Next Generation (Book 4)

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|Rory's POV|

Things between Bash and I have been better than ever. He's been going to therapy as have I. He's also been more open and honest about his feelings instead of internalizing everything. I know it was hard at first. His dad always told him he had to be tough. That's a relationship that needs fixing.

I was making breakfast for the two of us when Bash came in. He wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my neck.

"Morning, baby."

"Hey, sleepy head."

He reached over, taking a piece of bacon off the plate.

"Mmm."

"I could just make you a plate," I said.

"Yes, you're my plate."

I swatted his arm and he jumped back laughing. The doorbell rang and Bash looked at me.

"You expecting company?" he asked.

I shook my head. He went to answer the door and I heard some commotion before he came back in the kitchen with his little brother, Leo. From the look on Bash's face, he was just as shocked and confused as I was.

"Hi, Rory," Leo said, greeting me.

"Hey, Leo. How are you?"

"I'm good."

He sat down at the island as nonchalant as ever.

"Do mom and dad know you're here?" Bash questioned.

"No."

"What?!"

"Bash, calm down. I'll just call and tell them," Leo stated.

"You'll..."

I cleared my throat to stop Bash from saying whatever he was about to.

"Am I in time for breakfast?"

"Yeah, help yourself. We'll be right back."

Bash looked like he was ready to strangle his brother. Pushing him towards our bedroom, I quickly closed the door.

"Bash..."

"Ro, I had no idea he was coming. My parents didn't say shit. I have no clue what's going on. I'm sorry..."

"Wait, sorry for what?"

"Last thing you need is my little brother in your face."

"Bash, your family is my family and vice versa. Why don't you just calmly go and talk to him and see what's going on?"

"Calmly?"

"Yes, Sebastian, calmly."

He sighed and we headed back to the kitchen to see Leo wasn't there, but heard the TV was on. Going into the living room, Leo had his feet on the coffee table while eating. I watched Bash narrow his eyes before he went over and grabbed the remote, turning off the TV.

"Hey! I was watching that."

"I don't care, we need to talk."

"Can I, just..."

"You can take your feet off my table and answer whatever I ask you."

Leo was nearly a spitting image of Bash. He was a few inches shorter, darker hair, lean. Bash had definitely bulked up since he's gone back to training in his spare time. I sat on the loveseat watching the exchange between the two.

"Leo, you're 15. You can't just leave without telling anyone."

"I told mom and dad I was leaving. It's not my fault they didn't think I actually would," he replied nonchalantly.