“Be honest with me.” Brody’s voice slaps me out of the violent thoughts.
“Always,” I say without hesitation.
“Do you love her?” He lifts his chin at Bianca, as if there’s any confusion.
I almost swallow my damn tongue and shoot a glance at the woman of my dreams. She’s too preoccupied with her own conversation to overhear ours. Thank fuck for small miracles.
“Not sure how to answer that,” I mutter.
His gaze slides to me. “I asked for the truth.”
My stare lifts to the wood beams on the ceiling. “I know my place, boss.”
“That wasn’t my question.”
It’s seems like such a simple thing to admit, but there’s nothing simple about my feelings for Bianca. This obsessionconsumes every part of me. It can’t be summed up in a single word. The constant burn in my chest lurks just beneath the surface. I’m a bomb waiting to explode, releasing the savage destruction.
But I tell him the short version that he expects to hear. “Yes.”
Brody’s nod is sharp and concise. “Good.”
I find myself faltering again. “Good?”
“That’s why I trust you to guard her. This isn’t just another job for you.”
Which echoes my sole purpose. “Her safety is what matters most. Always.”
“I believe that. With your heart involved, you’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.”
“I’ll never act on my feelings.” It seems important to admit that.
A crease appears between his eyebrows. “Why not?”
The reasons pile up like a multi-vehicle collision. “Won’t let it cloud my judgment.”
“Only adds to your dedication,” he counters.
“Don’t deserve her, boss. You know what I’ve done. What I’m capable of doing again.” The scabs on my knuckles suddenly feel like stains on my soul.
His loud scoff gathers the attention from several nearby tables. He ignores their curious looks. “She could do a lot worse than you, Colt. And I doubt there’s anyone better.”
Any lingering doubt that he views us on uneven ground vanishes. In this moment, we’re equal. His vocal acceptance heals something that I assumed was beyond repair. It must show on my face and Brody chuckles.
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, big guy. Just because I approve doesn’t mean she will. My sister is pissed at you.”
“I was following orders.”
“Which I appreciate.”
“Bianca doesn’t,” I grumble.
He peers at his sister while she flails her arms to animate a point. “She can be a tad… unreasonable. Stubborn too. Her grudges have the tendency to last longer than a summer drought.”
“I don’t mind.”
His eyes widen. “Damn, you’re really fucked.”
“What else is new?” Never stood a chance after the way I was raised.
