Page 81 of Erik's Salvation
Erik nodded. “Yeah. Mom in particular. But everyone understands it’s his job. I think Mom’s just been happy to have all three of her kids in the same town at one time. That hasn’t happened in years.”
She wet her lips and began to trace a vein on the back of his hand. The closer they drew to his family’s house, the higher her nerves peaked.
When he finally pulled into a long drive, her eyes widened. “Holy shit, your parents livehere?”
Her gaze brushed over the multistory brick facade. The high, perfectly cut hedges and massive doorway. The place was a mansion.
So, it wasn’t just Erik who had money.
“Yeah. They’re comfortable.”
She laughed. “Comfortable is code for rich. Did you grow up here?”
“I did. Both my dad and his dad, Stanley, were great businessmen and investors.”
Uh, yeah, she could see that. She tilted her head, trying to get a better view from the passenger seat. Erik just shook his head and climbed out of the car.
They were halfway to the entrance when she touched his arm. “Hey. Before we go in, I just want to check in on you after what happened with Marco yesterday. You have to do a job with him now?”
A job she had no idea about, other than he didn’t want to do it. She felt him tense.
“Yeah. I’ll be okay.”
Okay? That’s whatshesaid when thingsweren’tokay, but she didn’t want to go into detail. “I’m just…I’m sorry. That you have to do something you don’t want to do because he targeted me.”
He stopped at the door and turned to cup her cheek. “Hey. You do not need to apologize for that scumbag.”
“I know. But I’m worried.”
“Don’t be. I can take care of myself.” One side of his mouth kicked up. “Haven’t you heard? I’m badass.”
She smiled. How the man could put her at ease so quickly, she had no idea. “Really?”
“Mm-hmm.” He lowered his head. The rhythm of her heart sped up. His lips were almost touching hers when the door opened. She gasped, and Erik’s jaw ticked as they both turned to see his sister, Andi, standing in the doorway.
“Sorry, am I interrupting a moment?” Mischief gleamed in her eyes.
Hannah laughed.
Erik straightened before leaning forward and kissing his sister’s cheek. “Timing is impeccable as always, A.”
She lifted a shoulder, a ghost of a smile still on her face. Hannah stepped forward and Andi tugged her into a hug. The embrace felt oddly familiar, like she’d known this woman a lot longer than she actually had.
Before separating, Andie whispered in her ear, “I’m so glad he has you.” She pulled back but kept hold of Hannah’s shoulders. “I was wondering when the big grump would bring you to a dinner.”
Erik shook his head, his hand returning to Hannah’s waist as he tugged her inside. Her mouth dropped open at the sight of the grand staircase. At the crystal chandelier that centered the entrance.
The place was just as grand on the inside as it was on the outside.
Erik led her to the right, into a beautiful formal sitting room, which opened into a huge dining room and kitchen.
An older man stood from the couch and moved forward. She recognized him as someone who’d visited Stanley regularly, although she’d never met him. “Hi, son.”
“Dad, this is Hannah. Hannah, this is my father, Michael Hunter.”
He beamed at her. “It’s nice to meet you, Hannah,” he said, before kissing her cheek.
A younger guy, the same man she’d seen leaving Erik’s house not that long ago, stepped forward. “And I’m the better-looking brother, Nate.” He leaned forward and kissed her cheek too.
