Page 20 of The Cousins and the Brunette

I leaned back against the cell wall. “Well, this has been delightful. Really. But if story time’s over, I’d love to get back to my regularly scheduled imprisonment.” Then I smiled and said in a softer tone. “Must’ve been nice, having each other. A true family affair.”

A twinge of envy coiled in my gut. These guys might be kidnappers, but at least they had each other’s backs. Unlike some people I knew on the streets.

Their gazes turned to me, each holding a different expression of understanding. Joel’s tare narrowed, assessing whether my words held mockery or sincerity.

“Family’s everything,” Sebastian stated, and there was a gravity in his tone that resonated somewhere deep within me.

“Sure is,” I agreed quietly, the memory of my own little sister flaring bright and painful.

A lump formed in my throat, and I swallowed hard, fighting back the sudden sting in my eyes. Kay’s face flashed in my mind, her bright smile and unwavering optimism a bright contrast to the cold, damp cell surrounding me. I’d give anything to see that smile right now, to know she was safe. The sudden ache in my chest threatened to swallow me whole.

Joel’s brow furrowed, his earlier amusement fading. “What’s that supposed to mean? You referring to your old man? The asshole who double crossed us?”

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance even with the ache in my chest. “Oh, nothing. Just thinking out loud about the wonderful world of nepotism and inherited wealth. You know, the usual daydreams of us lowly peasants.”

Braxton let out a low whistle. “Damn, she’s got claws.”

“And a rather sharp tongue,” Sebastian added, a smile gracing his face.

I flashed them a sardonic grin. “What can I say? It’s a survival skill. You’d be surprised how far a quick wit can get you when you’re scraping by on the streets.”

Well, shit. Open mouth, insert foot. Way to go, Brynn.

Joel took a step closer to the cell, his earlier playfulness replaced by intensity. “What are you talking about? You live in a mansion with daddy Shoemaker, who has more money than God.”

Oops! I’d almost blown my cover.

My heart quickened, but I kept my expression neutral. “I-I meant...” Shit! How was I going to get out of this mess? I scrambled to recover, my heart pumping fast and hard. “I meant hypothetically, of course. One can’t help but wonder what it’s like on the other side of the fence. All that glitters isn’t gold, right?”

Smooth, Brynn. Real smooth. They’ll never suspect a thing now. Maybe I should’ve gone into politics instead of scavenging.

Joel’s gaze bore into me, suspicion etched across his features. “Funny way of putting it for someone who’s lived in luxury her whole life.”

“Oh, come now,” I said, forcing a laugh that sounded hollow even to my own ears. “You can’t possibly think I’ve been completely sheltered. Daddy dearest isn’t exactly the warm and fuzzy type.”

Braxton cocked his head. “No? What’s life really like in the Shoemaker castle?”

I swallowed hard, desperately grasping for details I’d gleaned about Elizabeth’s life. “It’s...cold. Sterile. Like living in a museum where you can’t touch anything. Every move watched, every word measured.”

Not too far from the truth, really. Just swap “museum” for “streets” and “daddy dearest” for “ruthless gang leaders.”

Sebastian’s expression softened. “That sounds...lonely.”

“Spare me the pity party.” Joel chuckled. “Poor little rich girl, trapped in her ivory tower. Cry me a river.”

I bit back a retort, reminding myself I was supposed to be Elizabeth. Instead, I shrugged. “You asked. I answered. Believe what you want.”

If only they knew the truth. I’d trade this “ivory tower” for a warm meal and Kay’s safety in a heartbeat. But hey, a girl’s gotta keep her secrets, right?

These guys had no idea how close to home they were hitting. Every word out of their mouths was like a little jab to my ribs, reminding me just how precarious this whole charade was. But I’d be damned if I’d let them see me sweat. After all, the streets of New Boston had taught me one invaluable lesson—never show your hand, even when you’re holding nothing but jokers.

Braxton leaned against the wall, a smirk on his lips. “You know, for someone who’s supposedly been locked away from the world, you’ve got quite the street-smart vibe going on.”

My heart skipped a beat. “What can I say? I’m a quick study. You pick things up, even from behind gilded bars.”

Gilded bars, my ass. The only bars I’d ever known were the rusty fire escapes Kay and I used to climb when we needed a quick getaway.

Joel’s hands suddenly slammed against the cell bars, making me flinch. “Cut the crap. Who are you really?”

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