“Mm.” Ivan glared down at his cup but drank anyway.
Too cute, Nix’s tipsy, paranoid human. He sashayed over, clucking his tongue. “I’m beginning to think you have a problem, Vanya.”
Ivan snagged Nix’s wrist and tugged him sideways into his lap, wrapping one arm tightly around his middle. “Two times does not a pattern make,” he said before pursing his lips. “And it was Sascha’s idea, anyway.”
Nix made to tease Sascha for his corrupting ways, only to find him staring at them, wide-eyed, his mouth hanging slightly open.
Ivan noticed at the same time. “What?” he asked his brother pointedly.
“Um…” Sascha’s eyes darted between them, then down to Ivan’s arm around Nix’s waist.
Ivan didn’t move an inch. “You already knew I was fucking him.”
“Right.” Sascha nodded dazedly. “I just thought you’d be all furtive and repressed about it.”
Nix cackled. “Oh, he’s been plenty repressed, don’t you worry.”
Ivan’s fingers dug into Nix’s side. “Behave,” he scolded.
“You’re drunk and it’s not even noon. I’m not the one who needs to behave.”
Ivan eyed the whiskey bottle like he was considering pouring himself more. “We’re holding a wake.”
“Who for?” Nix had been under the impression the father had died years ago, but maybe they were belatedly mourning the bastard.
“Me,” Ivan told him solemnly.
“Oh my.” Nix patted at Ivan’s cheek, laughing when Ivan tried to bite at his fingers. “I see we’ve reached the maudlin stage already.” He shot Sascha a wink. “He’s a very tragic drunk, you know.”
Ivan buried his head in Nix’s shoulder. “I am not,” he mumbled.
“And very free with his kisses.”
Sascha, who looked like he didn’t know whether to be horrified or delighted by the proceedings, lifted his cup to his lips, only to freeze when a large blue hand halted his progress. Kai had settled on the arm of the couch next to him at some point, looking fairly ridiculous perched there, considering his size.
Sascha pouted up at him. “Hey.”
Kai’s eyes were soft, but his voice was firm. “You’ll be very put out if you’re hungover this evening, zaychik. Remember last Saturday, after the dancing?”
Sascha sighed but ultimately set his mug on the coffee table. “You’re right. It’s time for a nap.” He lifted both arms in the air. “Carry me.”
Kai looked pleased as punch to be asked. He hoisted Sascha up bridal-style, and Sascha immediately tucked his head against Kai’s broad shoulder. “Mm,” he hummed. “Warm.”
Now that Sascha was…relaxed, Nix could tell just how on guard he’d been around Ivan until now. His behavior at the moment seemed truer to his nature, from what Nix could read. A little spoiled and a lot sweet.
Ivan didn’t seem to take much notice of Sascha’s antics, too busy toying with the ends of Nix’s ponytail, his forehead rubbing back and forth against Nix’s shoulder.
And as for the fifth…
“Where’s Matteo?” Nix asked.
Sascha lifted his head and frowned, looking around like Matteo might pop up from behind the couch. “I guess in his room. Outings kind of take it out of him.”
“You don’t know what he’s so frightened of?”
“We’re waiting for him to tell us. It didn’t seem right to push him too hard after everything he’s been through. But for now—” Sascha gestured toward the hallway that led to the stairs. “Nap time for everyone.”
Kai carried him obediently, shooting a last, distrustful look toward Ivan and Nix. As if he couldn’t help himself.
