Page 50 of Legacy

“Be nice. Callum’s doing a good thing. And I think I’m the one taking advantage of him.”

“Oh, really?” Atlas asked, lifting a scarred brow. He had gotten a skate to the face during one game at the beginning of his career, and now his right eyebrow had a scar that apparently drew women in droves. There was even an Instagram account just for his eyebrows.

I would never understand puck bunnies or fans. However, my brother was here, making fun of me. And that was all that mattered.

“Your sister is going to be safe here. Don’t worry. And come on, you didn’t want to live with your parents when you were in your twenties.”

I turned to Callum and beamed. “See. You understand.”

“I mean, if I could lock away my sisters so that way they’re safe from men and evil things, I would. But sadly, Teagan can kick my ass, and Briar’s already married.”

“Okay, I take back my thanks. Jerk.”

“What about the utilities?” Rune asked as he began to pace the building. “Has anyone looked at the plumbing? What does the backyard look like? What about maintenance? And there are a few other things that I have questions about.”

I snorted. “I have the same questions, but don’t worry. I can handle it.” I rolled my shoulders back and looked around, wondering why it felt so much smaller in here now that there were three very large men with broad shoulders storming around the place.

“I have everything in this packet, but don’t worry, I wouldn’t steer her wrong,” Callum began…

“Because you always take care of my baby sister. That’s what I like.” Rune squeezed Callum’s shoulder, and I rolled my eyes even as Atlas gave me a look.

I narrowed my gaze at him, daring him to mention my crush on Callum. Rune might be completely oblivious, but Atlas could always tell. Damn that brother.

“Maybe I should stay here whenever I’m not on the road or at my house in Portland. You have a guest bedroom, right?”

“I won’t have a bed in it. It’ll be my office. Because I’m going to have an office.” I threw my hands up in the air. “I love it. Thank you, Callum.”

He just shrugged. “Like I’d let you have a shitty apartment.”

“Aw, you like me.”

He just let out a grunt and took Rune through the rest of the house.

Atlas stayed back, though, as we looked around the kitchen, and I tried to take note and feel that this home would be mine.

“It’s a good place. Better than your place with the four LS.”

I nudged Atlas with my shoulder. “It is. I mean, I liked living with them at first, but then they got to be too much, and I didn’t realize it until, well, you know.”

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder and squeezed. “Yeah. Pretty much. But this place will be good for you. And Callum will be right across the street.”

“Another big brother watching over me,” I said carefully.

“Yes. That,” he said just as carefully.

I never could read Atlas, so I had no idea what he meant.

“Anyway, I’m only in town for a couple of days, and I have to deal with a work function tonight, even if it’s online, but dinner tomorrow?”

“Deal,” I said softly. “Though I do wonder how you were able to take this time off.”

“Things happen. Don’t worry.”

“Atlas.”

“Things happen. Don’t worry,” he repeated.

“Okay. But I’m always going to worry.”