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He frowns, because he and I are very close, and I know he gets that sibling bond.
“I found out it was Ben’s birthday and I wanted to give him something wonderful to celebrate on that day every year. Myself. So I took him to New York and we went to the top of the Empire State Building, and I asked him to marry me.”
He frowns.
“He said no at first. I had to talk him into it.”
I grab his hand in mine as my eyes search his.
“We were going to tell you that we got engaged, and then have a wedding at home for everyone.”
He drops his head again.
“I don’t know why he just told you the way that he did, but I’m fucking furious with him. That wasn’t his place to tell you,” I murmur.
“He can’t lie,” he replies flatly. “It’s not in his DNA.”
“I was going to marry Ben anyway, Brock.” I smile. “And then have the big reception with everyone.”
His sad eyes hold mine. “I feel cheated. I wanted to be at your wedding.”
I smile through tears. “And you will be, because nobody will even know about our first wedding. It was an intimate thing that I wanted to give my husband. I wanted to do it alone with him, because he was alone.”
I wipe a tear as it breaks the dam. “This is something special between him and me, and I just wanted the two of us there.”
He watches me and exhales deeply.
“I would have probably told you anyway.” I sigh as I turn back to look over the sea.
He bumps me with his shoulder and I bump him back.
“When you meet the one, Brock, you’ll understand.”
He stares out to sea. “What about all this crap? How do you feel about it?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure, to be honest. They tried to kill Ben in Prague, and then he was sent some information with a code on it from that diplomat who got murdered. He’s been dragged into it. You know he would never have come back for me if he knew this was going to happen.”
His eyes flash to mine.
“He hates that I’m caught up in this, and he’s frantic with worry that something is going to happen to me,” I continue. “He’s acting like he’s fine, but he’s hardly slept since the threat came through. I need you to help him.”
He frowns as he watches me.
“He’s terrified that something is going to happen to me,” I whisper.
He puts his arm around me and kisses my forehead. “It won’t,” he murmurs. “We’ll make sure of it.”
“Can you just go and make up with him, please?” I plead. “For me?” I jig on the spot. “You know what he’s like. He’ll be upset with the thought that you didn’t want me to marry him. He’s a deep-thinker.”
“It’s not about you marrying him, Bridget. I love Ben. He’s the one I would want you with. It’s the way you fucking did it on the sly.”
“I know that. But he doesn’t.”
“He shits me.” He sighs.
I smile sadly. “He shits me, too.” I exhale heavily. “I’m so angry with him for telling you like that.”
“I asked him straight out because I knew he wouldn’t lie to me.”
I roll my eyes. “Fucking Buzz Lightyear, goody-two-shoes.”
He smiles, and shakes his head. “Come on, let’s go.” He puts his arm around my shoulders and we walk back toward the steps.
“Brock, can you do me a favour?”
“What’s that?”
“Can you not say anything about Ben’s childhood to anyone, please? Just let him tell you in his own time.”
“Yeah, I guess.” He sighs as we start to walk up the stone steps.
“And can you do me another favour?” I ask.
“What now?” He sighs as he turns back toward me.
I smile up at him. “Can you give me away at my wedding?”
His eyes twinkle in delight. “If I’m not busy that day.”
I punch him in the stomach and he laughs.
“You know I will.” He smiles. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
We hug and I smile against his chest. Even with his alpha, controlling ways, I love my brother dearly.
We make our way back into the house. Ben is sitting at the table and stands as we walk in.
My heart hammers in my chest. I hold my breath as Brock walks in behind me.
Their eyes lock.
“You fucking look after her or I’ll kill you,” Brock growls.
“With my life,” Ben replies coldly.
They stare at each other for a moment, in some kind of silent stand-off, and then finally Brock puts out his hand. “Welcome to the family.”
Ben smirks, and shakes Brock’s hand, and I exhale in relief.
I need a stiff drink.
There is way too much testosterone in this room.
The sun’s rays beam down on me and I smile up at the sky. We have been in paradise for three days, but I’m starting to get cabin fever. The boys have been going into town one at a time. Brock had the duty of buying me clothes, so my entire wardrobe consists of sarongs all in different colours. Oh, and he bought me two bikinis.
