He nods once, and I shake my head from the lingering disappointment.
“Nope. She’s gone for good.”
He exhales through his nose like that’s exactly what he expected, but it still pisses him off. Then something shifts in his expression. His brows pinch, jaw tightening. “I don’t understand. My sister already has a job,” he snaps. “Working for Xavier. Does he know about this?”
I shrug, leaning back in the chair. “Dunno. She didn’t say anything.”
His glare sharpens. “You didn’t ask?”
“I didn’t think it mattered. She showed up, said she wanted the job, and Teddy didn’t scream bloody murder. That was enough for me.”
He lets out a sharp exhale, muttering something under his breath that sounds suspiciously likeunbelievable. And maybe it is. But I stand by it. Because whatever Olivia Mitchell’s doing in my house already, it seems to be working.
His eyes narrow. “Daniels,” he warns, “she’s my little sister.”
“She’s also an adult,” I say, keeping my tone even as I lean forward, bracing my elbows on my knees. “And for the record, I’m not some rookie on your beat you get to micromanage. I needed help. She showed up. End of story.”
Bradley’s stare doesn’t waver. “You know that’s not what I’m getting at.”
A rough laugh escapes me as I rake a hand through my hair. “What you’re getting at is you don’t trust me. Which, honestly, is bullshit. I’ve had your back for years, and I’ve never given you a reason to doubt that. I’m not planning on seducing your sister, mate. I’m not even sure Ilikeher.” I pause. “She’s loud. Talks too fast. Takes up way too much space.”
He raises an eyebrow.
“But Teddy didn’t shut down around her,” I admit. “Not once. He didn’t flinch, didn’t panic, didn’t go stiff, like he did with Tara or Lisa. He was himself. And that counts for something.”
Brad’s jaw clenches, that muscle in his cheek ticking hard. I know that look—it’s the one he gives before he either punches a wall or grits his teeth and swallows it down.
“Look,” I add, my voice softening, “she’s not some long-term solution. I don’t even think she wants to stick around, but she seems keen, and I’ll be paying her for her time.”
Bradley’s silence says more than words, but the fire in his eyes dims just a touch. He’s remembering the calls, the panic,the times I had to leave shift early because no one could handle Teddy. He’s seen it first hand. He knows.
“You’ve got no idea what you’re getting into,” he mutters, running a hand down his face.
“Maybe not.” I let a half-smile creep in, dry and worn. “But desperate times, right? Plus, I can sense she doesn’t scare off easily.”
“Are you surprised?” Brad’s brow rises. “You forget who raised her.”
How could I forget? I’m reminded every time I look at the woman. Two older brothers and a father tough as nails, from everything I’ve heard. That woman was forged in fire. I nod, swallowing the truth of it. “I haven’t forgotten. But I think she’s exactly what Teddy needs.”
“And you?” he presses, brows climbing higher.
“It’s not about me.”
He studies me for a beat, then nods once. “Good answer.”
I laugh under my breath because on the outside, it looks like I’m still in control, still my usual sunny self. But inside? I know this is going to be harder than I anticipated. I know Bradley’s warning isn’t unfounded. And I know I need to keep this professional. Strictly professional.
Bradley studies me for a long moment, then murmurs, “This is a terrible idea.”
“Probably,” I agree, pushing to my feet. “But hey, I can only try for my boy.”
Bradley’s eyes soften at that, just for a second, before I turn to walk out. With my hand on the door, I stop short, catching his voice behind me. “Daniels.”
I glance back.
“No funny business.”
I smirk, mostly because I know it pisses him off. “Mate, have you met your sister? I don’t think I’mhertype.”
