Brendan’s eyes widen and burn with fire.
“I’m going to kill them,” he growls.
“No,” I remind him. “Death is too good for them.”
“God, Rory, I’m so sorry I failed you.” He pulls me tight and buries his face in my hair. “I should have been there.”
“There’s no way you could have known what was going to happen,” I try to soothe him, but he shakes his head.
“I should have done better.”
“You helped me through the healing process. I don’t think I would have made it without you.” I never told him, but I wanted to give up, I wanted to die.
“No, you’re strong. You’ll always make it.”
15
LEX
Damn, he’s not coming.
He’s a stubborn little thing, but he can’t fool me. He misses me and he wants me. I’ve seen how happy he is when he gets my presents, and he listens to my voice message multiple times.
What can I do to get through to him?
“Evening, boss.” Doc walks up, and he looks nice in his suit. He’s obviously a handsome man, but I’m not interest in him like I am his brother. Why am I so interested in his brother?
“Because he’s broken.” Mal’s words echo in my head.
“Brendan.” I nod to the chair across from me, and he takes a seat.
“Thanks for inviting me to dinner.”
I nod, and Brendan and picks up his menu. I watch him until the server comes back to take our orders. Then he looks around the room.
“Is this one of your restaurants?”
“It is.” Maybe I should give him more. I want him to like me, for his brother’s sake. “It was my first restaurant.”
“That’s cool. Did you cook?”
“No, by that time I was rich enough to hire the best chefs.”
“Must be nice,” he teases.
“It is.”
“Do you have bodyguards here?” He looks around the place.
“No.” I never show my hand. But I have three men with me right now. Just in case Rory decided to come, even though Tag is with him.
“What other businesses do you own?”
“Most of the hotels in this city.” A few that are covers for my sex dens and casinos. “I have a distillery.” With an illegal fighting ring in the basement. “A few ateliers.” Which are all legit.
“You like fashion?” I look down at my impeccably tailored bespoke suit and raise an eyebrow. “I’m just surprised by that for some reason.”
“Clothes make the man.” Be the best dressed in a room and people will fall all over themselves to get to you.
