Page 177 of Into These Eyes
“You bet your arse I am. Oh! I almost forgot,” she says, her eyes lighting up with glee. “I was thinking … if you two get married, you’ll be my brotherandmy brother-in-law, and Jamie’ll be my sisterandmy sister-in-law. How’s that for a mindfuck?”
I shoot a glance at Jamie, and we both crack up. What else can we do but laugh? Anika’s not wrong. It’s a fucking mindfuck.
Way too soon, and nowhere near soon enough, it’s time for Anika to get going. Giving her and Jamie some space, I potter around the kitchen, cleaning up the mess I insisted on dealing with.
When I’m almost done, Jamie wraps her arms around me from behind. “We’ve said our goodbyes. She’s waiting for you in the garage. Apparently, she needs help getting her luggage in the car.”
I turn in her arms and look down at her tear-streaked face. But it’s not entirely sad. She seems content, happy that her sister’s starting her own journey in life.
“Help?” I ask. “Since when does she need help with anything?”
“I think it’s code for ‘I need to say goodbye to the big brother I absolutely adore, so therefore must pretend I need him for something.’”
We smirk at each other. “Nope, doesn’t sound like her at all.”
“Okay. What about, ‘Get my stupid fucking bro out here so he can use those big muscles for something useful.’”
“Better,” I grin. “You okay?”
“I’m fine. Now go.” She shoves me out of the kitchen and into the hallway.
“Don’t disappear on me,” I warn.
“Oh, we’ll see …” she says with a sly smile
I shake my head with a laugh, hoping I appear relaxed. I don’t want her to know how hard my heart’s beating. Now that we can finally be together, nerves are kicking in.Idiot.
Summer heat engulfs me as I step into the garage and squint against the brightness of the sun streaming through the open door.
When I meet Anika at the back of the car, I find she’s already placed her suitcases in the boot.
“Thought you needed help.”
“Yeah, yeah, sure you did,” she smirks.
When I catch her eye, I realise Jamie’s not the only one who’s shed a tear. “Someone squirt you in the face with a hose?” I tease.
“Fuck off,” she bites, then the next second, her arms are around my waist, and I’m hugging her right back.
“She’s really going to miss you,” I tell her. “Guess I will too. Just a smidge.”
She holds me a little tighter, remaining silent for far too long. I don’t rush her. I think she’s only quiet because she can’t speak through her emotions.
Finally, with a thick voice I haven’t heard from her before, she says, “Don’t you ever tell anyone, but I think you’re amazing. I’m pretty fucking happy I have a brother, and that he’s you.”
Coming from her, that admission lights me inside. “Right back at ya, kid.”
Her body vibrates with a laugh as she lets go. Then she meets my eyes.
“As great as you are, Mr. Wonderful, you do anything to hurt my sister, and I’ll hunt you down and put you right back in that cell. Only difference being, you’ll deserve it.”
“That’ll never happen.” I take a deep breath, my gaze unwavering. “I love her, Ank. I’ll never do anything but love her, protect her and look after her the way she’s meant to be cared for.”
She nods, quickly wiping at a stray tear.
Placing a hand on her shoulder, I say, “I’m proud to have you as my sister. You’re one of the best surprises of my life. And I know you’ll be a great cop. Just … be careful, okay?”
A genuine smile blooms on her face, and I pull her back in for a hug. “Now fuck off so I can finally get laid, you little demon.”
