Page 52 of Brutal Sin

Chapter Thirteen

Five past ninecame soon enough for Bryan not to have to think too much about what the hell he’d instigated. He had better things to do than teach a woman how to listen to her own instincts. But here he stood, leaning against his car, in front of her building while he stared at his watch.

He didn’t expect her to be early. Didn’t even anticipate she’d be on time. She’d need to retaliate, at least a little, before she gave in and realized she wasn’t going to find the right guy without assistance.

She needed his help, maybe even wanted it. The confusing part was why he gave a shit. He supposed he didn’t like anyone leaving the Vault unsatisfied. The low enjoyment rating came as a personal blow as much as a professional one. And he still needed her assistance for the demonstration.

So, technically, this was business.

He’d scratch her back. She’d scratchhis.

She was also a distraction. The only thing capable of keeping his mind off Tampa, family, and throat-clogging hate. Annoying Ella made the other shit in his life disappear. At least temporarily. The time alone, backed up against his car, made all the thoughts flood to the forefront.

He stared at the yellow glow from the window he guessed was hers and waited for the lights tofade.

They didn’t.

Not after one minute. Not even afterfive.

His cell vibrated in his back pocket, the intrusion a mental and physical pain in his ass, but a better source of entertainment than a pane of glass. He pulled out the device, scowled at Leo’s name, and pressed connect. “Yeah?”

“Shay thinks you’re high on the latest designer drug because of your unnaturally good mood this afternoon. What gives?”

Bryan thought back on the last six hours and refused to acknowledge what might have made a big enough change in his attitude for someone to notice. There was only one thing. More specifically, one person. “I’ve been testing a new powder on the market,” he drawled. “I thought about selling it on the sly to the younger ravers.”

There was more than a beat of silence. “You’re joking, right?”

“What do you want, Leo? I’mbusy.”

“Doingwhat?”

“Your mother. So, if you don’t mind, it’s time to lubeup.”

“Fucking Shay,” Leo muttered. “I don’t know why she thought you were acting oddly cheery lately. You’re still the same asshole you’ve alwaysbeen.”

Bryan grinned. This was how they rolled. Their friendship grew with the help of cheap shots and quick comebacks. “Is that the only reason for thecall?”

“No. I wanted to know what steps you’ve taken to fix the issue in the Vault.”

“I’m working on it.” He kept staring at Ella’s window and wondered about the seductive possibilities of what she might be wearing.

“How? I need details. Cassie and T.J. want an update.”

“I told you Ella would do the demonstration, and she will.” He swallowed, clearing the dryness from his throat. For once, confidence didn’t coat his tone. His words fell flat under uncertainty. “I’ll confirm the deal tonight.”

“Confirm the deal? Is that what the kids are calling it these days?” Leo chuckled. “She’s the reason for the drug high, isn’t she? Does the big, bad Brute have a crush?”

Bryan scowled, wishing the look could make its way through to Leo’s phone. “This big, bad Brute is going to crush your face if you don’t leave me alone to fix thismess.”

The chuckle turned into unrestrained laughter. “I nailed it, didn’t I? You like this woman.”

“Of course,” Bryan grated. “You nailed it just as hard as I’ll nail Shay the next time you work a late shift.”

The delirious mirth increased. “Are you on adate?”

“Goodbye, Leo.”

“It isadate.”

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