Page 66 of Trust

“From the first time, I saw you in that turquoise bikini.”

“You were rude as hell to me.”

“You were underaged. And you were Ben’s little sister.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Why would that matter?”

“Which one? The underage thing. Because I’m not a groomer. And second, I had promised not to touch you.”

She stepped away from him. “What the hell?”

“I had a reputation. And truthfully, I wouldn’t have had anything to do with you. You were underaged, and that was not me.”

“And since then? Is it because of my brother?”

He shrugged. “And you seemed to hate me. So, I steered clear.”

“I am annoyed.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No. I am annoyed with my brother. He dated a couple of my friends. Granted, it was after we hit eighteen, but I lost friends because he was such an ass. I’ll have a talk with him about that crap.”

She snorted.

“So, Emily isn’t your assistant.”

“Actually, she is. But she has a few extra abilities.”

“Like I can disappear, people,” Emily said from behind him. He jumped because he hadn’t heard her approach.

“Stop telling people that, Em.”

“Why? It’s true.”

Then Emily took two fingers and pointed at her eyes and then at him.

In the next instant, her expression cleared. “Breakfast is ready. Come on.”

He glanced at Lani, and she smiled at him. It was the kind of smile that showed her dimples and had her dark gaze sparkling.

“Did she just threaten me?” he asked.

Lani nodded. “I made sure to tell Mad to make pancakes. I know you love them, and he has a fantastic recipe.”

Jealousy hit him so hard that he almost growled in response. He wasn’t a man who got jealous about his lovers. But the idea that Mad Dog had made her breakfast didn’t sit well.

Her eyes widened. “Did you just growl?”

“No.” Yes. “Maybe.”

“Come on. Let’s eat so we can tell you everything.”

She took his hand, threading her fingers through his, and something in his chest moved. It was like his whole world settled whenever she touched him. Things seemed calmer.

They sat around the table, going over things once again.

“So, when I couldn’t reach you, I ran.”

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