Page 23 of For the Sub

Then he spoke softly, “You can’t fix everyone, Brandy.”

“Who said I want to fix him?”

“Don’t you?” Gregorio challenged.

He spread his legs, making him an unmovable object. She knew better than to try to push past him. Fierce protectiveness glittered in his dark eyes.

“It was a one-time thing. It’ll never happen again.” Which made her sad.

But Gregorio clearly wasn’t finished with the conversation. “Why did you invite him?”

Frustrated, defensive, she shot back, “Who said I initiated it?”

“Master Niles wouldn’t have.”

“You sound certain of that.”

“I am.” He waited for the span of a few seconds. “So why did you do it?”

She considered telling him it was none of his business. But everything that happened here was his business. That was part of why Master Damien hired him.

The resolution in his stance informed her that he’d stand there as long as it took for her to reply.

Had he been an interrogator in the past?

If so, she pitied whoever had been subject to his formidable scrutiny.

Finally, she sighed. “I’m not sure,” she admitted. Even she didn’t know what had come over her. “Something in his eyes…”

Gregorio remained silent.

Uncomfortable, she shifted. “I’m allowed to initiate a scene with the guests.”

“You are.” He nodded in acknowledgement.

“Fine.” He was impossible. “I’ll be careful.”

“I love you like a sister.”

Brandy gave him a wan smile. “You’re a bigger pain in the ass than an older sibling would be.” She had dozens of friends, a brother she hadn’t spoken with in months, and a fractured spirit. And when her life had been in tatters, Gregorio had been the one person who’d been there, solid and resolute.

After a painful breakup, she had poured her heart out to him. The next morning, she’d awakened before dawn on a couch at the Den. She’d been snuggled against Gregorio’s chest, and his arm was around her shoulder.

More than anyone, he had the right to question her about what she was thinking.

If her soul shattered again, he’d have to be the one to pick up the shards.

“Promise me you’ll be careful.”

“It meant nothing to him,” she said.

“You’re right,” he agreed. “But it might to you.” With that warning, he informed her she was going home.

“But I’m on duty until midnight,” she protested.

“You’re going home,” he repeated.

“But working will be good for me.”

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