Page 39 of The Cousins and the Brunette

“You remind me of my friend Kira. Lots of guts to stand up to the Elites,” she replied without turning around.

The door closed behind her, leaving us with blueprints spread out on the coffee table and a plan that was quickly forming into something that felt a lot like hope—or it was just the adrenaline talking.

This was it, our chance to change everything. But as I looked around at the faces of the Porter cousins, I had the nagging feeling that we were in way over our heads.

Braxton cleared his throat, drawing my attention. “All right, here’s the plan.” He was pointing to the blueprints with a laser pointer he fished out from his pocket. “Brynn, you’re our eyes and hands in the field—and you’re quick on your feet. Sebastian, you’ll use those high-society connections of yours to create a distraction at Shoemaker’s gala the night of the heist.” Braxton glanced over at Sebastian, who nodded solemnly. “Joel, you’re with me on tech and comms. We’ll disable their security systems long enough for Brynn and Sebastian to slip in undetected.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “Sounds like fun.”

Sebastian shrugged. “Before we even get there, we need new tech from Joel, gear checks, and to memorize the estate layouts until they’re burned into our brains.”

As the others kept busy with preparations, Braxton and I drifted to a quiet corner of the vast room.

He turned to face me, his expression softening. “Before all this, life was just...about living day to day. My cousins made it better, but I always felt this hole in my heart…” He stepped closer, his warm breath caressing my cheek. “Growing up without parents, I had to learn to fend for myself early. It made me who I am—a leader, a strategist. And it also taught me the value of trust.” His gaze locked with mine, tender yet intense. “I trust you with my life, Brynn. You mean so much to me.”

I tilted my head up to meet his stare. “I care about you too, Braxton. More than I ever expected to.”

A soft chuckle rumbled in his chest. “Well, aren’t we just a couple of softies underneath our tough exteriors?” His fingers brushed against mine, sending sparks through my skin.

I blushed, feeling emboldened by his touch. “Speak for yourself, surfer boy. I’m all grit, no fluff.”

“Oh really?” Braxton’s hand slid around my waist, pulling me flush against him. “Because I’m sensing a whole lot of tenderness hidden behind that sassy facade of yours.”

My breath hitched and I melted into his strong embrace. “Maybe you’re just projecting.”

“Mmm, I don’t think so.” His lips hovered a hair’s breadth from mine. “I think deep down, Brynn Soto is a hopeless romantic waiting to be swept off her feet...”

With a wicked grin, I closed the gap and captured his mouth in a kiss. Braxton responded with equal fervor, his lips moving passionately against mine and his grip on my waist tightened. I threaded my fingers through his thick, wavy hair, devouring the taste of him, the scent of his skin.

When we finally broke apart, breathless and flushed, Braxton rested his forehead against mine. “Wow,” he murmured, a blissful smile spreading across his face. “That was even better than I remembered.”

I laughed softly, nuzzling his nose with mine. “Hmm, I agree.”

He pecked my lips again sweetly. We hugged and rejoined the others. Braxton and Sebastian were looking over the blueprints again.

I sat down at the table with Joel on the far side of the living room. “Hey.”

He looked up and gave me a crooked smile. “I never told you this, but Shoemaker, he hurt people I care about. My sister was one of them.” His jaw clenched, a flicker of pain passing over his chiseled features. “She trusted him, and he used her. We can’t let him get away with selling the Nant-bots to an enemy, which is what I’m afraid he’ll do.”

“I’m so sorry to hear that,” I whispered, reaching out to place my hand over his. His skin was warm and rough, sending a tingle through my fingertips.

Joel’s gaze dropped to our hands, his thumb gently brushing over my knuckles. “Brynn, there’s something else I need to tell you…” He paused, his voice rough and husky. “Since we made love, my feelings for you have grown deeper, more complex.”

My breath caught in my throat, my heart pounding against my ribcage. I searched his face, seeing the vulnerability and tenderness in his expression. “Joel, I...”

He leaned closer, his masculine scent enveloping me. “I know we’re in the middle of planning a dangerous mission, but I can’t deny what I feel for you anymore.” His free hand came up to cup my cheek. “You’re the most incredible woman I’ve ever met, Brynn. Strong, brave, beautiful...”

I leaned into his touch, my lips parting when he drew nearer. “I feel the same way.”

With a low growl, Joel grabbed my chair and scooted it closer to him. Then his lips claimed mine in a scorching kiss. I surrendered to the passion, my fingers threading through his hair and pulled him closer. His mouth moved against mine with a passion that left me breathless, his tongue teasing and exploring. I clung to him, as the kiss deepened. Heat coursed through my veins, my skin prickling with every touch. Joel’s strong arms encircled me, holding me tight as if he never wanted to let go.

We finally broke apart, both panting for air.

Joel rested his forehead against mine. “I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe, Brynn,” he vowed, his voice heavy with emotion. “I won’t let anything happen to you or your sister. Ever.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with the depth of my feelings for him. “That is the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.” I kissed his cheek and stood up. “I’ll let you get back to work.”

I drifted over to Sebastian who was now on his laptop and reclined on the sofa. I plopped down beside him, my friend and my lover. It was hard to believe that I’d had sex with all three of the Porter cousins, yet I had a soft spot for Sebastian.

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