Page 37 of Toxic Things I Love About You

“Okay. Point taken. We hug.” I was pretty sure that we wouldn’t ask Parks for a group hug.

The muffled thump of music was broken apart by my cousin and Roman’s laughter.

Only after hearing them both let their hair down did I finally let out a deep relaxing breath.

“Things got a little serious there, Roman. Tell us like it is. And also, I’m bored.”

Roman’s hands threaded through my hair over and over until he finally seemed to relax.

“I’m not really sure what the hell to think. My brother is in way over his head. He’s supposed to be keeping dealers in line and yet he didn’t know what the hell he was doing. Emilee? His anger seems pretty fucking deep. I don’t get why he cares.”

It was hard to figure out if Roman cared or not about his brother.

“He needs to not care. I got the better brother,” I said.

At least that got me a smile from him.

“That might be true, and it’s also why this is a dangerous situation. He was never close to my father or business deals, but I’m suddenly not sure what he could do or will do if he gets his hands on you,” Roman said.

With a little hop, I sat my ass on the top of his desk and crossed my legs. “You worry too much, Romy-poo. Look at Parks. Do you want worry lines like he has?”

Roman spun around.

“Worry lines? Of course he has worry lines. Have you ever had to take care of a petulant child that doesn’t seem to have an ounce of self-preservation in her entire body? Fucking hell, Butterfly. You’ve given my heart a bigger work out than an MMA championship fighter can.”

I shut up and waited. When he was done, I felt like pushing a few more buttons. He wasn’t wrong. My self-preservation was a bit low.

“See that? I just shut up. I have at least an ounce of self-preservation.”

A quick glance between Parks and Roman told me I’d succeed in pushing that last nerve.

“Did you know that you both have a similar vein that pops out just here?”

I pointed along my neck and watched as that same vein seemed a little more prominent the angrier they got.

“Oh, geez boys. It’s fine. Parks go home to Halle, and I’ll fill in grumpy-pants here about Uncle. Or the lack of what Uncle said.”

Parks glanced at Roman.

“I’ll make that bit quick.” Parks squared his shoulders and seemed to be preparing. “He threatened Emilee. We might have a problem with the Sterling’s thanks to her rebuffing the proposal and then, well, your proposal and verbal threat to his life.”

Roman was closer now. “Well, I’m sure we can fix that problem. Nothing a little money can’t address.”

Parks nodded, and I just watched.

“My fear exactly. Vincent wasn’t smart enough to keep himself off her father’s list, but he is smart. I am certain he’s already planning to play with this Sterling problem. Also, Roman?”

I reached for him, trying to pull him closer.

“Don’t let her out of your sight for now. It might be smart to announce this engagement for her sake.”

Roman turned toward me but spoke to Parks.

“I can’t decide if she’s right in keeping the secret because it will cause some kind of silent war with my brother. But perhaps it would keep some of the sharks at bay. We will discuss it and let you know. For now?”

Roman pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and read it.

“For now, Emilee and I need to take care of a loose end in this club.”

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