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Docking his phone, he synced it to the truck and played some music. Halfway back to his place, his brother called.
“Well?” he snapped by way of answering. “Where is she?”
“You’re well? Wonderful to hear that, Hastings. Yes, I’m fine here also, as is your sister-in-law, thanks for asking.” Bradford’s tone was dry.
“We can do touchy-feely shit later. Did you find out where she was?” He slowed for a stoplight.
“I did, and you can say thank you now.”
“Tell me and I’ll consider it.”
His brother tutted. “That’s not how this works. I found out. You thank me and I’ll tell you.”
“I’m going to fucking kill you.” The words were low and growled.
“That’s not going to get you the answers you want.”
“Bradford. I will come there and beat the shit out of you then ask your wife. Tell me what I need to know.”
“Bradford Rhodes, you tell your brother what he wants to know or you’re sleeping on the couch.”
He smiled even as he slowed for the turn into his complex. Iris was definitely a keeper.
“Listen to your wife, Bradford.”
“The two of you don’t need to gang up on me,” he protested. “I’m sending you the location. But don’t get out of your truck. Just look at the text.”
Excitement lanced through him, and he took the closest spot and locked his gaze on his phone screen.
“Send it already.” He hung up on his brother.
When the address filled his screen, heat hit him and he groaned. Close. She was so fucking close. Driving out of the lot, he turned his truck in the necessary direction then punched the gas.
* * * *
Violet rubbed the nape of her neck as she walked down to the small bubbling brook by the building she’d just exited. She was unsettled.
I don’t want to think about why that is.
She didn’t have to, the facts were staring her right in the face. Hastings Rhodes.
Part of her had expected him to come after her, even though she’d snuck out in the middle of the night. Or morning, because he hadn’t given her a chance to rest until early in the morning. Lying pressed up to him had been incredible. Okay, the night they’d spent together had been fucking incredible. But she’d not gone to sleep, she had lain there waiting until he’d succumbed to honest slumber.
Then she’d made her escape, denying every demand and every scream her body gave that she was supposed to be with that man right there.
But he hadn’t come. It had been three months since their night together.
“You know, this mood you’re in is of your own making.”
She didn’t even turn to look at the man who walked up beside her. Not even when he leaned on the bridge railing and rubbed his shoulder against hers.
“Do you really think that ignoring me will make me go away?”
“I can always hope, Ren.”
He wrapped his arm around her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You can, that is true. But I love you too much to let you continue to wallow.”
Tingles ran over her and she stiffened. No way. Ren glanced at her, one eyebrow up.
She didn’t have a chance to say anything before a familiar voice interrupted them.
“Three months, Curls. Not even one hundred days since you snuck out of my bed in the morning after we fucked all night long. Why is some other man holding you and talking about love?”
Ren turned, bringing her with him, and she didn’t have to look at his face to know he was taunting Hastings.
“Don’t,” she said to her brother. “Please.”
Hastings reached out to her, but Ren did a Ren move and got her away from his grasp.
Both men growled and she rolled her eyes then stepped between them. “Stop this. Both of you.”
The man she wanted more than she cared to admit reached for her again and she held still. Not moving. He curved his hand around her upper arm and tugged her close.
“Who is he?”
“Hastings, this is my brother Ren.”
“Brother?”
“Yes, brother.” She smacked him, and he yanked her closer before spearing his hand into her hair and kissing her.
The moan that slipped free was eaten by the man holding her like he needed her to breathe. She couldn’t help curving her fingers into the material of his shirt, which was taut across his chest.
“Come with me.” His words rippled over her lips. “Please, Curls.”
“Why are you here?” She drew back enough to look at his graphite eyes.
“I’m here for you.”
“Three months, Hastings.”
“Doing my job, Curls. You have to know that’s the only thing that would keep me from you.” He cupped her cheek and stroked his thumb along her skin.
She wanted to melt into him. “I don’t do—”
He kissed her quiet.
“Walking or over my shoulder.”
“Pretty sure I’m not needed for this.” Ren stepped closer. “Hurt my sister and your training won’t mean shit when I come for you.” He bent and brushed a kiss over Violet’s cheek. “Love you, sis.” Then he walked off, melting into the crowd.
