Page 57 of Mine to Worship

“Ellia has to eat,” he says.

The girls slide past him, and he approaches me. His hand slides down my arm and I go on tiptoes, kissing him. He cups my face and feelings wraps us together in a million intricate webs.

Brandon bursts through the door and pushes Kian to the side. He got braver. He lifts me and spins me around.

“Be careful. She’s pregnant, damn it,” Kian growls, and Brandon puts me down. Frustration oozes from my husband, and I hug his arm.

“Five minutes,” I say.

He nods and sends a threatening glare in Brandon’s direction.

How does he do that? Fascinating, raw, savage, and hot.

“If he’s like this with you, can you imagine when the baby is here? Poor thing. Lucky, he has me,” Brandon declares and salutes Kian who closes the door behind him.

I let him dream on. He hugs me again, and I soften in his familiar embrace.

“How are you? I tried to sneak in last night, but not only does he have infrared vision, I guess he also has super hearing.”

I burst into laughter. He described Kian accurately.

“He’s a bit strained with my pregnancy.”

“He’s smitten with you.”

I want that more than anything else.

“How is work going?”

Brandon drags a hand down his face. “I don’t know how he does it and stays sane. I’m seeing another side of him.”

“He trusts you.”

“Yes, he barks an order and I make it happen.”

“It’s his way of teaching.” I elbow him and he tucks his hands in his slacks, tipping his head to the side.

“Yes, pushing me in the water while learning how to swim and dodging sharks.”

“Kian left you in charge. That means he’s trusting you can do it.”

Surprise bounces in his hazel eyes and I place my hand on his arm.

“Why do you think he left you in his place?”

“I…” He stammers, and his eyes glisten with vulnerability.

“Are you crying?”

“Of course I am not crying. I have something in my eye.”

“I told you he loves you.” It makes me so happy that their relationship has improved. This is what I have wished for these two, to open up, and see how much they love each other.

He drops down on the edge of the bed and holds his head between his hands. “I’ve been a shitty brother to him. Trying to get between you two, that was low.”

He shows genuine remorse but it won’t change the past.

“And your parents?” Just thinking of his father sends ice down my veins.

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