Simon Says Die

Alex, one of the best defense attorneys to ever practice law in the state of Georgia.” He waved his hand toward the man closest to them.
    He had coal black hair with tiny threads of silver running through it, and brilliant blue eyes that looked far too sad, even though he was smiling. “I’m sure Madison doesn’t care about my status as a semi-retired attorney,” he corrected. “Besides, I can’t imagine her ever needing a defense lawyer.” He gave her a firm handshake. “Nice to meet you, Madison.”
    â€œYou too.” Her stomach jumped at his reference to needing a defense attorney. Her last night with Damon, their argument, and what she’d done, loomed in her mind. It was all she could do not to yank her hand away and run.
    â€œYou already met Braedon,” Pierce continued. Thankfully he didn’t seem to notice her discomfort. “And his constant shadow, Matt.”
    She nodded and shook both their hands as they stood and reached out to her.
    Pierce turned to the lone man on the far couch. “This is Devlin, better known as Devil, with good reason. Stay away from him.” Pierce gave his brother a warning scowl.
    Devlin grinned and took both of Madison’s hands in his as he towered over her. He was the tallest of all the men so far, including Pierce, and Madison had to tilt her head way back to meet his dark-eyed gaze.
    â€œWhy don’t you sit over here with me, gorgeous?” He tugged her toward the couch.
    Pierce plucked Devlin’s hands off her and shoved his brother onto the couch.
    Madison let out a shocked gasp, but Devlin only laughed.
    The low hum of the wheelchair’s motor had all eyes turning to the last occupant in the room as he pushed a lever and brought the chair to a stop in front of Madison. When she looked down at him and held out her hand to shake his, her mouth dropped open in surprise as she glanced back at Matt.
    Matt sighed as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. “Twins,” he said, confirming what she’d just realized. “I’m the older, responsible one. Austin’s the baby.”
    â€œFive minutes doesn’t make me the baby. It makes you the jackass.”
    â€œAustin, watch your language.” Alex’s deep voice filled the room, even though he’d barely spoken above a whisper.
    Austin rolled his eyes. “I’m twenty-one, and he still treats me like a two-year-old.”
    â€œTrust me, I know the feeling,” Madison said. “My brother calls me ‘trouble’ and still thinks I need a babysitter.” She glanced pointedly at Pierce.
    Austin’s youthful face broke out in a smile as he shook her hand. “Sorry if I offended you with my language.” He didn’t look apologetic in the least, in spite of his words. He was slow to let go of her hand and gave her a warm squeeze before he did.
    Braedon clapped his hands together and rubbed them back and forth. “It’s about time you two got here. I’m starving.” Devlin and Matt got up too, and the three of them headed out one of the sliding glass doors on the back of the house.
    â€œPierce, why don’t you ice down the drinks,” Alex said. “Austin, you can help. I’ll escort this young lady outside.”
    Pierce didn’t look at all happy with Alex’s suggestion, but he nodded curtly and headed toward the front of the house with Austin following behind.
    â€œMadison?” Alex offered his arm. His mouth curved in a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes.
    A feeling of foreboding went through her, but she took his arm and walked with him through the glass doors to a wide deck that extended off the back of the house. The brothers were on the right side, taking steaks out of a cooler and loading them onto two grills that were already smoking. Devlin caught sight of her and gave her a broad grin, before Matt elbowed him in the ribs and got his attention.
    â€œDon’t mind them.” Alex led her to the railing several feet away from the others.
    â€œI don’t mind them at all.” She sat beside him. “They all seem very nice.”
    He nodded. “They’re good kids.”
    â€œKids?” She looked toward the grill where the three brothers were arguing about the best placement of the steaks. “Braedon’s what, thirty-eight, forty?”
    â€œThirty-nine. Matt’s twenty-one like Austin, of course.