Total pages in book: 21
Estimated words: 19766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 99(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 19766 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 99(@200wpm)___ 79(@250wpm)___ 66(@300wpm)
“You’re welcome to stay as long as you want, but no one is ever taking Romi away from me.” Sullivan doesn’t let my sister intimidate him. “I would never come between sisters, so you’re going to have to work with me here.”
“If you hurt my sister, I’ll be your worst enemy.” Yvette, a corporate attorney, isn’t one to let a man get one over on her.
“You don’t have to worry about that. Romi owns me, heart and soul. I would cut off my own arm before I hurt her,” Sullivan declares, managing charm and sincerity in the unorthodox balance that makes his confidence so irresistible.
“We’ll see.” It surprises me to see my sister actually back down a little.
Chapter 13
Sullivan
Yvette is a ballbuster. That’s the only way to put it. She has that fierce energy, the kind that makes a typical guy buckle a little under pressure with the threat of losing his family jewels hanging over his head. But not me. I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve.
“I’ll have a full investigation done on you by tomorrow morning, so you need to admit any secrets now,” she declares the moment she steps into my living room, her hands on her hips, assessing her surroundings like a hawk sizing up its next meal. She’s got that blend of sass and skepticism that says she means business.
“There aren’t any skeletons in my closet. Well, except for Uncle Sinclair running naked through town with a tinfoil hat on his head,” I reply with a reassuring grin, maybe a hint of mock seriousness to ease the impending storm brewing. Yvette’s the epitome of a protective older sister, her eyes scanning like they’re on a secret mission to measure my worthiness.
Her dark hair, which she has pulled back in a bun at the back of her head, adds an extra touch of seriousness to her demeanor. I can already predict our conversations will swing from playful to perilous. “That’s a story I need to hear.” A small smile flashes across her lips before she’s able to stop it.
I shrug, unable to resist the urge to tease her a little. “You will at some point,” I retort, raising an eyebrow with purposeful exaggeration. “Would you like something to drink?”
She snorts. “I could use something strong.” But I can see it now—the tiniest flicker behind her eyes that hints at an unyielding acceptance of my attempts. “Very strong. It’s been one of those weeks.”
“What’s going on?” Romi cuts in, and I notice the worry sketched across her expressive face.
“I’m dealing with a new attorney in the firm who’s determined to make my life a living hell.”
While the two sisters talk, I grab some steaks from the refrigerator and cook us a late lunch since Romi has to be at Trick or Treat early tonight for the Thirteen Nights of Halloween Costume Contest.
After our cozy meal on the back patio, Romi heads inside to grab a bottle of wine for Yvette.
“Listen, I’m not going to interfere with your relationship with my sister right now, but I have a few rules.” Yvette turns to me, suddenly serious.
“Rules?” Feeling like I’m back in high school, I feign casual interest while internally bracing for whatever onslaught of protective siblinghood is coming my way. “Enlighten me.”
“Rule Number One: No hurting her. Ever. I don’t care how charming you think you are, or how many cute puppy dog eyes you flash. If you hurt her, I will make it my mission to become your worst nightmare.” She meets my gaze with a fierceness that radiates through the air like heat waves, words heavy with the weight of older-sister authority. “You got that?”
I nod slowly, maintaining the easy charm. “We already covered this one. I will never hurt Romi.”
Her demeanor softens a little, patience trailing behind that fire. “Good. Just know that I’ll be watching.”
“Duly noted.”
Romi returns before we can get to any more of Yvette’s rules, but I’m pretty sure I already know what they encompass—she wants the best for her sister and will do whatever it takes to make sure Romi gets it. My exact goal, too.
The atmosphere at Trick or Treat is electric as the Halloween Costume Contest kicks into full gear. I can practically feel the excitement buzzing off the walls, mingling with the spicy scents of pumpkin and cinnamon wafting through the room.
The bar is packed—pirates, witches, and zombies mingle as the night unfolds like a lifelike pop-up book full of colorful characters. I’m seated at a table with Yvette, who’s still making me jump through hoops to prove I love her sister.
“So, you work for Midnight Industries.” She’s not really asking and I bet she already knows all about my family.
“That’s right. I’m the head designer,” I say, ready to defend my career choice. “My oldest brother made sure I got my Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and had me interview and beat out other candidates for the position.”