Page 5 of Primal Urges

Ace was five-ten, but standing next to both Caden and Marcus, who were six-two and six-four, the man looked like he belonged in munchkin land.

Marcus wrapped his massive arm around Ace’s shoulders and pulled him in for a headlock. He rubbed his knuckle through the guy’s hair, smiling as Ace shouted and fought back against his attacker.

Caden couldn’t help but laugh. Watching Marcus and Ace together made him wish he had siblings as well. Marcus and Ace were brothers. Well, stepbrothers, if you want to get technical.

Marcus’s father remarried Ace’s mother when Marcus was sixteen and Ace was three. Marcus practically raised Ace when it became clear that both of their parents preferred to drink and party rather than spend time raising and taking care of their children.

When Marcus’s assault on Ace’s hair finally finished, he released his brother and patted him on the back.

“So, tell us about how your hot date went last night?” Marcus asked, removing the small weights from Cade's bench press and adding a heavier plate on both ends.

Fuck, he better not expect him to do another set at a heavier weight.

Marcus must have seen the look on Cade’s face because he chuckled.

“The weights are for me. Figured I’d get in one more set before calling it a day.”

The grip on Cade’s stomach loosened. He would be able to lift his arms after all.

“So? Date? How’d it go?” Marcus asked, glancing over at his younger brother.

Ace crossed his arms against his chest, appearing suddenly pissed.

“Well, the date started off great and strong until he found out who my brother was. Then he suddenly remembered that he had to take his sick grandmother to a doctor’s appointment.”

“At nine o’clock at night?” Marcus asked, pissed that someone would run out on his little brother.

Ace shrugged. “It’s always the same. Cockblocked by my own stupid brother.”

Cade wondered if Ace truly felt that way or if he was trying to tease his older brother. Marcus had a bit of a reputation in town, so it wouldn’t be surprising if guys kept their distance from the boss’s younger brother. That was one heart that wouldn’t be safe to break.

“Don’t be mad. I’m just making sure that you hold out for someone who’s worthy of that ass of yours.”

Ace’s mouth dropped open.

“What makes you think I’m a bottom?”

He totally was.

Marcus and Cade both gave Ace a “who do you think you’re kidding” look.

Rolling his eyes, Ace gave them both the finger. “You’re both assholes.”

Cade chuckled as he positioned himself at the top of the bench press, readying himself to give his boss a spot.

Marcus slid down on the bench press. “But you love us anyway,” Marcus added as he lifted the bar into the air.

“Don’t forget to wipe down the bench after you're done. Not sure if crabs can leak through sweaty gym shorts, but it’s best to be safe, just in case. Right, Marcus?” Ace cut as he picked up his gear and headed toward the locker room.

Cade couldn’t help but laugh at Ace’s ruthlessness. There was a reason that he loved the little homo.

Below him, Marcus shook his head back and forth. “I don’t have crabs.”

“Sure you don’t, boss.”

2

CADEN

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