Page 86 of Warrior Unraveled

Virginia jumped up. “That’s entirely my fault, Haven. Wesley begged me constantly to let him call you, but I couldn’t allow it. We had to establish first who he was and that he wasn’t planning to betray our location to anybody. It was a security measure. Please forgive me for causing you and your family such anxiety.”

Wes stared at Virginia. While he’d asked the guardians at the Baltimore compound to let him make a phone call, he’d never repeated the request. And he’d certainly never begged. Virginia had lied. Lied for him so Haven wouldn’t be mad at him. Nobody had ever done that for him. There could be only one reason: Virginia cared about him.

“He begged you to let him make a call?” Haven asked, chin dropping.

“Several times,” Virginia lied. “He said he didn’t want you or your sister Katie to worry.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

“He was so upset, he barely ate or slept.”

Haven slanted Wesley a look, then grinned. “She’s good. What did you have to do to get her to cover for you?”

Wes winked at his brother. “It’s my charm.”

Virginia started to protest. “But—”

Haven cut her off with a look. “I almost believed you. But when you said he barely ate…” He shook his head and chuckled. “My brother never loses his appetite for any reason.”

Wes slapped Haven on the shoulder. “It’s good to see you, bro.”

Haven turned fully to Wesley, his back now to Virginia. “I’m glad you’re alive.” Then he winked and dropped his voice. “A redhead, huh?”

Wes grinned from one ear to the other. “Everything I ever wanted.”

“Lucky bastard. I’m proud of you, Wes, really proud.”

Wes met Haven’s gaze, choking up at the heartfelt praise. No words were necessary to convey to his brother what this meant to him.