‘That’s for damn sure.’
He thanked her when she passed him the glass of chilled wine, took a small, deliberate sip, sighed in pleasure, and then pushed the conversation in the direction he wanted it to go. ‘Okay. While I have you alone. Tell me everything about your brother.’
Sierra didn’t shy away. She grinned wickedly. ‘You see it too?’
‘See it? The pheromones slapped me in the face the moment I walked in.’ Sierra laughed, as he’d intended, but Markus reminded himself of what Nina had been through, and sobered. ‘I’m not snooping,’ he said.
Sierra leaned both elbows on the kitchen counter. ‘Coulda fooled me.’
‘Okay. I’m notonlysnooping,’ he corrected. ‘I’m really worried about her.’
Sierra tipped her head. She took a moment to think through it before replying, but when she did, the first thing she said was: ‘He’s been hurt. And he’s closed that part of himself off since. I can count the number of dates he’d been on in five years on one hand – and I use the word “date” generously. But he’s interested in Nina.’
‘All that tells me is that he has eyes.’ Markus took a bigger sip of wine. ‘Have youseenmy girl? Every man isinterested. I want to knowwhohe is and if he’s worthy.’
Sierra ceded his point with a small nod. ‘After his ex walked out to pursue her modelling career, he put everything into raising Poppy. And say what you want, but you only have to watch him with his kid to answer any question you have about his character.’
‘Give me the SparkNotes anyway.’
Sierra shrugged, but she complied. ‘Unfalteringly loyal. He’ll stick, even when people don’t deserve it.’
Markus noted the bitterness in her tone, and though he wondered over it, he didn’t comment.
‘Kind. Gentle. Patient. He saves and trains rescue horses, and he supplements the funding for them with his own paycheque when he thinks I’m not paying attention. He’s stubborn. He can fight for what he wants, but he has to want it enough.
‘Incredible singer,’ she continued. ‘Terrible cook unless it’s scrambled eggs. Aquarius. And the fact that he’s even looking in Nina’s direction means he already cares.’ She tipped her glass in his direction. ‘Your turn.’
Markus didn’t hesitate. ‘She’s nervous of men – even before the assault. Which is why I tend to be a little overprotective on this one issue.’
‘Definenervous.’
‘She’s never dated seriously. Ever. Which, incidentally, means she already cares too.’
Sierra exhaled a surprised breath.
‘She’s fierce and determined. Hardworking. The best friend.’ He grinned. ‘Loyal. Stubborn. Also, can’t cook. Gemini. And despite his gorgeous face, if your brother hurts her, I will eviscerate him.’
Sierra tapped her glass to his. ‘Same goes, honey.’
Markus threw back his head and roared with laughter, making Sierra chuckle, and when he finally piped down enough to talk, he asked, ‘Are we friends?’
Sierra nodded. ‘Looks like.’
‘Good.’ He didn’t waste any time. Leaning forward, he asked, ‘So tell me, how did my girl end up moving in so fast?’
Sierra narrowed her eyes on his face, fully aware that she had been neatly trapped. ‘Nina is still a paying guest at the ranch.’
Before she could add more, Markus held up one hand. ‘Something happened. I know that. But she won’t talk to me about it, and I’m terrified because ever since the attack, I’ve sensed …’ He thought about how to explain to a virtual stranger that he knew in his heart that something was very, very wrong. ‘I don’t know. Something. Like she’s not being entirely honest with me. And I’m really worried. She was hurt, Sierra. Badly. And even though she’s still terrified, she’s refused every attempt I’ve made to hire her protection. It doesn’t make sense.’
Sierra didn’t shrug off his concern. ‘Yeah. Maverick’s worried too.’
‘So?’
‘I don’t know much. She hasn’t offered, and I haven’t asked. She only moved in last night, which coincidentally is the only time I’ve spoken to her for more than five minutes.’
‘Butwhydid she move in?’
‘If you tell her I told you, I will deny it. And I will terminate this newfound friendship immediately,’ she warned.
