Tate rubbed a hand over his growling stomach. “Our last meal came from a dumpster. We’re not picky.”
My cheeks flushed at his confession. I wanted to crawl under the table and hide. Or better yet, I should have smacked my brother for revealing our dirty secrets to my crush.
“I’ll eat anything,” I said to make things less weird.
Drake disarmed me with a boyish grin and tipped his head at the stools. “I make the best Italian hoagies in Devil’s Creek. Take a seat.”
I settled into the chair beside Tate and watched the smoking hot billionaire layer thinly sliced salami, capicola, ham, pepperoni, and provolone cheese onto an Italian roll and drizzle it with oil. My mouth watered as Tate’s stomach rumbled again.
Drake added lettuce and tomato, smirking as he slid the sandwich toward me. “Wait your turn, Tate. Ladies first.”
I took the plate and sank my teeth into the bread like a savage, moaning as the delicious combination overwhelmed my taste buds.
“I would take smaller bites.” Drake slid a sandwich in front of my brother and looked at me. “Eating too fast can upset your stomach.”
He was right.
I already felt the food trying to reappear, but I choked it down. The last thing I needed was to vomit on myself in front of Drake. So, I took his advice and savored each bite.
As we ate, Drake told us about his family. His mother traveled a lot with her wealthy boyfriend. His dad died last year. He was the CEO of Battle Industries and so damn gorgeous I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
Drake finished the last bite of his hoagie and wiped his mouth. “Let’s talk about the rules of the house. If you’re going to live here and get all the perks, then you need to finish school.”
“I enrolled both of you at Astor Prep,” Drake said with authority. “You start on Monday.”
“Pretty presumptuous,” Tate said, snarling. “How did you know we’d come home with you?”
He rolled his broad shoulders. “I had a feeling.”
“I’m not going to school,” Tate fired back at him. “What about the job you mentioned? As your head of security.”
“You’re not mature enough or ready to fill the position. But one day, you will be. That’s why you must get your act together and earn a high school diploma.”
“Nah.” Tate tossed his napkin onto the counter. “I’m not book smart like you or my sister. When I actually went to school, my grades were shit. There’s no point in waiting to join the Corps.”
Drake rose from the table and grabbed our empty plates. “I had a feeling your grumpy ass would say that. I’ve spoken to the recruitment officer. You can leave for basic training as early as next week. But are you sure about this? Once you sign the contract, you can’t change your mind.”
“I don’t plan on it.” Tate snatched the plates from Drake’s hand and ran them under the water. “Sign me up. I’m ready to go. Just promise me you’ll take care of Liv.”
“Olivia will have everything she needs.” His big blue eyes found mine, and a grin tugged at the corners of his mouth. “She won’t want for a thing. You have my word.”
My heart skipped a few beats.
Yep, I was a goner.
CHAPTER 5
OLIVIA
Most people take simple things like hot water and a place to sleep for granted until they no longer have them. Even during my mother’s worst benders, we were never truly homeless. I knew leaving with Tate meant a life of struggle. But I didn’t care and jumped out the window without thinking.
I loved my brother.
For years, I prayed to see him again. So, when he showed up one night, I took a leap of faith.
Fate brought us back together.
After the first month on the streets, I missed my warm bed and my foster mother’s home-cooked meals. By the second month, I was thankful for a quick shower at the YMCA. Tate would sneak us inside through the back door. But eventually, like most of his schemes, the staff caught on. Someone reported the homeless kids using the locker room showers.
