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We were a strange family, her father like an adopted brother at first, turning enemy after betraying us. Somehow, their relationship had brought the family closer, returning Thomas to the fold. He now worked in the corporation, retiring from the FBI a few months before.
With all his skills, including his extensive knowledge of weaponry, he’d become a true benefit to our family and our corporation. Even if Arman wanted him to remain on the right side of the law.
Arman sat in one of the chairs, sunglasses on his face, peering at the water as if the intense blue held answers. I was surprised to find him alone. He wasn’t that kind of man.
As I approached, he lifted his head, chuckling. “Did you bring Sadie?”
Now he made me laugh. “Of course.”
“Ice breaker with the girl?”
“Something like that.”
He pointed toward the outdoor kitchen. “Grab a beer.”
“I think I will.”
“Do you want to tell me what happened? There’s something going on that you’re irritated as fuck about or embarrassed to the point I can hear the anger in your voice.”
My brother knew me better than anyone, our closeness getting us through several difficult situations. “You think you know me so well.”
He chuckled and followed me to the expansive bar, yanking the cold one out of my hand for himself. “I know you’ve been a goddamn playboy for far too long. I know the chick who dumped you somehow sullied that brain of yours, turning you against all women. I know you can’t go on this way for the rest of your life. You need an anchor in your life.”
“Says a man who’s been married for what, a couple months? It didn’t take Raven long to wrap a noose around your neck.”
He grinned and held his hand to his throat. “Don’t knock it until you try it.” Grabbing the bottle opener, he popped the top on the Corona.
I looked away, studying the etched label of the bottle. “Have you ever wanted someone so badly that you couldn’t breathe?”
“Twice. Who is she?” It took Arman all of three seconds to realize who I was talking about, the look on his face one of shock. “You are fucking shitting me.”
“Afraid not. Delaney is all grown up and has a wild and wicked mind of her own.”
“As evidenced by a killer?”
“As evidenced by the fact she all but seduced me in The Vault.”
“The club or the vault itself?”
“Both.” I lifted my gaze, waiting until he burst out laughing. “I’m completely but unfortunately serious.”
“You know you can’t continue fucking her.”
I finally popped the top, tossing both caps into the trash and taking a long pull as I thought about my answer. It was the very question I’d been asking myself for hours, my mind completely muddled like some fucking kid. I wanted her and not just writhing underneath me. “Yeah, I know.”
“But you’re not going to do the right thing.”
“Did you do so with Raven?” I looked him point blank in the eyes.
He headed away from the bar, shaking his head. “That’s completely different.”
“She’s a hell of a lot younger than you and your old friend’s daughter. I still don’t understand why Thomas didn’t put a bullet in your eyes.”
Arman stopped short, throwing me a look over his shoulder complete with a shit-eating grin. Raven had certainly improved his mood over the last few months. For that I was grateful. What he’d endured losing his first wife was horrific. I’d done everything in my power to track down the son of a bitch responsible as he would do for me.
“Cause he knew he’d face the wrath of the family. Plus, he realized how much love Raven had for me, as crazy as it seems. However, if I remember correctly, Brandon truly thought of you as his brother.”
“That was a long time ago, bro. I’ve put the brakes on. She hates me anyway. That was apparent. Whatever happened inside that vault was like a moment spent in Vegas.” It was my turn to grin.
