Page 81 of Stealing Blinds

But it isn’t Axel who answers. It’s Jax.

“For everything.”

Sylvie hasn’t left my room, not even for the girls. They’ve made sure she’s eating since I’ve been trying to give her space. I do intend to sleep beside her tonight, whether she wants me there or not.

I’ve spent the majority of the day oscillating between wanting to take her and flee and needing to tell her how entangled she is with something important to my family. But at the root of both desires is this craving for her to assure me she sees more than one part of me, that there’s something here.

It’s all such a goddamn mess. I didn’t stick around to find out what Axel had in mind for Sylvie. I don’t want to be in on any planning so she has yet another reason to believe I’m some fucking asshole trying to use her. Axel isn’t an asshole either. I know his only motive is to get to the bottom of who’s putting Rena in danger. I want that too. And I do trust that he wouldn’t sacrifice Sylvie to do it, but he would absolutely stretch things further than I’m willing to let them be stretched. So would Jax—because Rena means everything to him.

All they can see is protecting her. I love my sister and would do anything to keep her safe.

Almost anything.

I won’t put Sylvie in the line of fire to do it. I’m not sure what that says about the kind of brother I am.

It’s after ten, and I’m on the rooftop, in our entertainment area. I’ve been swimming laps, hoping to wear myself out so I don’t drown my sorrows in another vat of alcohol. And as I’m coming up for air, my phone does that weird video-call ring. Only one of my siblings would attempt that, and I’m pretty sure I know which one it is tonight.

I hoist myself onto the travertine, grab a towel, and check my phone to find the little princess’s face on it. She doesn’t call me that often. It’s generally texting or video-chatting with the whole family. I’m guessing Jax is behind it. Or maybe Axel. Either way, I answer, excited for the opportunity to catch up.

“Hey, shortcake.”

“Hey. Nice view,” she says dreamily. Her pink-and-blonde hair is pulled back in a ponytail, her eyes are a bit tired, and that longing in her voice is because her husband practically has her locked down at their French chateau due to the issues they’ve had. Still, she flaunts her bright smile. “What are you up to tonight?”

I rake my fingers through my wet hair. “Swimming.”

“Brooding,” she counters.

“Since when have I ever brooded?”

“You suffer in silence, my friend.” As if on cue, she plays Simon & Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence.”

A laugh bursts out of me. “Get outta here with that shit. You and Maddox and your well-timed playlists.”

“It’s a gift.” She beams.

Fuck, I’ve missed having her around. She lightens everything.

“Sure is.” I make myself comfortable on one of our cushioned loungers, sitting back with my arm bent behind my head. “So, catch me up on the babies and husband and all the family things. How are you, oh wise one?”

“Lyric and Lennon are good, talking up a storm. And so naughty that I’m pretty sure they’re my karma. Ty is the most amazing dad, but an even better husband. He’s busy saving his corner of the world. The rest of the family keeps life fun.” She widens her green-hazel eyes. “And I’m pregnant.”

“Congrats.” I shoot upright, unable to lounge with that news. “I didn’t know.”

“We haven’t told anyone yet, so don’t squeal to Axel or Jax or the rest of the family.”

I’m not sure why that chokes me up, but I have to clear my throat before I respond, “Well, I’m honored. And surprised—that you told me first.”

Her face softens, like that saddens her. “It’s been too long since you and I have shared something.”

“Yeah.” I glance at the twinkling cityscape, beneath the cloudy sky, and wonder how things change so drastically and stay the same, all at once. “So, you’ll have two-year-old twins and a newborn. In a house with other couples and other babies. Anyone ever tell you your life is weird?”

“Yeah.” She belts out a sleepy giggle. “You. And Jax.”

“Juggling motherhood is exhausting, huh?”

“It can be. I’m sure it’s not a life you can envision, but I’m fulfilled.” She swallows her own lump of emotion. “Makes me feel like Mom would be proud.”

“She definitely would.” I expel a choppy breath, harboring the same ache my brothers carry over Rena being so close to us yet a world away. “And I … I think you’re building an amazing life for yourself.”