I laughed only because this should be as awkward as fuck. “Send them up.”
In no way would I disturb Grace, and luckily my bedroom was tucked around the corner and down the hall, where it was away from the noises in the living room and kitchen.
Nevertheless, I had a feeling Grace’s brothers were here not to bust my balls about Grace but to discuss Miguel Rivera. After all, Dillon had been scheduled to see him in prison yesterday, according to what he and I had discussed on my way home from Fran’s banquet.
The brothers waltzed in, taking in my apartment, although by the expression on Duke’s face, I guessed he was searching for his sister.
I grinned, shaking hands with Dillon. “Good to see you.”
Dillon Hart, who’d dabbled in illegal activities many moons ago before opening his shelter, was the level-headed brother. Denim, the youngest of the brothers, was a cross between Dillon and Duke in that Denim could be both rational and fiery.
Duke and I exchanged a bro hug, though something still felt unsettled between us, and her name was Grace.
Dillon and I made small talk as they both sat at the kitchen island. I served coffee as Dillon gushed about the apartment’s open floor plan.
“Is Grace here?” Duke’s jaw tightened, though he already knew the answer because Knox was in the lobby.
I met his gaze steadily, uneasiness stringing between us as I drummed my fingers on the counter. “You know she is.”
“He’s still a little grumpy about you and Grace.” Dillon’s eyes crinkled with amusement as he glanced between us. “First time I’ve seen you two at odds.”
“Fine, I am cranky.” Duke’s knuckles cracked as his fingers clenched. “I just want her to be happy.”
My heart went pitter-patter as Grace appeared around the corner in yesterday’s clothes, her presence filling the room with electricity that made my pulse quicken.
“I am happy.” Grace held her head high, radiating a quiet strength that made me want to pull her close, Duke be damned. Then she kissed me on the cheek. “Morning.”
I itched for more than a quick kiss, but I had plenty of time later to make love to her.
Dillon and Duke exchanged a knowing look.
“Okay, it’s odd,” Dillon confessed. “But you’re glowing, sis.”
She circled the island to give her brothers pecks on the cheeks.
Duke snagged her to his side. “You look happier than I’ve ever seen you. I can’t believe this ugly dude makes you happy,” he said in jest.
I threw him the finger. “I’m prettier than you.”
All of us laughed.Thank fuck.I understood that it would take Duke time to come to terms with my intimate relationship with Grace, but I was glad the best friend I knew was still there.
I fixed Grace a cup of coffee while she sat next to Duke.
“I take it you both are here to talk about Dillon’s visit with Miguel?” Grace asked.
If any of the siblings looked alike, they were Grace and Dillon. They had similar dark shades of brown hair whereas Duke’s was lighter.
Standing on the kitchen side of the island, I regarded Dillon. “Did Miguel talk?”
“He gave me a name,” Dillon said. “The fucker wouldn’t say shit after he was arrested. But he found Jesus, according to him.”
“John Smith’s son’s real name?” Grace stiffened.
“He doesn’t know anything about a son,” Dillon said. “But he gave me the name Drew Lopez. He was the man who shopped for young girls for his clients, and John was his client.”
“Why does that name sound familiar?” Grace mumbled.
“Do you know him?” Creases dented Duke’s forehead.
