Page 24 of Too Guarded to Love

I know what he tastes like.

Heat blossomed in Olivia’s cheeks. Christ, she’d almost said that out loud. God, she hoped her brother didn’t know about that part. She didn’t need him to revert to the “I’ll kill you if you touch my sister” mode she’d grown up with. “Is Nic here?”

“He’s in the conference room with the rest of the team.”

“I’m guessing you know we were, uh, hanging out in his house while we waited for a tow truck.”

“Oh honey, I know what happened at the beach.” Patience shrugged. “Kane ranted loud enough for our enemies halfway across the globe to hear.”

Olivia winced. “Did my brother beat the crap out of Nic yet?”

Patience laughed. “Not as far as I know.”

“Well, that’s good.” Olivia glanced at the bandage peeking out from the neckline of the scrub top the nurse had helped her change into at the hospital. She wanted answers about why she’d been shot, but she didn’t want to talk about Nic or her brother just yet, and she doubted Patience knew that information.

Sighing, she focused on another topic. “So, can you tell me anything about the brilliant way you attached metal to flesh so beautifully? Seriously, you deserve a medal. I have so many questions for you.”

“Much of it is classified, but I’m happy to share what my security clearances allow.”

“I respect that.”

Jonathan’s voice slipped into her mind. If he were here, he wouldn’t respect what classified meant. Even before their friend status turned to something more, he’d bombarded her with question after question about Kane until steam came out of his ears.

“What techniques did VIPER use to attach the leg?”

“What is his prosthesis made of?”

“Does it enhance his strength or speed?”

“When can we go to DC so I can meet him?”

She couldn’t answer many of his inquiries. Well, at least not until tonight. If her memory from the moments after she was shot was true, Nic did have some sort of superspeed.

On the few occasions she’d seen her brother since VIPER had turned him into a bionic man, he’d shared everything he could. Sure, her curiosity matched Jonathan’s, but the information was classified for a reason. Kane’s assurance the techniques were being developed for the civilian population gave her hope that someday she’d learn everything about the medical marvels that allowed her brother to not just walk again but flourish.

Patience touched the back of Olivia’s hand. “Your vitals look good. Let’s give you a bit longer to rest before your debrief.”

Olivia nodded as she touched Patience’s arm. “Thanks for saving my brother’s career— and his life. The military gives him a purpose. He thrives on his need to serve.” Just like their father had, except he hadn’t gotten a second chance.

Patience patted her hand. “It was my pleasure. I love Kane like he’s my own brother. And like a good sister, I make him babysit so Mama can have a night out now and again.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea? He may be promoting the ‘demolition’ part of ‘demolition twins.’”

“A glass of wine and adult conversation is worth the risk. I need to check on something. Get some rest while I’m gone. If you’re feeling up to it when I get back, I’ll bring you to be debriefed.”

“Do you really think I’m going to rest while my mind is reeling with questions? I’d like to go now.” She lifted her arm off the bed and bit the inside of her cheek to stop wincing. “I feel better already.”

“Liar, but I get it.” Patience turned to the long cabinet against the wall. “Let’s get a sling for that arm before you face our fearless leader, Admiral Edgar. Oh, and I almost forgot. I X-rayed your entire upper body to make sure you didn’t damage anything else. Nic said you hit the ground kind of hard when he tackled you and that you had some intense pain at the hospital. Everything looks good, but there’s a spot on your clavicle.”

“I broke it a few months ago and saw that on the X-ray. I had the area tested, and it’s just a benign lesion.”

“Good.” Patience turned from the cabinet, a black sling clutched in her hands. “Rest up for a few more minutes while I find you clothes to change into.”

“I’ll try.” She was exhausted, but how could she rest with so many uncertainties? The one that was the least important wouldn’t relent.

What about Nic?

Soon she’d face him and find out if the connection she’d felt as strong as a storm over water still charged between them. She hoped it didn’t, so she could chalk up her escapades with her brother’s best friend to a mistake she wouldn’t repeat. But what if the connection with Nic was still there? How would she know if it meant something?

Anxiety, doubt, and anticipation copulated in her belly like a threesome. The question she’d never thought she’d ask and could only be answered by one person emerged from the union of her emotions. “My grandmother. I need to talk to her. Right now. Can you get me a phone?”

Patience’s smile faltered. “Um, about Gran…”