Page 13 of Dangerous Attraction

"So she isn't in college?"

I'm confused by my own curiosity. I snatch my gaze away from the stairs, focusing on my little brother instead as he shifts in his seat, shaking his head.

"She dropped out before summer break."

"Why?"

His eyes meet mine, and he shrugs.

"It's not my story to tell, man."

"Well, I'm going to need to know more than that if she's going to be working under my roof, Liam."

"I can't give you any more," he says, gaze trailing to the stairs as she reappears. "Just know I need her to get this job, and I'm begging you to look out for her."

I scoff. "I'm not a babysitter."

Standing from the table, he inches his way out of the booth, peering down at me with desperation.

"I'm not asking you to babysit her. She'd kick my ass if I did. I just need someone to keep an eye on her in case something happens, because she'll try her hardest to hide it from me."

My brows draw down, and I cross my arms over my chest. I watch my brother paint a smile on his face when his redheaded friend moves toward us.

Usually, I'm unbothered by people I don't know. I never have the urge to want to know them, but when it has to do with my brother, I can't help but find myself intrigued.

Liam's a good kid, and he has potential for a good life.

I'm protective of that.

It's the main reason I allowed my father to push me away from him for years.

If this woman starts working here, it puts Liam's future in jeopardy.

I can tell he cares for her, and that's an issue, because if she's here, he will be too, and I won't stand for that.

But, if he thinks I'm looking out for her, then maybe he'll still keep his distance.

She links her arm through his when she reaches the table, and flashes him a timid smile.

"I got the job," she mutters. "I also met the President guy you were talking about. He was nice."

Liam's brows raise in surprise, and I'm sure mine do too.

"Callux was nice?" he asks.

She nods. "Seemed a little grouchy, but he gave me the job and told me I can start tomorrow, so yeah, I'd say he was nice."

Liam sighs, and pulls her into a hug, his eyes connecting with mine over her shoulder.

I can see the question he's silently asking me, and although I huff in annoyance, I subtly nod.

Relief instantly spreads across his face, and he mouths "Thank you" before loosening his hold on her.

Trix turns to face me. Her eyes bounce across my face and my arms, assessing me while I take my time doing the same to her.

Now she's closer, I can see the freckles scattered across the bridge of her nose and the tops of her cheeks, and the slight blue hue in the center of her deep green eyes.

She's strikingly beautiful.