll do my best. Thanks for calling.”

“Later.”

“When did our baby brother become a full-fledged man-child?” Julian asked.