Rogue Devil (The Rourkes #11) - Kylie Gilmore Page 0,9

“I was just about to do something with Brendan.”

Sara looks between us for a moment curiously before taking a step back. “Okay, then. I’ll see you in the morning. Goodnight.” She heads down the hall.

Chloe stares at the marble floor, her brows knit together in a scowl. Nothing like a big sister/mom to get your feathers ruffled, I guess.

I dip my head to meet her eyes and smile. “I’m all yours, party girl.”

3

Chloe

It’s so embarrassing the way Sara checks in on me over and over. I’m fine. And we had a long talk earlier, where I told her that. I’m grateful for what she’s done for me, but I’m old enough where I need her more as a sister than a mom.

I meet Brendan’s gaze. His brows lift over bright blue eyes—such a startling blue it’s hard to look away—his expression expectant. I tear my gaze away from those hypnotizing eyes, but I can’t quite look away from him completely. His dark brown hair is longish on top and tousled, probably soft to the touch. His hair combined with his neatly trimmed beard and devilish smile give him a rakish look. I got that rakish thing from my sister-in-law’s historical romance books. I read one just to see what the fuss was about with all her awards and bestseller status. And I bet Brendan’s a rake, always on the lookout for his next conquest.

Before this goes any further, I inform him, “I’m not looking for a hookup. Just so we’re clear.”

His lips twitch. “That would be like kissing my cousin. So wrong.”

I stiffen. I could’ve sworn he was checking me out earlier at dinner. I look away, my cheeks heating. I feel like a total wiener, assuming he was into me. He must’ve been looking at me at dinner because I kept checking him out. I didn’t want to. He’s just, well, any woman with a pulse would notice how sexy and gorgeous he is, even more so than all the other Rourke men because his eyes sparkle and he’s always ready to smile. He looks like a good time in every way. My blush spreads to my neck at the thought. I’m not going there.

He leans down to my ear, his breath fanning hot over my skin, making a shiver rush down my spine as he whispers, “Let’s be friends.” Only it sounds like let’s hook up.

But that’s just my mind playing tricks on me. The words are so at odds with my body’s reaction to him I’m thrown off-kilter.

He draws back, a small smirk on his face and a knowing look in his eyes. “Or you could always hang with your big sister. She seems pretty concerned about you.”

That does it. I don’t need my sister/mom hovering over me, making sure I’m okay. And just to prove it, I’m not going directly back to my room to study. I’m going to do exactly what I said I would. Hang with this guy, who sees me as a platonic friend. Or cousin. Great. Fine. It. Will. Be. Fun.

“Come on.” I jerk my head for him to follow. I step past the dining room, heading for the tower room down the hall. I can hear people still talking in the dining room, slow to leave. Eventually they’ll all be in the parlor, but I’m not in the mood for a crowd.

Halfway to the tower room, I slow my step. Michael is walking toward us, his short blond hair and gray T-shirt damp with sweat. He was probably working out in the gym downstairs.

“Where are you taking me?” Brendan asks, oblivious to the upcoming confrontation.

I can’t seem to find my voice. Michael’s gaze bounces from me to Brendan and back, his brows drawing down.

“Earth to…” Brendan trails off as Michael stops in front of me.

A muscle works in Michael’s jaw. “Thank you for the cookies.”

“You’re welcome.”

He gets in Brendan’s face. They’re about the same height and build—six feet of broad-shouldered muscle—but Michael is trained to disarm, disable, and destroy if necessary. My heart’s in my throat. Brendan holds his ground.

Michael grinds out between his teeth, “Touch her and die.” He straightens and salutes Brendan. “Joking. It’s my duty and an honor to protect the Rourkes.” He drops his hand and marches off like a soldier. It’s funny but not.

I resume walking toward the tower room, not sure what to say after that.

“So that wasn’t disturbing at all,” Brendan says under his breath.

I give him a sideways look. “He’s a palace guard.