Page 34 of Faking It with the Enforcer

I shrug. “I haven’t asked her yet, but yeah. That’s where this is headed. That’s how serious I am about your sister. I love her. I wanna marry her. I want a life and a future with her. This isn’t me taking advantage. I started falling for her the moment we met, and I don’t think I’m ever gonna stop. She’s it for me, man. She’s everything. And we’re gonna be together, with or without your blessing. I’d rather do it with because you’re my friend and I want you in my life, too. But if it’s without, so be it.” I shake my head, rubbing my hand across my aching jaw. “Did you seriously catch a red-eye from Winnipeg to come punch me in the face?”

“Damn straight. That’s my sister we’re talking about.”

“Your sister is right here and doesn’t appreciate you talking about her like she’s not in the room,” Emily says drily, steppingbetween us again. I watch as she squares her shoulders and meets her brother’s eyes. “I love him, Mike. I know it sounds crazy. I’m aware that there’s an age gap between us. But ever since I’ve arrived, Wolf has been nothing but kind to me. There was no seduction. I want to be with him as much as he wants to be with me. It might not make sense to you, but it makes perfect sense to us.”

I can’t tear my eyes away from Emily. My heart feels too big for my chest, swollen with love and pride and hope for the future. She’s so brave, my girl. So fiercely determined. So dedicated to her passion. So soft and gentle and sweet.

Mike’s head jerks back like he’s been slapped, his mouth open. He stares at his sister for several moments before blinking slowly.

“This is…a lot. To wrap my head around,” he finally says after a lengthy silence.

“This obviously isn’t how we wanted you to find out,” says Emily.

“I just…I don’t understand,” he says slowly, shaking his head. “You’re so young, Em. How can you be sure? You’ve never even dated before and now…” He drags a hand through his hair.

Emily just shrugs, glancing over at me. I send her a reassuring smile. “Just because I haven’t dated doesn’t mean I don’t know real feelings when I experience them. And my feelings for Wolfarereal. And strong. He makes me feel safe and cared for. He treats me like I’m a precious thing. When I’m with him, I just know.” She looks over at me, her eyes bright. “I know I’ve found my person.”

I slide an arm around her waist, pulling her to me. I need to touch her. To feel her next to me. Mike’s eyes darken, but he doesn’t say anything.

“Mike, listen. Like she said, this isn’t how we wanted you to find out. You’re shocked, and I get that. But I love your sister. I’ddo anything for her. Hell, I texted my agent this morning about looking into a trade to Winnipeg.”

Emily gasps, looking up at me. “You did?”

I nod. “If staying here in Toronto doesn’t work out for you, then I’ll find a way to be with you in Winnipeg. I’ll always find a way to be with you, Em.”

She curls into me, her small body nestled against mine, and I look at Mike. I can see him softening a bit.

“You have my word that I’d never do anything to hurt Emily. She’s my whole world now. You know me, Mike. Look at me. Am I a bad guy?”

Mike looks at me, and then immediately looks away, crossing his arms in front of his chest. “I’ve known worse,” he grudgingly admits.

A silence hangs between us, Emily still cuddled against me. Mike scrubs a hand over his face. Honestly, he looks like shit after probably spending all night fuming on a red eye flight. I can tell he’s trying to process everything, so I don’t say anything, letting the silence stretch between us.

“I can’t pretend I’m okay with this,” he says after a long moment, and my heart sinks down into my stomach. I’m going to lose my closest friend over this, and that sucks. “It’s a lot to process. But…” He heaves a sigh, and hope flickers back to life inside me. “I don’t want to lose either of you from my life.” He looks at me, fully meeting my gaze. “You’re one of my closest friends, Wolf, and you have been for over a decade. And Em…” He looks at his sister, his gaze softening. “You’re my baby sister. Of course I want you to be happy. I want you to be safe. I want you to have whatever your heart desires.”

“Wolf makes me feel happy and safe,” Emily says softly, her fingers curling into my T-shirt. “He’s who I want to be with.”

Mike lets out the longest sigh I’ve ever heard in my life. “Okay. Okay. I don’t get it. But I can work on…trying to besupportive.” He makes a face like the words taste bad. Then his eyes lock on mine. “If you hurt her, I’ll kill you.”

Okay, I guess we’re not mincing words here.

“If I hurt her, I’ll deserve it,” I say, holding Emily tighter.

Mike’s gaze bounces between the two of us, and then he rubs a hand over his face again. “Okay.” He nods. “Okay.”

“Do you want to stay here? Or are you headed back?” I ask. “I have a game tomorrow night, I could get you tickets.”

He looks at me warily, and I can tell he’s warring with himself over what to say. “Uh. I don’t think I should stay here. With…” He gestures vaguely to me and Emily. “I can get a hotel. But…yeah. I’ll stay for a few days. Come to the game.”

I grin, relief making my muscles feel weak. “Good. You want some breakfast? There’s a great place around the corner. Best omelet you’ve ever had. My treat, even though you did just punch me in the face.”

“Yeah.” The corner of his mouth kicks up. “Okay. Let’s have breakfast.”

Fourteen

Emily

2 months later

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