Free Hidden Threat by Sherri Hayes

took a huge bite out of one of the cookies.
    Matthew just shook his head and laughed. Jason was, well, Jason. Grabbing a plate out of the cabinet, he began making hamburger patties. His brother put a few items in the refrigerator before going out to heat up the grill.
    It wasn’t until Matthew completed assembling the hamburgers and Jason came back from the patio that Matthew remembered they needed to talk. Turning from the sink, he placed his hands in his pockets and faced his brother.
    Jason popped a potato chip in his mouth before he realized Matthew was staring at him. “What?”
    Matthew figured direct was the best approach. “You’re seeing Lisa Morgan.” 
    Jason took a drink before answering his brother. “Yeah, I am.”
    “And you didn’t mention it to me because?” he said, his voice tight.
    Jason sighed and set the bottle down a little harder than necessary. “Because I knew how you’d react, that’s why.”
    Matthew gave his brother a look that said he was waiting on a better explanation.
    Instead of answering though, Jason grabbed the burgers and stalked out to the patio. Matthew followed.
    When they reached the grill, Jason continued to ignore his brother.
    Matthew wasn’t having it, and his brother’s evasion upset him royally. “Jason,” he said, trying to stay calm, “if you needed to get some action, then go to a club or something, but at work you need to keep it in your pants. I don’t have to tell you how dangerous it is. You’ve seen what can happen. We’ve got enough problems as it is without another complication. Whatever it is you’ve got going on with her, it needs to stop. Now.”
    Jason slammed the lid of the grill down and whirled on his brother. “Not going to happen, Matty,” he seethed.
    “Excuse me?” Matthew said, his temperature beginning to rise. He took a deep breath to calm himself. They both didn’t need to lose it.
    “I said, not going to happen. I will see whoever I like, whenever I like,” he ground out, advancing on his brother and getting in his face, “and neither you nor some half wit who thinks it’s fun to mess with people is going to have any say in my life!” With that, Jason spun around and stormed back into the house.
    Matthew stood for several minutes trying to figure out what had happened. He’d expected some resistance from Jason, but not this; not the blow up he’d just witnessed. Jason had always been a bit of a ladies man, but nothing that ever last more than a few weeks. His brother was easily bored and moved on fairly quickly.
    It was something they had in common; the difference being, Matthew rarely went to bed with any of the women he dated.

    He’d clearly misjudged the situation with Lisa. His brother appeared to be much more attached to her than a simple roll in the hay. This didn’t change the situation though. It was still dangerous.
    With a deep sigh, Matthew lifted the grill and flipped the hamburgers. Deciding his brother needed to cool off, he stayed outside until the meat was done cooking. Bringing the burgers into the kitchen, he laid them aside and went to find his brother.
    Jason was in front of the TV watching the Jets and Giants game. His posture was too rigid to be relaxed. Matthew took a seat a few feet away from his brother.
    “How long have you been seeing her?”
    “About three months.” His eyes never left the screen.
    Matthew had been right. Jason hadn’t dated a girl for more than a month. Ever.
    Even in high school, he’d gone through women like a favorite shirt. He’d wear one out and get a new one. Hoping an apology would reopen the communication, Matthew said, “I’m sorry I jumped to the wrong conclusion.” Jason didn’t respond other than to relax the set of his shoulders.
    Matthew let his brother calm for a minute more before continuing the discussion.
    “There’s still a danger though. You know that.”
    Jason sat back and finally looked at his brother. “I know.” He sighed, raking a