Page 42 of Pride & Precedents

"I don't think that's technically true, Cory."

Noah and Adam both burst out laughing, but Cory stands firm.

"It's bad enough two of my brothers are settling down. Whatever happened to the bachelor pact?"

Noah rolls his eyes.

"Do you mean the bachelor pact we made when you were in high school?Thatbachelor pact?"

"And who's the other brother settling down?" I interrupt. "As far as I know, Adam's the only one with a wedding coming up."

I turn to see Noah looking uncomfortable and Cory with his usual shit-eating grin.

"You, bro," Cory answers. "You and Sienna are well on your way."

"First of all, it's Camila." Cory snorts at my correction, like I've just proven his point. "Second of all, it's not serious. We're just hanging out a bit after work."

"Andyou're tutoring her for the bar exam," Cory adds, clearly enjoying one of the few times he's had something to hold over me. "Noah filled me in. You went over to help her study and then she gave you anoral reportfor some extra credit." Cory makes an obscene gesture on the word "oral" to ensure I don't miss his meaning. I shoot daggers at Noah who at least has the shame to hang his head.

"Dude!" I yell at Noah. "So much for twin code!"

"I didn't know it was a secret, bro," Noah pleads, clearly contrite.That's the last time I shareanythingwith him!

"Are you sure you should be helping her study?" Cory asks. From the look on his face, I won't like what he says next. "I mean, the last time you helped a woman study, she jumped on your teammate's dick like a pogo stick."

The next few seconds are a blur. When I come to, Adam looks horrified, Cory's on the ground rubbing his jaw, and Noah has me by the shoulders, holding me back from pounding Cory into the dirt.

"Not cool, bro!" Noah yells at Cory. A bruise is already forming on Cory's face.

"Why are you yelling at me?!Hethrew the first punch!" Cory whines.

"You fucking asked for it, man," Adam interjects. "Talking about Naomi is a low blow."

"You know what? Fuck you," I spit at Cory, still seeing red. If Noah weren't holding me, I would've kicked him in the ribs by now. "I don't need this and I don't needyou." I shake Noah off roughly and head for my car.

"Get off me, man. And don't fuckin' call me the next time you want a legal review on a contract."

Adam hurries to put away his things, yelling after me, and Noah jogs to catch up. Just as I'm opening the car door, he grabs my arm.

"Hold up, bro!"

I yank my arm out of his grip and whirl to face him, chest to chest.

"Telling Cory about Camila and I was foul, Noah. He's been an even bigger douchebag than usual lately, and you know he couldn't wait to talk shit. But now I find out that everyone knows about Naomi too?!"

The look on Noah's face is tortured.

"I'm sorry, bro. I fucked up. Cor and I were watching the game and it slipped out."

"And Naomi?" I challenge, unwilling to forgive such a betrayal.

"Honestly, I don't even remember telling him. That wasyearsago."

"You're right. Itwasyears ago. Except she's my fucking clientright now!" I start pacing, still amped up from punching Cory. That asshole deserved it.

"I play my role as big brother, coming out for celebratory drinks, picking up for the 'Council of Bros' even when I'm swamped at work. I stay out of everyone's business, and today I find out, everyone's been laughing at me behind my back about how things went down with Naomi." Noah looks desperate.

"It wasn't like that, bro!" I step one foot into the car.

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