Page 22 of Sworn to Protect

Nate breaks the silence once they’ve disappeared into their room. “Look, I’m really?—”

“Leave! I can’t deal with you right now.” I’m being a bitch, but I can’t handle any more arguing. Never mind that I’m not in the wrong. There’s no excuse for bringing a weapon into my home. I will not tolerate it. I won’t.

Nate studies me for a long beat before lifting his chin in silent understanding and walking out. The door clicks shut, and the loss I feel as he leaves only stokes the fire burning inside me. Damn it.

I round on Jordan. “Why are you even here?”

He watches the door with distaste. “I don’t like that guy. Why was he here watching my nephews?”

“Your nephews you’ve barely seen in five years?” I scoff, crossing my arms. At age ten, my son possessed more chivalry than my big brother could ever dream. Jordan has never been there for me. He didn’t even show up for Ethan’s burial.

“That’s not fair. You know I’ve been busy.”

Sure, busy doing Lord knows what.“Answer my question. Why are you here?”

“Mom called. Told me you moved back. Thought I’d check on you.”

My expression softens despite myself. Perhaps I’m too harsh. “I’m fine for the most part.”

“Are you going to be okay financially?”

The last thing I want to do is discuss my finances with Jordan. “We’ll be okay.”

Jordan’s gaze drifts toward the front door. “That guy?—”

“Nate. His name is Nate.”

“Nate”—his nose scrunches as if the name conjures the smell of rotten eggs—“What’s his deal? He sniffing around for money?”

“He doesn’t know about our situation.”

“You let a stranger watch my nephews?”

“He’s not a stranger. My sitter bailed on me. I didn’t have much choice.”

Jordan frowns. “What’s his full name?”

“Nathaniel Dixon. He goes by Nate.”

“I’ll check him out.”

I roll my eyes. Typical Jordan. Riding into town on his white horse, only to realize he’s saddled on top of a donkey.The ass.He’ll be gone at the first sign of responsibility. “He’s harmless.”

Jordan shoots me a look that says I’m naïve. “I know Mom’s away, but I’m here now.”

Sure, like I’d trust him with my kids. I don’t argue. That battle can be fought later. “I’m surprised you didn’t break into Mom’s home and stay there.”

“Funny.”

I lift a shoulder, mimicking his signature move. “Just saying.”

“Don’t be a brat.” Jordan closes the distance between us and pulls me into a hug. “I’ve missed you, sis.”

I wrap my arms around his waist. He may have caused havoc when we lived in San Francisco, but he is my brother, and I miss him.

“I’m tired. I’m going to check on the boys and take a shower.You can sleep on the couch if you want. I’ll drop you off at Mom’s house tomorrow.” I’ll message Mom in the morning to check and see if she’s cool with him staying. But I know she won’t care. She never does when it comes to Jordan. The guy can do no wrong in her eyes, although he has done plenty.

“That’s chill.” He ambles over to the couch. “Hey, do you have a computer I can borrow? I need to check out a few things.”

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