Page 127 of Sinfully Yours

Dean picks up on the second ring.

"Carter?" His voice is sharp, edged with suspicion.

"Yeah." I rub a hand down my jaw, already bracing for an argument. "We need to talk."

A beat of silence. Then, "Is Ava okay?"

I glance at her. She's watching me carefully, listening.

"She's fine," I say.

Dean's quiet for a second before speaking once more. "You calling because you need something?"

I don't flinch. "Yeah. I am."

Silence.

Then, "What is it?"

I let out a slow breath. "Vanessa has a meeting tomorrow night. A warehouse in North Hill. She's bringing hired help, not sure how that could play out."

A sharp exhale. "Damn it."

"Yeah." My grip tightens on the phone. "I'm going. I'll handle it. But I need to know that if things go south, Ava has someone looking out for her."

Another pause.

Then, when Dean speaks again, his voice is quieter. "You really think I'd let anything happen to my sister?"

"No," I say honestly. "But I need to hear you say it."

A heavier silence.

Then, "Whatever my issues with you, Carter… You've proven that you care about her. I'll help."

It's not a peace offering. Not an apology. But it's something.

A truce.

"I appreciate it," I say. And I mean it.

Dean breathes sharply, like he's already regretting this. "Just don't get yourself killed."

"Not part of the plan." I hang up, turning back to Ava. She's still watching me, her expression unreadable.

"You called Dean," she says.

I nod.

"And he agreed."

I nod again.

She tilts her head, studying me like I'm an unfamiliar puzzle piece that suddenly fits in a way she never expected. "Huh."

I raise a brow. "What?"

She shakes her head, a slow smile tugging at her lips. "Nothing. Just… I wasn't sure you two would ever have a civil conversation again."

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