“You have no idea.” This time, I threw out my hand for a shake.
Which he accepted, but not without a slight hesitation.
“I’ll grab a bottle of wine. I’m certain you know where to find Sinclair’s liquor.” At least the man had kind eyes.
“Unfortunately, I do.” He half laughed. “That’s a story I won’t tell you.”
“Why unfortunately?”
“Because Sin and I have enjoyed tying one on more than once. Much to the chagrin of my aching head the next morning.”
“I think I might like you, Jaxon Prince. Certainly more than your arrogant, brooding brother. But don’t tell him I told you that.”
He laughed again, the tone more jovial since he was more hopeful that I wouldn’t gut him before sunrise. “If you think he’s brooding, you should meet our older brother, Alexander. He’s a stick in the mud on steroids.”
“He wouldn’t be after spending a day with Indiana.”
“You’re very much like his wife. Maybe one day you’ll get to meet her. I think the two of you could be good friends. I’ll meet you in the living room?”
“That’s fine.” I wasn’t certain what I was doing, but having someone to talk to who knew Sinclair might provide some level of guidance. Or maybe reassurance I could trust him.
When I found them a couple of minutes later, Jaxon was already reclined on one of the leather chairs. He sat up immediately, his smile even wider than before when Indiana inched closer.
“I don’t know what it is about the Prince boys, but Indiana finds you acceptable.” I sat down, curling my legs under me, tugging the material of my dress once again. Meanwhile, Indiana made himself comfortable with his head on Jaxon’s lap.
“And his mother?”
“The jury isn’t out yet.”
“My brother has that effect on people. He’s the master of keeping to himself. I keep telling him that he needs to get out more and enjoy life. Date. Catch a movie. Go rock climbing.”
“So why doesn’t he?”
His smile faded and he even looked away while taking a swallow of his drink. “I guess he’s been lost in building business. We’ve all been thoroughly engrossed in business activities lately.”
Why did I have the feeling he was keeping a secret or harboring a moment of his brother’s life that Sinclair had no interest in remembering or discussing? “Maybe his lack of embracing a hobby is because he is attacked all the time. Fearing for one’s life when you go out for dinner or drinks wouldn’t be conducive to enjoying oneself in my world.”
“Is that what you think? That every day in the outside world is a free for all?”
“Let’s see if I can put this into perspective. I met your brother after he was driving too fast and not paying attention, accidentally hitting my dog. After that, he insisted on taking me home, refusing to take no for an answer. Things escalated to a shooting inside my beautiful little coffee shop followed by being kidnapped by your brother just for kicks and giggles. And just when I thought things couldn’t get any worse, after a lovely dinner with delicious food and surprisingly decent company, a crazed biker gang decided to damage his car, attempt to kidnap me, kick my dog, and almost kill Sinclair. I don’t call that normal or enjoyable no matter what language is used.”
He coughed into his fist. “I can understand why, but here’s the thing.” He stroked Indy’s head, more thoughtful than before. “Contrary to your crazy experiences, we really are a normal family. Our mom and dad refused to allow us to be considered special. Yes, we did go to a private Catholic school because our mother is particularly religious, but we certainly weren’t allowed cellphones and laptops at an early age. We also had to work a job as teenagers. We played on the playground, were forced todo our homework, and were punished for being bad kids. We believed in Santa and adored dressing up for Halloween.”
“All while having bodyguards following you everywhere.”
His frown was out of frustration. “Okay, yes. You’re absolutely right, but my guards were also like big brothers to me. I didn’t think of them as intrusive or a bother. They were just there from when I could first remember. Violence is a small part of what happens in our world, no matter what the last few days have led you to believe.”
“I don’t know if I buy it.”
“Understood. We’ve had our share of losses, including our father about a year ago. But every family has a tragedy. Didn’t yours?”
I sat back, nodding. “I guess you’re right. I just can’t imagine spending the rest of my life looking over my shoulder.”
“Well, that’s why you’ll have a guard doing it for you.” His grin returned, only this time very sly. He had the same ability to create the same fire in his eyes his brother did.
He caught me off guard and my face flushed as soon as I realized what he was insinuating. “Oh, no. Trust me. We’re nothing. I mean I might be his captive, but he’s assured me that at some point he’ll let me go. I won’t be hanging around after that. And I sound as if I’ve been reading too many thrillers in my life, which isn’t accurate. I’m romance novel kind of girl. Something Sinclair figured out.” I laughed nervously, realizing I was coming closer to stuttering my words. “Then again, true romance doesn’t exist. Does it?”
“Why would you think that?”
