Brian didn’t chase me or stop me from leaving his condo. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that until the elevator doors closed. I pressed my forehead against the cool metal, letting the tears finally flow. As strong as I liked to think I was, Brian’s rejection hurt. But it wouldn’t break me. I knew Duke’s overprotectiveness came from love, but I couldn’t allow my brother to rule my life anymore.
Regardless, I also couldn’t force a man to give into his desires.
As Dillon had warned—and he was right—Brian would never break the bro code he had with Duke.
But some rules were meant to be broken.
14
BRIAN
Isped down the highway at eighty miles an hour en route from Boston to Connecticut, keeping up with traffic as dark clouds skated across the sky. A late snowstorm was on the horizon, which wasn’t unusual for March in New England.
I laughed at how I was going through a storm of my own. I’d officially only moved into my condo on Monday, which was two days ago, and I was itching to get out of the city and away from my problems.
Duke had called and texted, but I couldn’t deal with him right now. Not after that mind-blowing kiss with Grace. What the fuck had I been thinking? Guilt sat heavy in my gut, and I was afraid I couldn’t face my best friend. Hell, I knew I couldn’t. He would see right through me.
I was relieved that I hadn’t heard from Grace. I almost chased after her as she stomped out of my condo, but nothing good would come of us being together, except broken bones and shattered hearts.
Since our kiss, I hadn’t been able to sleep, eat, or concentrate. The day before, I’d tried to track down Chris Vargas but didn’t have any luck. Then I putzed around Boston, visiting my oldhangouts, mainly a bar that I used to frequent. I did anything to stay away from my condo in the event Duke, or Grace, or even Arturo had decided to pay me a visit.
But the next few days would be all about my daughter and her scholarship banquet. I couldn’t wait to see her. I also couldn’t wait to spend time with her. It had been too long since she and I had any quality time together.
My phone rang, shutting down the radio. I tapped the green icon to answer Chris Vargas’s call.
“Brian McCauley,” Chris said after the line connected. “I miss your ass.”
I belted out a hearty laugh. “Can’t say I miss yours. How’s business?”
“Sucks without you leading the charge. I miss Rosario for sure. Arturo’s lieutenant, Jorge Moreno, is a fuckup. I heard you’re looking for me. So, are you back in Boston and running shit?”
“Afraid not. I made a one-time deal with the devil, and I need your help. Do you know anything about Arturo’s stolen drug shipment?”
“Nope, but it explains why I haven’t received my last load from Jorge. I can make some calls. Though, if you want my honest gut feeling, I think Arturo’s men are screwing him.”
“My thoughts too.”
“My money is on Jorge.”
“That wouldn’t be good for Jorge,” I said.
Chris sighed. “I really wish you were at the helm again. It’s been chaos without you.”
As much as I missed the adrenaline rushes, I couldn’t go back. “Call me when you find out something. Oh, and Chris, watch your back. Feds are sniffing up Arturo’s ass.”
“Thanks,” he said. “I’m always careful. I’ll be in touch.”
I had barely hung up with Chris when Fran called.
“I’m almost there,” I said when I answered.
“You sound mad, Dad. Is everything okay?” she asked, sounding horrified.
I briefly closed my eyes, blowing out a quiet breath. “I’m sorry. There are idiots on the road,” I lied through my teeth. “I’ll be there soon.”
I had a mile before I exited the highway and enough time to pull myself out of my grumpy-ass mood.
“I’ll meet you outside my dorm.” She sounded excited, which made my heart happy. “We’ll eat lunch at the restaurant on campus, if that’s okay. I have a class later this afternoon.”
