I sighed at my sister. “Not arguing with you on that point, Han.”
“Wow. You really have changed haven’t you?”
“Yeah, I guess I have. I hope it’s for the good. And Dad can stop worrying about me, we’re back together now so I’m no longer the wretched, broken creature he last saw.”
“Have you been reading poetry, Ethan? You sound different.”
“No comment,” I said through her sarcasm. “Listen, I wondered if I could bring her up to your place for a weekend. I think Brynne would love Halborough and I’d rather like to get her out of the city for a few days. Can you and Freddy squeeze us in?”
“For you? For the chance to meet this American who has transformed my aloof, unattached little brother into a sappy, love-sick, drinker of Mexican beers? No problem.”
I laughed. “Good. Let me know the dates, Han. I want all of you to meet her, and your lovely home would be the perfect place to do that. And I miss the kids.”
“They miss their Uncle Ethan. Okay…I’ll check the books and let you know when. It’s starting to get busier with the games coming.”
“You don’t have to tell me that. The whole city’s gone mad and we’re just in June!”
We hung up and I looked out the window waiting for Brynne. I pulled out her mobile from my pocket and brought up the text that had ruined my otherwise peaceful day. Some bloke named Alex Craven from the Victoria & Albert Museum that I would just love to turn into a eunuch: Brynne, Lovely seeing you again today. Brill on the Mallerton too. I’d very much love to take you to dinner and discuss further how we can get you on staff. Didn’t know you modeled but now I’ve seen your pictures I must know more! –Alex
I am sure I cut the side of my tongue from gritting my teeth together. The urge to reply back was something I wanted to do so badly I could taste it next to the tang of blood in my mouth—along the lines of: Sod off, you idiot tosser. She’s taken and her man will cut off your balls if you so much as think about her naked. –Ethan w/ the big knife. Of course I didn’t, but just barely.
God, how to handle myself? I was no bloody good at this sort of thing. Jealousy sucked and I would be in for a shit-load with Brynne. Part of the package with her when she was so beautiful and on display so prominently. I needed more reassurance from her and I was pretty sure she wasn’t ready for giving me any more just yet.
The passenger door opened and in she came, plopping on the seat, flushed from a dash through the light drizzle that’d started in the time since I had parked. She grinned and leaned toward me for a kiss.
“Well there you are,” I said and pulled her against me. Her skin was a little cold but her lips were warm and soft for me.
Fuck yes, for me!
I plundered that mouth of hers and held her face to mine, claiming her with my tongue deeply so she could feel how much I wanted her. She allowed the invasion at first and I didn’t let up until she squeaked, telling me I needed to back off. I released her and leaned to the side in my seat to look at her.
“Sorry, that was a little beastly of me.” I gave her my best chastised look.
Her face changed and her eyes got that searching look in them. Christ, she was beautiful. No wonder cocksuckers named Alex wanted her naked. I wanted her naked. Like right f**king now! Her hair was down today and she had on a dark green jacket and a scarf. The color was lovely on her, picking up the green and hazel in her eyes, and she had a few drops of rain sprinkled in her hair.
“What’s wrong, Ethan?”
“Why do you think something’s wrong?”
“Just a really good hunch,” she smirked, “and the tongue lashing confirmed it.”
I shook my head. “I just missed you is all. How was your luncheon with those colleagues you wanted to impress?”
“It was awesome. I got to share about Lady Percival’s restoration and it really gave them a hook to remember me by. I hope something comes of it. Maybe it will.” She smiled. “And I owe it all to you.” She kissed me once on the lips and took my chin in her hand.
I tried to smile back. I thought I did, but apparently I suck at faking my feelings just as much as I suck at dealing with my jealousy. Oh something will come of it, baby. Alex Craven will get a hard-on and the hook will be remembering your naked pictures, not the soulful Lady Percival holding her rare and precious book! Mallerton’s paintings can go to rot, it’s Brynne Bennett on his c**k that he wants!
She sighed at me. “Are you going to tell me what’s wrong? You just growled and I’m pretty sure growling is not a universal signal for happiness and harmony.” She looked very annoyed with me.
“This came through a bit ago.” I set her mobile on her lap with the text on screen.
She picked it up and read it, swallowed once and then looked to the side at me. “You got jealous when you saw this.” Not a question.
I nodded at her. Might as well let it all hang out while we were at it. “He wants to f**k you.”
All men do when they see your nude photographs. I wasn’t moronic enough to say that to her, but man I could sure think it if I wanted. It was the bare naked truth!
“I highly doubt that, Ethan.”