Take Me Apart (Vitale Brothers, #1)

by Brea Alepoú

Shit. Do I have daddy issues?

The horny brain side of me almost wanted him to hold me down and never let me escape. Then I will know he really cares about me. Goddamn, I need therapy.

Gin pushed his fingers through his hair. “You know what they say. If you love something, let it free or some shit like that.” I shook my head. “That is ridiculous. It should be, if you love something, lock it away so that it never escapes.”

“What?” I asked. “You missed Pen too?” I grunted and got comfortable. The fur ball was important to Tex. And I might have missed hearing his bell or even the resounding purr he let out anytime he sat on Tex’s chest. Or when I pet him the way he was supposed to be petted. Tex was much too gentle. Pen enjoyed it when I didn’t hold back, rubbing up against me and looking up at me with those big, soft eyes. “Go get food.” Tex’s face lit up. “Oh, you did. I can’t wait to tell him.” “Just bring him home.” If Penelope was there, I knew for certain Tex wasn’t going anywhere.

“Stay, boy,” I ordered. “Sit.”

Giancarlo awwed. “You two are disgusting together.” “Now you sound like Chelsea.” I grinned. He grinned right back. “Don’t break my brother’s fucking heart, or I’ll rip yours out while you watch.” Cold shot through me. I blinked. Giancarlo was still smiling, looking just as carefree and laid back as before. Did I make that up? Did he actually say that?

I nodded. As we walked to the door, I stopped with the knob still in my hand. I turned back toward them. “You two know he’s autistic, right?” “We don’t talk about it,” Benito muttered. “The way our family back home is⁠—” “One hundred percent.” Giancarlo laughed. “Known it since forever. We’re so used to it I think we honestly forget.”