I took Grae’s hand and squeezed, sending her silent encouragement.
She glanced at me and then looked at her brother. “Sometimes, it’s a little much. But I know it comes from a place of love, so I try to deal with it.”
Nash ran a hand through his blond hair. “But dealing with it means hiding things from us because you feel like you have no other choice.”
“Sometimes,” Grae admitted.
“I’m so damn sorry. I should’ve seen it before now. But I swear to you that things will be different.”
She swallowed. “It’d be nice to feel like I don’t have to hide things from you.”
“Teammates. Not taking over. That sound good?” Nash asked.
“That sounds good.”
Nash grinned and shook his head. “Anyone who comes at you has to deal with a knife-wielding badass. So, really, it should be you protecting me.”
I chuckled. “You’ve got a point there.”
Nash stood and looked my way. “Thanks for seeing my sister for who she really is. And for making sure the rest of us see it, too.”
I got to my feet and pulled him in for a back-slapping hug. “It’s impossible not to. She burns way too brightly.”
I followed Nash to the front door. Opening it, I took in the police cruiser in my drive and the two officers seated inside.
Nash paused in the entryway. “She’s lucky to have you.”
I stilled. “I’m the lucky one.”
“You both are.” He glanced out toward his SUV. “I’ll talk to our brothers and get them to back off a little. But it won’t be easy. We’re all used to protecting her. It was always our job.”
“No one’s saying you can’t now. Just thatshehas to be a part of it. Don’t steal her power.”
Nash nodded. “I see it now. I really do. I’m just pissed as hell that it took me this long.”
I met his gaze. “What matters is that you see it now and are willing to change things. Not every family is. It just shows how amazing yours is.”
He studied me for a moment. “You know you’re a part of that, right? Family isn’t always blood. Sometimes, it’s the people we choose to walk beside. And that has always been you, brother.”
My throat constricted as I struggled to swallow. “Love you, man.”
“Love you, too. Brother for life.”
His words meant more than Nash would ever know.
I cleared my throat. “Now, get out of here before I go back to Grae crying. She’ll use her knives on you.”
Nash barked out a laugh. “Can’t risk that.” He headed down the steps. “Call if you need anything.”
I gave him a wave and then closed and locked the door. Setting the alarm, I headed back into the living room.
Grae was right where I’d left her, but silent tears tracked down her face, glistening in the low light.
The sight was a sucker punch to the gut. I crossed the room in five long strides, picking her up and cradling her in my lap. “Gigi…”
Her breath hitched between silent sobs. “Do you know that I love it when you call me that?”
I held her tighter against me. “I thought you hated it.”
