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“What kind of business?” I question and keep my attention on her lips.
“The kind where one of our sisters had a guy she was seeing turn out to be a fucked-up creep. One who thought it was okay to drug her before she fell asleep so he could tie her up and molest her in any way he wanted to. She thought she was losing her mind and couldn’t place the bruises and soreness of her body. We put a camera in place to confirm our suspicions and we managed to catch him on video putting something in her water and how he tied her up. We put a stop to it when he was about to put his dick inside her.”
My anger is skyrocketing but Cassia shakes her head.
“It gets worse. The fucker attacked Medley and she threw a punch at the fucker when the police showed up. Hell, we were the ones who called the police but he claimed he was the victim, can you believe it? We have evidence but the whole he said, she said, and them having a relationship and all…it’s difficult and the fucker walked right out of the sheriff’s office a few hours later. He didn’t press charges against Medley but managed to sweet-talk the sheriff into believing it was all a misunderstanding. Lovers’ quarrel, sisters backing one another up, and blowing things out of proportion. He told the sheriff he understood how it looked but that it was a consensual occurrence in their relationship. Ramona is completely withdrawn. Like I said, fucked-up timing.”
I rub a hand over my face and grumble, “And you wonder why I want you away from this place and to come live near me. For fuck’s sake what is all this shit?”
Cassia grabs my wrist to make our gaze collide. “Life is fucked up, I don’t need to remind you of all the bad shit you and your buddies have encountered, right?”
The challenge lies heavy between us and I reluctantly admit, “Right.”
“Good, now let’s grab that beer together and I might ask Medley to give you a room for a few nights so we can catch up before you head back to your life while I continue to live mine the way I choose, okay?”
“Fuck,” I mutter but my lips are twitching. “Still as stubborn as I remember you to be growing up.”
The grin she gives me warms my heart and I pull her into a hug.
“Don’t ever change,” I rumble and place a kiss on the top of her head.
Glancing up I notice Medley leaning against the doorjamb. She’s watching us with her arms crossed in front of her chest. I can see the appreciation written on her face as she lifts her chin and retreats into the room once again.
Cassia pulls back and drags me off toward the bar. The hours slide by between drinking beer and chatting along and I realize I might have needed this more than my sister. Her closeness, our mindless talks about anything and everything, joking around, and just spending some quality time together.
Instead of staying a few days I could easily extend my trip into a week or maybe two, or however long it takes to enjoy my time here.
CHAPTER THREE
– MEDLEY –
I drop my pen and start to rub my eyes. Good thing I only use a dash of makeup when I go to the bar or something along those lines. I mentally snort. I can’t even remember the last time I went out. Not that I miss it. I prefer the work around the ranch and riding my bike above anything else.
Well, maybe not the administrative side of things with the laptop in front of me along with the little notepad I scribbled my to-do list on so I won’t forget to order the supplies after I’ve done the books.
“Long day?” a male voice rumbles from my right.
I drop my hands and blink a few times to see Ivar standing in the doorway. Glancing at the time on the laptop I notice it’s almost two AM. Damn.
Remembering what Cassia mentioned about her brother, I make sure to face him completely, allowing him to read my lips when I tell him, “Time just keeps slipping away from me.”
He nods and steps into church. “I’ve been meaning to thank you for what you said a few days ago.”
“About life making you a bigger dick than you already are?” I ask sweetly.
I take joy in the way his eyes narrow but he’s right, it’s been a long day. “Cassia dropped by earlier tonight when she asked if it was okay for you to stay here a couple of days. She also mentioned you dropped the whole dragging her off into the city to come live with you. I guess I’m the one who would like to say thanks to you. The smile on her face was something she needed for sure. I’m glad you two reconnected.”
I reach for the laptop and shut the thing down. Closing my notebook, I grab everything and lock it up in the cabinet.
“I appreciate the hospitality,” he rumbles.
Nodding, I give him a smile. “Don’t mention it.”
Set to stroll past him, he stops me by wrapping his fingers around my wrist. Sparks of awareness heat my skin at the mere touch and my heartrate picks up.
“How about we have a little nightcap?” His voice is husky and the line he just gave me hints for more than just sharing a drink.
Our gaze connects and it’s the desire overtaking his pupils that makes me bold and daring enough to blurt, “If you’re offering a one-time between the sheets deal, I’m all for it. But I don’t do social get togethers or long-term shit because you and I both know you won’t stick around. And it would stay between us, no one will ever know.”
