Page 165 of Ravaged Soul
“Why didn’t you ask Warner here to help?” Tom gently sets his laptop down on the coffee table. “He sure looked confident while trying to tie his tongue with yours out there.”
“Excuse me?” Ember coughs.
“Give it up. I know how to work my own security cameras.”
Seeing Tom stand up to his full height, holding the weight he’s managed to gain during his time in the hospital, I back up a couple of steps. That beer is going to be in my face. I just know it.
“Listen, Tom…”
“My sister,” he deadpans.
I slowly lick my suddenly dry lips. “Yeah.”
“My fucking sister, Warner.”
“Yes… I’m aware of who she is.”
“You’re a little more than aware,” Tom cuts back with acid ferocity. “By the look of things, you’re well acquainted with the one person I told you to protect with your life.”
“I’ve done exactly that.”
“Did I tell you to fuck her too?”
“Tom!” Jamie gasps from the kitchen.
“That’s out of order.” Ember protectively steps up to my side. “My relationship with Warner is none of your business. Frankly, if you acted rationally where my safety is concerned, I would’ve told you sooner.”
“Sooner? How bloody long has this been going on?”
Ember’s poised to leap into an almighty argument that we all know she’ll win. Likely by having to storm out the same way she did when we hired her. This time, I save her the effort.
“I love her,” I blurt out.
The apartment falls silent. Jamie has abandoned his meal prep while Tom blankly stares at me, condensation from the beer dribbling over his hand. Beside me, Ember freezes still, daring to peek a glance up at my face.
“I’ve been in love with your sister for a very long time. I’m sorry that it took so long to tell you, but I was terrified of jeopardising our friendship. You’re family to me, Tom. You gave me a home.”
“And now?” Tom interrogates. “You just decided to stop caring?”
“No, of course not. But I can’t pretend like I don’t love your sister. Not anymore. I’ve done nothing but hurt her by keeping my distance for so long, and I refuse to do it for a second longer.”
“She’s your co-worker! Your friend!”
“Ember’s far more than that, and she always has been.”
In spiralling desperation, Tom looks to his other half. I’m prepared for Jamie to join the Warner hate train when he steps out of the kitchen, looking appraisingly between us.
“What are you so tangled up about?” He laughs. “They look good together.”
“Jamie!” Tom’s eyes bug out. “He’s my best friend!”
“And she’s your sister. Who better to look after her?”
“Excuse me.” Ember holds up a hand. “I don’t need anyone to look after me.”
“True.” Jamie indulgently smiles at her. “Okay, then who better to look after Warner than your awesome, kickass, secret agent sister?”
“Better,” Ember hums approvingly.
