“That’s the other problem?”
I frown. “What?”
He throws his hands up. “Don’t do that. Don’t pretend you don’t know what I’m talking about.”
“Know what? You aren’t making any sense right now.”
“You like him,” my brother says bluntly. “You’ve been interested in him from the second you saw him last summer. You can’t even sit beside him without turning red, for fuck’s sake.”
If only you knew…
My face heats. “That’s not?—”
“Sera,” he cuts in, voice softening. “Look, I know you, and I know what you look like when you like a boy. Don’t forget I was there for your first crush. And the one after that. But Liev Kovalyov is nothing like the boys you’ve dated.”
I fight the shiver that threatens to run through my body.
Liev is definitely not a boy.
“I’m your big brother,” Brady says, “and I’m worried that with a man like him, what he’s used to…”
“You think I’m not sexy enough?” I ask, intentionally pushing his buttons.
Brady’s face turns purple and contorts with horror. “Never,eversay that to me again.” He fake gags. “I’m scarred for life. Fuck, Sera. Gross.”
My arms tighten across my chest, and I glare hotly at him.
“I only meant you’re vulnerable, and he could take advantage of someone like you. He wouldn’t think twice about it.’
His words land like a slap.
“I amnotvulnerable.” Anger, frustration, shame, and embarrassment all vie for supremacy inside me. “I’m a grown woman who can make her own choices.”
Brady’s expression crumples. “That didn’t come out the way I meant it. I worry about you. I always will.”
I bite back the sharp retort on my tongue and force my shoulders to relax. Continuing this fight won’t help either of us.
“I hear you,” I say instead. “But I’m doing this. And I’m not going to screw it up. If something happens between Liev and me, that will be my decision, too.”
He studies me for a long moment, then dips his chin. “Fine. But you’re meeting with Vincent every day this week. Extra training.”
“That’s fair.”
“You leave next Monday,” he adds. “We’ll send you travel details and wardrobe requirements.” He gives a half smile. “Which is usually your job.”
My lips lift before it occurs to me that because I handle the travel for the operatives, I know the protocols. Liev and I will have to share a room.
It must not have occurred to Brady yet, and I’m definitely not going to remind him.
Brady finally sits, the tension easing out of his posture. “For what it’s worth,” he says, quieter now, “I know you can handle this. I just wish it wasn’t with him.”
Something in my chest loosens.
“It’s going to be fine, Brady. Promise.”
My brother grunts to cover the emotion on his face and pretends to busy himself with the papers on his desk.
“Yeah, yeah. Go find Vincent and ask Finn if he knows anyone who can cover for you.”
