Ace nodded.
“Got it,” Christian murmured, reaching for a mug of steaming coffee in front of him.
Ophelia pushed Brock’s torso to extricate herself. “I don’t need protection from any of you.” When Brock didn’t release her, she elbowed him right between the ribs, feeling vulnerable with her legs bare.
He reacted instantly, sliding his hand down her flank to wrap an iron-hard arm around her waist and jerk her flush against him. “Told you there was no going back once you committed. You agreed. This is how it is, Ophelia.” His arm was rock-solid and kept her in place.
She knew about ten moves that could break the hold and take him down…probably. He was as well trained as she was, if not better, and he had combat experience. In addition, he hadweight and strength on his side. “I think this is a private matter.” If she were wearing heels, she’d nail his foot.
Brock shrugged, moving her with his body. “Everything is a family matter, and you’re covered now, sweetheart. Like it or not.” He started walking toward the table, forcing her to move with him, and pulled out a chair. “You need protein.”
She sat, somewhat stunned by the entire situation. Ace handed over a plate and nudged the eggs her way. Christian just watched her over the rim of his mug. Something warm tickled her toes and ankles, and she didn’t need to look down to know that Tika had flopped right on her feet. The entire scene was cozy in a way she’d never experienced. Brock took the chair next to her and started dishing up both their plates while Ace poured them coffee from a carafe in the middle of the table.
Her stomach ached. “I’m probably going to arrest one of you. You get that, right?”
They both shrugged.
“We’ll deal and get a good lawyer. As I see it, you don’t have evidence. Not anything concrete,” Christian murmured.
Brock’s gaze remained serious. “They changed your four flat tires, and the Jeep is outside by the shop. You still have my extra Glock, right?”
“Yes,” she murmured. “Um, thank you for fixing my tires.”
Both of Brock’s brothers just shrugged.
“Too bad Damian’s not here,” Ace said quietly. “He needs to hear your declaration, Brock.”
Declaration? For goodness’ sake. Ophelia bit back a retort.
Christian cleared his throat. “I met with Damian yesterday, and I don’t like his job. He’s up to something, and it doesn’t feel right.”
Brock paused in eating eggs and looked at Christian. “I spoke with him yesterday, as you know. He didn’t say much, but he’s in intelligence.”
Ace rolled his eyes. “Intelligence in the middle of nowhere at a so-called research facility? Even if it’s some sort of former governmental and now private research program, Damian isn’t just in intelligence. He’s higher than that, which most people don’t know. If he’s there, something is off, and he’s probably watching his six every second as he investigates.”
“Do you think his job has something to do with the dead victim wearing the EVE jacket who somehow disappeared?” Ophelia asked.
“No.” Brock scrubbed both hands down his face. “I’m takin’ the sheriff’s job and will start forcing him to liaise with the locals.”
Christian munched on a piece of bacon. “I thought you already took the job.”
Ace snorted. “Yeah, but he didn’t know it. Dumbass.”
Brock tossed his napkin at him.
Ophelia tried not to enjoy the feeling of being included in the testosterone-filled family, but her shoulders finally relaxed. Oh, she wouldn’t stop her investigation, but for the first time, she wished she could believe that a hunter had killed Hank. He had been ill and in pain, and whoever fired the shotgun had most likely been helping him. Murder remained illegal, though. Her entire job consisted of investigating such homicides.
Hopefully, the judicial system would be kind to the killer, which could happen.
Brock gave her more bacon. “Stop thinking so hard.”
She finished the delicious eggs, which had plenty of cheese sprinkled throughout. “No matter what my boss says, I’m not quitting my job, Brock. Regardless of what’s happening between us.”
He partially turned, his green eyes piercing. “That’s fine, so long as you fully understand you’re not quitting us, regardless ofyour job.” No give showed on his dangerous face. “I gave you an out, and you didn’t take it.”
Her heart stuttered, and an unreal heat washed through her entire body. She barely kept from shifting on her chair.
Christian’s upper lip twitched, almost forming a smile. “When big brother makes a claim, he’s kind of a Neanderthal about it.”
