“I have a dick, too, brother. I notice things,” he retorts sarcastically, all for show, and mostly for Sean, who picks up his remote.
“You going to spend the rest of your week with her locked in your room? Do I need to make an appointment to knock on your door?” He’s lashing out, and it’s no mystery why.
“I was planning on taking you both camping tonight, but you can kiss that shit goodbye.”
Dom barely flinches, but I know it stung him. Sean spikes to life, tossing the remote and abandoning the game. “I’m down.”
“Not acting this way, you’re not.” I face my brother. “And don’t be disrespectful about her.”
“You love her or something?” Dom asks, more out of curiosity than anything, but there’s no need for us to have that discussion. He’s way far ahead of the curve on that front, as he is most things. Though I’m positive he’s still innocent and hell-bent on changing that status. From the attention he’s getting, it won’t take him long.
“What did I tell you Papa said?”
“When you love someone, it’s never a question you have to ask yourself.”
I nod. “But even if you don’t, you treat them well. There’s no need to act like a dick, even if you’re thinking with it.”
“Sage advice, thanks, brother. I’ll be glad to be done with your lectures in a week.” He glances back at Sean. “We both will.”
“You want a prime example of what the wrong man can do to a woman?” I jerk my chin toward Delphine’s bedroom. “Take a good fucking look at your aunt.”
This sobers them both considerably as I glance between them.
Dominic rolls his eyes. “You want me to feel sorry for her?”
“No, I want you to understand why she is the way she is.”
“By choice.”
“Just like you’re choosing to be an ignorant little prick right now.”
At eleven, he’s twice as smart as I was and three times as hard to handle. I’m partly to blame. I’ve shared with him most everything I know.
“Don’t disrespect women, period. They’re twice as evolved as most men will ever be. Don’t take your shit out on them, either. It’s a sign of weakness, and they aren’t punching bags. They’re a sanctuary, and you need to figure that out quick.”
“How many have you been through lately?” Sean pops off.
“Listen to what I’m saying.”
“Do we have a choice?” Dom spouts, and I shove him to sit on the mattress he’s outgrown. He’s been especially aggressive the last few weeks, and it’s clear why.
“I’m leaving, brother, and I’m sorry that I’m leaving you with her, but it’s what’s best for us. You have to trust me.”
“Thousands of miles away, yeah, that’s best for us,” he retorts dryly.
I cup the back of my neck, the ache growing in my chest. “You’ll understand why soon enough.”
“I don’t have to understand shit.” I jerk him up to face me, and instantly Sean’s on his feet. I rarely hit my brother, but it’s Sean’s reaction that lets me know where we stand on that front. And it’s relief I feel as Sean bows up, ready to defend him without a second thought. Nothing but pride fills me, but I keep my tone aggressive as I stare down at Dominic.
“You think I wouldn’t take you with me if I could?”
“No, you’re just leaving for the next six to seven years because it’s what’s best for us.”