Page 26 of Sworn to Protect

She steps away from me and the letter and continues to walk out the door. I let out a relieved breath when she disappears from sight. Shit, that was close. When her engine roars to life, confusion settles in.

Where do I go from here with all these lies I’ve told?

CHAPTER TWELVE

MACKENZIE

“I haven’t found toomuch on this Nathaniel dude yet,” Jordan drawls, leaning back with a cocky smirk that makes it clear he’s enjoying the hunt more than the actual result.

“You’re wasting your time. He’s perfectly harmless.” After Nate’s and my morning talk, I’m even more convinced he’s honorable. I pull into Mom’s driveway, my nerves already frayed after spending just one day with Jordan. It’s been years since I’ve seen my brother, but evidently, not enough time has passed to soften his knack for testing my patience.

“It would help if I knew where he grew up. I’d know who to contact.”

“San Francisco.” I regret the words the moment they leave my mouth. The last thing I need to do is fuel my brother’s paranoia.

Jordan’s eyes narrow, and his chin lifts upward with that cocky arrogance that always manages to send a shiver down my spine. I don’t ask about his contacts. Some things are better left unknown. And, trust me, Jordan hung around some shady characters growing up.

“I heard Caleb Stubbs’ a detective now. I could have him?—”

“No! Don’t you dare. That’s not his job. Besides, you’re not even close to the Stubbs.”

“Fine, but I’m getting as much info as possible.”

Wanting to change the subject, I say, “Mom will return in a few weeks. Be sure the house looks decent.”

He shoots me a look that says, yeah, right. I hold back a sigh. “Speaking of cleaning, did you straighten the house today?” I ask, knowing the answer. Jordan’s housekeeping skills are nonexistent. But my perfectly cleaned house has been a mystery. My clothes aren’t just folded; they’re folded with department store precision. And the kitchen? Spotless. It’s enough to make Mr. Clean jealous.

“Come on. It hasn’t been that long since we’ve seen each other. You surely don’t think I’ve suddenly transformed.” He flashes me his signature cocky grin.

“No. I just thought I’d ask.” A small part of me had hoped my mystery maid had been Jordan. At least then, I wouldn’t feel so bad for going ballistic on Nate. Could I sink any lower with this guy? No, I don’t think so. The man rushed over in a pinch, watched my kids, and straightened my house. He’s undoubtedly thoughtful and did an excellent job handling the boys, who talked nonstop about him during breakfast. There’s so much more to the man than I first saw.

And I freaking went ballistic on him.

What is wrong with me?

“So why are you really back? I know it isn’t just for me.”

“That hurts, sis.”

“That’s reality, bro.”

“Fine.” He laughs, shaking his head. “I plan on fixing my car while I’m here.” His car being a 1970 Plymouth Roadrunner. He’s kept it stored in Stan’s garage for years.

“No kidding? Liam would love that. He drools every time he goes out to the garage with Stan.”

“I’ll have him help me.”

“He’d like that. There haven’t been too many opportunities for him to do those types of things.”

Silence descends upon us. After a beat, Jordan nudges my kneeplayfully with his fist. “Iamsorry about Ethan. I may not have liked him, but I didn’t wish this to happen to you or the kids.”

My lips flatten to a thin line as I give him a nod. Regret and guilt coil together like a snake squeezing tighter as I think about the walls I’ve built to keep everyone at arm’s length. A pang of sorrow flickers, reminding me how much I’ve lost and still hold back. But damn it, why is it the moment I let my guard down and feel good about Nate, reality slaps me in the face? I don’t know if this guilt will ever fade. It’s not a secret Ethan and Jordan didn’t get along. Just like oil and water, they didn’t mix. Ethan was all about discipline and toeing the line. Jordan, not so much. I always describe him as free-spirited, but that’s me being nice.

“Thanks. I won’t lie. It’s hard, but I’ve been raising these boys on my own since birth. Military wife, after all.”

“You always were the strong one.”

That causes the corners of my mouth to rise. Through all his faults, Jordan has always been a charmer. “Don’t forget that.”

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