Page 1 of Hate It with You

PROLOGUE

ALEX

Eight Months Ago

Two mourning doves etched into my skin dance across the back of my left hand. Their movements flow easily as I tap my fingers on the steering wheel to the beat of the music. The bass energizes me for the day ahead as it rattles my bones and vibrates the seat beneath me in my red Mustang.

A few pieces of my hair fall onto my forehead as the cool summer breeze flows through the open windows. The strands continue to tickle my brow as I check the rearview mirror.

Shorter on the sides, longer on top, it’s the same haircut I’ve had for five years now because it’s what looks best on me. Fixing the few strands that fell forward, I carefully brush them back into their rightful place.

The only time it’s acceptable for my hair to be tousled is after a fight in the ring, and considering my brother mentioned we’d have a couple of guests during this summer’s vacation, I’ll be damned if I don’t look my best.

The forest of evergreen trees rushes past me as I push the speedometer higher, my foot pressed hard against the gas pedal. My mind clears, the sensations of the drive calming my senses as I wind down the narrow road.

A smile spreads wide across my face when my family’s lake house appears. The late afternoon sun shines down on the brown rock that cascades across the side of the house. When the lake behind it comes into view, the bright reflection off the glistening water threatens to blind me through my sunglasses.

My foot doesn’t let off the gas pedal as I get closer to the house, already spotting a few bodies standing in the driveway. As I do, the whine of my supercharger flows through the air, mixing with the bass of my music. Revving further, I push the supercharger harder as though I’m the conductor and the sounds are my symphony.

That whine will never get old.

As I get closer to the house, I place a hand on the Kane family belt lying in my passenger seat. It’s larger than the one we had a few years ago, but I insisted on one reminiscent of a WWE belt. Considering I’ve won the Kane Family Games more summers than my brothers can say, I knew I needed something I’d be proud to show off.

Turning down my music just enough that my brothers can hear me, I hang the belt out of the window as I pull into the driveway of the lake house.

When I come to a stop, I throw my body halfway out of the driver's side window, the doorframe cutting into my side as my eyes land on two out of three of my brothers. Leo, only a year away from entering his thirties and four years older than me, looks as youthful as ever, standing near his classic 1968 Mustang.

Theo, on the other hand, looks more mature than he was at his college graduation a couple of months ago. Given that he’s three years younger than me, and I spot a glimpse of what looks to be a new Mustang by his side, I have a feeling his newfound maturity is only a front. A scheme to convince our oldest brother to hire him at the family company, I’m sure. How the two women standing next to him fit into that scheme is intriguing to say the least.

My eldest brother by ten years, on the other hand, is nowhere to be found. It’s unlike Roman to be late, but knowing him, he’s off running an errand to ensure the best stay for all of us. He’s never been one not to take care of any of us, something I’m sure we’re all grateful for but probably never say enough.

Though I can’t wait to see what unfolds between him and Theo this summer. It will be entertaining, that’s for sure.

Raising the belt above my head, I shout over the music still blaring through my car, “Ready to lose to me again this year, motherfuckers?” My smile widens when my brothers exchange a glance before taking a step toward me. Once I hit my teens, antagonizing them became my favorite pastime.

I was eleven years old when we first started coming here every summer. The Kane Family Games quickly formed into a yearly tradition to distract us from the fact that we lost our parents so young. Though when Roman came up with the idea, I’m not sure he expected me to win as many times as I have.

Hence why I have the belt this year. I’ve held the winning title for three years straight, and I don’t plan on giving it up anytime soon, even if Leo has been determined to take it from me.

Before I have a chance to open my car door, my brothers are moving toward me, and fast. I knew they weren’t going to let my greeting go without giving me a hard time. I barely have a chance to readjust in an effort to protect my ribs before my brothers’ hands are on me.

Hauling me out of the driver’s side window, Leo’s arms wrap under mine as Theo grabs my legs, both of them tackling me to the ground. The music continues in the background, painting the perfect scene that could easily be set in any award-winning movie.

Leo’s hands are quick to restrain my arms as Theo wrestles the belt from me. The smell of freshly cut grass invades my nostrils as I feign defeat, letting my brothers believe they’ve gotten the upper hand on me.

Laughing, I watch as Theo saunters away with the belt in his hands.

Cocky bastard.

Leo releases my arms and stands to offer me his hand as a peace offering. Squinting, I look up at him, taking his hand as he helps me off the ground.

“Next time, don’t talk shit, and maybe we’ll give you a nicer greeting.” Leo laughs as a chuckle escapes my throat, my hands working to straighten out my clothing.

My eyes scan my clothing for any grass stains as I brush a few freshly cut blades off my dark gray T-shirt, my gym’s logo scrawled across the front in red. I do the same to my black shorts and sneakers, a sigh of relief escaping my lips when they come up clean.

“Jesus Christ, you look fine.” Leo lands a pat to my shoulder, his reassuring words doing nothing to dampen my concerns over my appearance.

The glare I throw his way prompts his hand to leave my shoulder as he takes a step back from me, smiling though understanding that he hit a nerve.