Page 11 of Corrupt Obsession

She shoved at him. “I knew you wouldn’t understand.”

He clutched her shoulders and gripped so she would pay attention and stop fighting him. “I understand better than you think. You think you’re the only one who’s felt lost and lonely? Who thought you and Isaac were too good to be true?”

She went very still.

“Mom and I were miserable before you brought us back to life.”

Her lower lip trembled. “Really?”

He gave her a little shake.“Really.”

She sniffled and looked down. “I’m sorry. I’m having a hard time taking it all in. New mom, brother,andhouse?”

“We deserve it, Vi. Life hasn’t been smooth sailing for any of us.”

“I guess.”

When she rubbed the back of her hand across her face, removing the last of her makeup, he slid an arm over her shoulders. “What time did you wake up this morning?”

“I couldn’t sleep. I was too excited.”

She didn’t fight him as he led her down the hallway.

“And terrified something was going to happen?”

She hesitated before she shrugged. “Maybe.”

“You’re exhausted.” Belatedly remembering her bedroom was still a disaster, he led her to his. “You should shower and get some rest.”

Violet headed for his bed. “Sleep sounds good.”

“You don’t want…?” he began, but didn’t bother to finish when she flopped on his bed in her fancy dress.

He eyed her for a moment before he picked up her foot to undo the strap of her heel. She struggled to sit up.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” she began. “I can…”

“I got it,” he said as her shoe clattered to the floor.

She propped herself on her elbows and watched as he took care of the other shoe as well.

He raised his brow when he saw the odd look on her face. “What?”

“Dad expects me to take care of myself. I’m not used to anyone treating me like a child.”

“I’m not treating you like a child. I’m taking care of you. That’s my job.” When she frowned, he shared, “When my dad died, Mom was in shock. I had to feed her for a couple of days, even help her get dressed.”

Violet’s eyes widened.

“It’s drummed into me to care for my family. I was brought up knowing when my dad wasn’t around, I was the man of the house.”

“I guess that’s why Dad talks to you like you’re an equal, even though you’re only a year older than me,” she mused and tipped her head to the side as she examined him. “Your dad must have been really special. I hear Mom say it all the time, that you’re just like him.”

Unconsciously, he mimicked his father’s military stance and clasped his hands behind his back.

“You’re the best brother a girl could ask for, Jesse Sampson.”

Something about the way she said that made his throat thicken. He looked around for something to do, but he’d unpacked and arranged his room to his liking as soon as they moved in.

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