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I clench my jaw, a flare of unease in my gut. He’s right—I haven’t told her everything yet. But that’s only because…

“I was trying to protect her,” I say evenly. “When the time is right, and she wants to remember, I’ll tell her. But I don’t want to take that decision from her. Despite what you may think, I care about Lil. I only want what’s best for her.”

Levi is silent for a beat, and then he gives a slight nod. “I’ll be keeping an eye on things.” His tone hardens again. “It’s better if you don’t hurt her. Otherwise, I will take it personally.”

I resist the urge to snap back, reminding myself this is Lil’s brother. “You have my word.”

“Good.”

“Do I have your blessing with Lil, then?” I wink.

“For now. I promised Lil I wouldn’t interfere in her life here.” He regards me with a scrutinizing look. “My opinion is to let her make her own mistakes. When you mess up, and you will, I’ll be there. I’m patient.”

“I won’t hurt her.”

He scoffs. “Sure you won’t.”

“Why are you so sure?”

“You’re a Barron,” he states bluntly. “Your mother and Lil’s mother are proof of that. But please go on. Then Lil won’t keep dreaming about her fairytale prince anymore. One who never existed to begin with. You were just lucky to be at the right place at the right time.”

This is Lil’s brother. Lil’s brother. Anger flares inside me. She probably loves him.

A flicker of what might be approval passes over his face before his expression shuts closed once more.

“It won’t happen,” I say.

“There is only one thing I ask.”

“You are sure I’ll fail but still have demands?”

He appraises me.

“Fine. What?” I ask.

“Never reveal the truth about what happened. Not for any reason. If you do that, I’ll leave you two alone.” His voice drops an octave. “Defy me, and there will be consequences.”

“You have my word.” I extend my hand. “Unless she wants to remember or remembers herself.”

His jaw clenches.

“This goes both ways, Edmunds.”

Levi doesn’t move. “You’ll inform us first.”

“Deal.”

“Deal.” Levi shakes my hand.

“What about your brother?” I ask. “I would have expected him, to be honest.” He has developed a reputation for being ruthless, while Levi, on the other hand, is described as the more polite and composed brother. The Edmund’s brothers. Did some research on them.

“Oh, he cares.” Levi chuckles darkly. “He’s sitting in the car as we speak.”

I can’t resist an impish grin. “Too scared to face me himself?”

In a flash, Levi’s hand shoots out, fisting in my shirt as he slams me against the wall. His face hovers an inch from mine, eyes blazing.

“No. I want to avoid a bloodbath,” he says. “So Landon waits in the car. But keep pushing your luck, quarterback.”

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