Her reflection was as pensive as before and when she wrapped her hand around my fingers holding the glass, I shifted my eyes in her direction.
Vanessa took the drink from my hand, saying nothing as she brought the rim to her lips. It was almost mesmerizing the way she dragged her tongue across beads of liquid that had trickled down the edge.
My balls tightened.
With her eyelashes skimming across her glowing cheeks, she took a sip. Then a gulp. When she drained the glass, the action brought a smile.
The way she shuddered kept my attention. I retrieved the glass, heading to the bar while she remained staring out at the shimmer of sun cascading across the pool’s surface.
I filled two glasses. At this point, tonight was all about babysitting, which I was prepared to do even if it meant staying awake all night. I’d require her to try to get some sleep.
As if she’d obey my rules. I smiled again from the thought.
She finally acknowledged my presence as I returned, blinking several times and I knew she was trying to abate the tears. She certainly hated showing any sign of weakness around me.
“Thank you,” she said.
“I didn’t know you enjoyed bourbon.”
“There is a lot you don’t know about me, but I’m talking about your help with Donovan. I truly appreciate it. Very few people have offered help in the past. It’s a messy situation. Very draining.”
Her genuine words of appreciation were something I wasn’t used to. Not just with her. From anyone. “I did what any decent human being would do. You needed help.”
“Decent human being. At first, I didn’t think that was possible with you. I apologize.”
Unable to help my actions as always around her, I folded my index finger, brushing my knuckle from one side of her jaw to the other.
She quivered for an entirely different reason than usual. Our connection was deepening, yet neither one of us knew how to handle the subtle change.
“You were correct in your initial assumptions of me. However, I wasn’t going to allow him to hurt you any longer.”
“He wouldn’t hurt me. He’s my brother.” Her eyes didn’t reflect what she’d just said. Instead, there was fear and resentment, confusion and hurt.
I cupped her face, thankful she didn’t try to pull away. “He already has even if not physically. When he’s high on drugs, he’s not your brother. He’s incapable of understanding what he’s doing to himself or to anyone else. Boundaries mean nothing. All he can think about is scoring more drugs to keep the high because that’s the only time he feels like he’s living. Like he can do anything he wants. And like the man he used to be.”
A tiny smile curled on her upper lip. “Sounds like something you know from experience.”
Huffing, I rubbed my jaw. I hadn’t intended on getting this personal. Not just with her. With anyone. “Like you, I have a brother who’s been in and out of trouble. When he’s clean, he’s an asshole. But when he’s high as a kite, he’s…”
“A monster.”
“Yes. Someone I don’t even know.”
“Is he clean and sober?”
I nodded, although I couldn’t remember for how long or if I’d even checked on him over the last eighteen months. I simply hadn’t cared enough, the arguments and angry words spouted off keeping us at arm’s length. “Yes. For now.”
“They are different people. I just don’t know what to do. I’m afraid Donovan won’t stay in the facility.”
“I learned a long time ago that anyone facing this particular demon has to want to get better. That’s not an easy task. Iapplaud you for making your brother your priority, but if he fails, this isn’t on you. You cannot blame yourself.”
Her face brightened. “Also said like a man who’s been through this before.”
I brought the glass to my lips. “Perhaps. Is Donovan resting?”
“Yes. I realized he doesn’t have any clean clothes. I thought about heading out to Target or something. Just to get him a few things. I don’t know what to do.”
“We’re about the same size. I think I have a few new things he can have.”
