Page 13 of Blood Brother Cursed

“Well, he has you,” she offered, thinking that might help.

“My parents made a deal with the Sextons to help protect their town until they were old enough to manage without my parents. In exchange, my parents were able to find some relief from the persecution they faced back in Europe.”

“Oh. So, your family are refugees?”

He paused. “Sort of. Anyway, I spent a lot of time with the brothers. Well, not really Cooper and Elliott, but the rest of them. I think Cooper’s desire to help was strong even back then because I don’t think they really needed us. They were always a lively bunch, and I loved spending time with them. We became blood brothers when we were old enough to make that choice.Unfortunately, as soon as I felt like I belonged, my parents put me in charge of their company and sent me away.”

She looked at her hands, not sure if he needed comfort or any words of kindness. “It must have been hard.”

“It was bound to happen.”

Astrid glanced over at him. “You sound resigned.”

“Maybe. Any other questions?”

Drumming her fingers on her knee, Astrid wasn’t sure where to start. “I have many. But like you said, I should probably offer you something in exchange. So,” she closed her eyes and tried to tamp down her emotions.

“We are here.” The car stopped, and he opened his door. She looked over, not sure if his sudden interruption of her thoughts was intentional or if there was something else. Then her door opened. “Oh, thank you,” she said, a little confused by the gesture.

Phoenix’s voice was lower as he said, “We can keep talking if we get a seat outside. Will you be able to handle the cooler air?”

Astrid got out of the car and then stopped to gauge her comfort. “It’s a bit chilly. Sorry. I’m just really not used to it being this cool at this time of year.”

“I know what you mean. Louisiana is decidedly warmer and more humid.”

She froze. “I never told you I was from Louisiana.”

“You didn’t have to. The accent is a bit of a giveaway.”

“Is it?”

He smiled at her. “There’s more to it than that, but yeah. I’ve worked with a few people from the state, and no one else sounds like you guys.”

Astrid rubbed her forehead. “I guess we can’t hear our own accents. Man, that’s a bit disappointing.”

“At least it’s a very pleasant, melodic accent.”

Astrid pursed her lips, not sure how to take the compliment. Of course, it wasn’t something anyone back home said – they probably didn’t hear it either. “So, what do you recommend here? Oh, and I should probably warn you that I’m a pescatarian.”

“They have a couple of amazing fish dishes. Personally, I prefer the baked salmon with twice-stuffed potato and asparagus.”

Her mouth started to water. “Ok, now that sounds like a good dinner. Is it expensive?”

“That’s irrelevant. I’m paying, remember?”

“I don’t want your boyfriend to think that you are cheating on him.”

Phoenix sighed and dropped his head back. “Do you want me to invite him?”

“Will I feel like a third wheel?”

Phoenix bit the sides of his cheek, then said, “No. I can guarantee you that is not even remotely close to the emotions you will feel. Besides, he’ll be far more interested in you than me.”

Her eyebrows went up as he opened the door for her. “Are you jealous because of that?”

There was a low snorting sound as she walked past him. “Not in the least.” He came up behind her as she stopped at the host desk. “Table for three outside, please.”

“It’s a bit cool outside. Are you sure you don’t want to sit near the fire?”

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