Page 78 of Brutal Sin

Cassie released a huff of laughter. “No. Like I said, Bryan doesn’t open up. We have to watch and take subtle hints. He started smiling instead of bearing his usual scowl. He was joking around a lot more, too. Leo and T.J. tracked his unusual behavior, and you were their conclusion.” Cassie paused, probably waiting for a reaction Pamela wasn’t willing to give. “You’re the only one who’s been close with him lately. Which is why I thought, if I came here and begged, maybe you’d speak tohim.”

Kim cleared her throat, the noise a subtle warning not to take thebait.

“Look, I understand your position and the concern.” Pamela shot a look at her sister, then returned her focus to Cassie. “But what Bryan wants is for me to stay away. He made that clear.”

“Are you sure? Telling you about his mother is a huge move for him. It’s more than he’s ever given me, and I’ve been his friend for years.”

“Cassie, he literally slept with me and five seconds later told me our association was over. Five seconds,” she repeated. “Maybe eventwo.”

The woman winced.

“See?” She slid back to the coffee machine to keep her hands busy. “I’m sorry I can’t helpyou.”

“You won’t eventry?”

“Why is she obligated to?” Kim grated. “He discarded her like garbage.”

“Don’t—” Pamela pressed her lips tight, breathing through the need to defend him. Kim was right. But her stupid, idiotic heart didn’t like hearing the truth from someoneelse.

“You like him.” Cassie’s expression softened, the friendship turning to compassion.

“Understatement.” Kim scoffed.

“Kim.” She scowled at her sister. “Go finish up outback.”

“Sorry. Was that supposed to be a secret?”

No. But it was personal. She didn’t want Cassie sliding her into the Brute-groupie category, even though that was exactly where she needed to be. “Give me a minute, okay?”

Her sister sighed and made for the kitchen doors.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to make this harder on you.” Cassie’s voice held sincerity. “If it makes you feel any better, I think you’re the reason he’s been in seclusion for the last few weeks. He’s showing signs of heartbreak.”

“Pfft. I’m not convinced he has a heart atall.”

Cassie’s lips thinned into a sad smile. “Do you really believethat?”

Yes.

No.

Christ, she didn’t know what to believe anymore. “I think you need to ask him about his family. Maybe then he’ll talk to you about his mother.”

“Okay.” Cassie gave a solemn nod. “But I still think he’d really appreciate seeingyou.”

“If he needs me, he knows where to findme.”

“You’ve gotta understand, a man like Bryan won’t ask for help in words. He’s not going to blurt it out. What he’s doing is showing how badly he needs someone, and the four of us—Shay, Leo, T.J., and myself—aren’t good enough. He needsyou.”

“This isn’t fair.” If he’d made a mistake and wanted to see her again, he needed to come crawling back. Not the other way around.

“He’s a good man, Pamela. He’s one of the best. He just doesn’t like to showit.”

“I know.” She’d figured that out herself, which had made his rejection all the harder to bear. He was a great guy, who shared a sexual attraction with her, and still he preferred to be alone.

Cassie backtracked toward the door. “Well, if you change your mind, or want to talk, you can always find me at theclub.”

“Wait.” Pamela grabbed the envelope and rushed around the counter. “I don’t wantthis.”

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