Page 98 of Thorns of Youth

“How can you be so hurtful? I thought I was your favorite. I thought you loved me,” Kyran said, then pointed at Aiden. “It’s him who’s the idiot.”

“You’re delusional,” Aiden said. “As his eldest brother, I was Tyran’s favorite first. Then Margaret. Of course, we took a back seat to Sienna here. And you… you were never even on the list.”

“That’s cold,” Kyran remarked, although he didn’t look hurt in the least.

“It’s also true.” Aiden leaned back in his chair. “I’ve missed this.”

“Of course you did, you masochist. You’re not the one getting abused,” Kyran grumbled.

I threw my head back and laughed, drawing three sets of blue eyes to me.

“I’m sorry,” I said, chuckling. “This is just… like watching my little siblings argue over the last piece of cake.”

As if to prove my point, Aiden and Kyran reached for the same piece of bread and started smacking each other.

“Some people never grow up,” Tyran said, his blue eyes darkening with amusement. “But don’t worry, baby, your man knows better.”

My cheeks warmed.

Kyran made a gagging noise.

“Please. We’re eating.”

Tyran kicked him beneath the table and said, “You don’t have to listen.”

Kyran jerked. “I unfortunately have ears.”

“Careful, Tyran,” Aiden murmured. “You might hurt your twin’s feelings.”

Kyran puffed his chest. “I don’t have feelings.”

“That’s true,” Tyran agreed.

I laughed again.

For a few minutes, the conversation drifted back to the food. Kyran complained that Tyran had somehow managed to make a meal that required more dishes than people. Aiden argued that presentation mattered. Tyran told them both to shut up and eat.

I found myself relaxing, observing the easy way of these three brothers.