Chained to You

"I don't like your fucking good mood, James," Eric muttered in irritation. "And don't even dare try stopping me from going to Japan."

The three brothers were at Scott's apartment, sitting around on the veranda outside, taking in the great view and the sun while they ate lunch.

Eric's mentioning of his good mood put a smile on James's face, and once again, he thought about Mia. Fuck, he couldn't help himself. That sex had been great. It had only been their first time together, and he was hooked. He couldn't wait to spend more time with her.

That sex was also Mia's first time. He wondered if it lived up to her expectations. The thought it possibly didn't caused his stomach to twist in dread a little. No, it was definitely great for her, no doubt about that. The look on her face when she came was complete satisfaction for him.

"Hello? Anybody home?" Scott chuckled, waving his hand in front of his brother.

James blinked and laughed. "Ah, my bad. Sorry."

Eric got even more irritated at James's lack of enthusiasm about his trip and more so at the fact the brother was against it. "Snap out of it, James. I said don't even try to stop me—"

James cut him off. "Nobody can ever stop you when you put your mind to something," he said, both with admiration and annoyance.

Eric laughed while Scott just stared at James.

"James?" Scott voiced with warning. His tone made it clear they had to stop Eric at all costs.

James took a sip of his beer and then rested his head back against the chair. He stared up at the bright blue sky as he said, "So what's your plan once you're in Japan?"

"Find what's her name and put a stop to the wedding," Eric said confidently.

James laughed and turned his eyes to the youngest brother. "How the heck are you going to stop her?"

"You don't even know what she looks like," Scott said sourly. "Don't be such a kid and just deal with it, Eric."

"I'm not acting like a kid, Scott!" Eric snapped. "Like hell I'm going to accept a twenty-five-year-old child for a fucking stepmother. She's practically my age."

Scott and James looked at each other. They both knew Eric was very passionate about the subject, but shit, there was simply no way they could do anything about it. It was the old man's business.

"And FYI," Eric said, staring at Scott, "I do know what she looks like."

Scott raised his brow with interest. "Seriously?"

"Seriously," Eric said. "Now if you'll excuse me, brothers, I have business to attend to."

With that, their youngest brother took off, his expression dark.

Scott turned his attention to James and glared. "What the fuck, James? I thought you were going to stop him."

James laughed. "You and I know there's no stopping that smartass."

Scott nodded. "He's a Maxwell."

James sighed. "Yep, he's a Maxwell."

James laughed. "Like you actually care."

Scott shrugged. "I don't. Fact is I hope Eric succeeds, but…"

"He will," James said.

"Shit will hit the fan," Scott muttered.

James leaned forward. "Why don't you go with him?" he suggested.

Scott raised a brow at his brother. "To Japan?"

James nodded. "It'd be fun."

Scott laughed then. "Bloody hell. I guess I should."