Page 189 of Chasing Sparks

Trace’s hand taps out an erratic rhythm on the table. “The shipment’s set to arrive tomorrow night, but now I’m not sure it’ll happen. Not if Kevin has insider information. Fuck, I hate dragging civilians into this shit.”

“Hey, we haven’t said anything,” I bark, motioning between me and Lucille. “We’vebeencareful.”

Trace’s nostrils flare, his jaw tightening as he growls, “Well, someone said something. What about your guys upstairs?”

“Zane doesn’t know a damn thing.”

Trace sharpens his gaze on me. “What about your brother?”

Before Trace can respond, a new voice slices through the air.

“What about me?”

I whip my head up to see Braden standing in the doorway, his expression a volatile mix of confusion and rage.

“What’s up, Braden?”

"You tell me," Braden says, his heavy, measured steps echoing across the floor. "I come downstairs to talk about a client, and I overhear some stranger throwing my name around."

“It’s nothing,” But I know my response is futile. My brother is past the point of walking away.

“Bullshit.” Braden’s glare hardens, volleying between Lucille and Trace. “This whole situation stinks. You and I never keep secrets from each other.Never.”

“Braden—”

"I’m not done," Braden bellows, jabbing a finger at me. "It’s your life. If you want to screw it up with Lucille, fine. But it becomes my business when I hear my name in some stranger’s mouth, questioning my integrity."

Trace rises, extending his hand in a calm greeting. "We haven’t met. I’m Trace."

Braden’s lip curls as he crosses his arms over his chest. "Why the fuck should I care who you are?"

"Because you know him—or at least know of him," I reply, my head pounding like a marching band has taken up permanent residence in my skull.

Braden’s eyes go wide as he looks between Trace and Lucille. “Wait. You’reherex-husband? You’re that Trace?”

“One and the same,” Trace says, his expression devoid of emotion.

Braden passes a hand over his eyes. “What the hell have you gotten yourself into, Ash?”

Trace gives me a subtle nod and I motion to the seat beside me.

“Sit down, Braden.” My voice is steady despite the overwhelming fear coursing through me. “It’s time to fill you in.”

It’s not even ten in the morning, and my brother looks like he needs a drink. Hell, he might need an entire bottle.

The man sits shell-shocked, trying to process the truth behind the situation with Lucille and me. To be fair, it’s the same expression I’ve been wearing for the past month.

Braden scrubs his face as he absorbs the barrage of revelations thrown his way.

“Shit,” he mutters.

I clap a hand on his shoulder. “Braden, I hated not telling you.”

He shakes his head as if that might bring clarity to the craziness. “I appreciate the truth. Lucille, Trace—sorry for lashing out.”

That’s the thing about Braden. He’s got a temper, but he knows how to apologize—and mean it.

Best guy on the planet, no doubt.

---