Page 90 of Brutal
What’s sticking in my craw is that I don’t feel like I chose this. I wanted her. Still do. But that was hardly the first time I’ve wanted a woman and chose not to take her because it’s not good for the long term.
I know damned well Delaney Cross isn’t good for me in the long term.
I took her anyway. It happened. I let the wrong head do the thinking. Exactly what Nate warned me about.
That’s unacceptable.
I cross the street without looking, still unable to get her out of my mind.
Her hands.
Her voice.
Then show me.
I should have walked away.
I didn’t.
But it didn’t change anything.
She’s a problem, but the situation is still manageable.
I open the door and get in. For a moment, I just sit there, hands on the wheel, eyes forward.
I feel…unsettled.
I don’t like unsettled.
Unsettled leads to mistakes.
Mistakes are never an option.
I start the engine and drive to Vexley House.
Nate is already there when I walk into the office.
Of course he is.
He’s standing by the window, jacket on, tie perfect. He doesn’t turn when I enter.
I move past him, set my keys down, pour a drink I don’t need or want.
He speaks without looking at me. “You crossed the line.”
I take a sip. Let it burn. Like I said, I’m always being watched.
“I handled it.”
He turns, his green eyes sharp. “No,” he says. “You didn’t.”
I set the glass down. “I did.”
His jaw clenches. “I told you she was a weakness.”
“Say it again and I’ll put my fist through your face.”
Nate shakes his head. “Dad trained you well. He trained us all well. You’re the oldest, and he made sure you were the strongest. I don’t doubt you could slam me through a wall, but you’re forgetting that Dad gave me a purpose in this family as well.”
