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“So tell me about Anya.”
Conrad choked on a fry. He coughed and hit his hand on his chest. “How… How do you know about her?”
“Russian crime family, Conrad. Secrets always find a way of coming out. What the fuck were you thinking, sleeping with Abram’s daughter?”
“I didn’t know she was the daughter of a crime boss. It was just one time. Nothing remotely memorable other than she was a virgin and cried during sex. Damn, it was awkward.” He took a monster bite of his burger.
I groaned and covered my eyes with my hand. This was my idiot brother. I wouldn’t tell him Abram wanted him dead, even after paying off his debt. Why freak the dude out?
“You know, if something ever happened to me, you’d be on your own. You need to take life more seriously. Get a job. Start providing for yourself. I can’t be your crutch anymore.”
Conrad stopped eating and stared at me. “Are you sick? Do you have cancer or something? Are you dying?”
“No, I’m not sick and don’t have cancer. But nobody lives forever. We saw that with Mom. Her life was cut short when she was only thirty-eight. And my work can be dangerous.”
“Are you dealing with something dangerous right now? Whatever it was you were doing yesterday and today?”
I crossed my arms over my chest. “Yes.” It wasn’t a complete lie. Someone was stalking Simone. We didn’t know who or what he might be capable of.
Conrad sat for a moment, zoning out. I could tell he was worried.
“Hey.”
He flicked his eyes to mine.
“Tomorrow isn’t promised. It’s time you got a job and stopped gambling. I won’t always be here to bail you out.”
“I feel like there’s something you’re not telling me.”
I stared at my brother. He was a good-looking guy with dark, curly hair and rich brown skin. He liked to have fun, live a little on the edge, and take chances—too many chances. He was even a bit of a goofball, but he had a good heart.
“I’m worried about you, that’s all.” My phone chimed. I took it out and read the text.
York: Done. If I hear anything, I’ll let you know.
Axel: Thanks
“I don’t even know what to do with my life. Gambling is all I know.”
“It’s an addiction, Conrad. We’ve been through this. Let me put you in treatment again. Make a fresh start. Don’t you want to fall in love and have a family?” A sharp pain in my chest made me wince.
“Like you, Mr. Forever Bachelor?” Conrad laughed, shoving fries into his mouth. “I don’t see you falling in love and talking babies.”
“That’s because we’re different.”
“Is it because of Jennie? She was your first love but, man, she shouldn’t be your only.”
Jennie wasn’t my only. Hell, now I didn’t even know if what I’d felt for her really was love. I was young when I thought I loved her. I hadn’t really dated before her, so when this blonde beauty paid attention to me and kissed me sweetly, I believed she was the one. Now I wasn’t so sure it was real love. Everything had happened fast with Jennie, too fast. I think I became a Ranger and volunteered for jobs when they were offered to avoid her.
It wasn’t until Simone entered my life like a ray of sunshine and dripping with sass I questioned if I’d ever been in love before. But I couldn’t have Simone. Not kids or forever. It sucked, too, because I think I wanted it all with her.
“Naw, man. I’m just a grumpy bastard. No woman wants to put up with my ass.” I flashed him a cocky grin. My small attempt to lighten the mood.
“No woman but Jennie.” He clucked his tongue and winked. “Damn, I miss her. She was the best.”
That pain in my chest returned. Simone was the best woman I’d ever known. She loved her family deeply, even those who didn’t deserve it, like her parents. She was selfless, supported her brother, and she was going to be an awesome aunt. Hell, I’d bet she would be a terrific mother too. I hated myself for what I did to her earlier today. And hearing Conrad talk up Jennie felt wrong. It felt like a betrayal to Simone. It’s shouldn’t, but my brother didn’t know about the woman who owned my heart. He would never get the chance to meet her or see what a beautiful person she was inside and out.
“Listen, I have to go to work. I won’t be back tonight.” I got up and grabbed my duffle bag.
