Page 43 of Barrett

“Why don’t you trust me?”

The yogurt was a rock in my throat when I swallowed. “You’re my brother. Of course I trust you.”

“Then why didn’t you tell me who Reghan works for?”

“What did Jordan say?”

“Deflecting. Jordan didn’t say anything about Reghan. He said it was unfortunate he missed the art expo, but he heard I was very talented, thanks to the owner of the hotel.” I should have known Emeric would call Jordan.

“He wanted to purchase some of my art for his partner,” Marshall continued. “I could easily put the pieces together. Reghan is a bodyguard. He’s massive. There’s no way that man isn’t protecting someone important. And why would Jordan Altair contact me out of nowhere?”

“He knows Emeric Saylor?”

Marshall crossed his arms. “Barrett. Does Reghan work for Jordan Altair?”

I couldn’t lie to him when he asked me directly. With me… dating… fucking… Reghan, Marshall was bound to find out. I should have thought this through too. It didn’t make Marshall any more of a target. It only brought him more into my world, the one I wanted to shield him from. At least he didn’t know I helped Jordan on the side.

“Yes,” I told him.

“And you’ve known this for how long?”

“Years.”

He nodded. “You didn’t tell me because you didn’t want me to get hurt or involved in anything or have any knowledge about this for my own safety.” It wasn’t a question. He knew why I did it.

“Jordan isn’t someone to get mixed up with.”

“Yet you’re dating his bodyguard. I’m not going to ask what else you aren’t telling me because you do things for a reason, but you could have at least told me this. I’m not going to run around confessing it to others. Your job would be on the line.”

I put the bowl on the counter so I could scrub my hands over my face. Reghan’s scent was still on me, his cologne on my skin. “It should make me not want anything to do with him.”

“You’ve known him too long. All this time you were brooding, it was him, wasn’t it?”

“He gets under my skin like I do to him.”

“You deserve to be happy. If he makes you smile, don’t let anyone stand in your way. I would give anything to have what you do. To have someone who looks at me like I’m their entire world. That’s what Reghan did. This is beyond sex, Barrett.”

“Yeah.”

“I’m selling Jordan one of my paintings for Hartley’s studio.”

“Yeah,” I repeated because there wasn’t anything I could say. What good would it do to tell him no? Jordan wasn’t threatening my brother or hurting him. Jordan had connections, as did Hartley. This could propel my brother’s career. “I don’t like it. I don’t want you anywhere near him. Whatever Jordan wants, I’ll have Reghan deliver it.”

“Jordan must have known you’d say that. He already suggested one of his employees pick it up.” Marshall cocked his head. “How well do you know the mafia boss?”

“Marshall…” There was a warning in my tone. He was an adult, but he was also my brother. I’d be damned if it went any further than him selling Jordan his art.

There were people all over East Dremest who were friendly with Jordan. Having my brother talk to him wouldn’t end well though, not with my position as one of the city’s detectives. There was also a bit of a relief that Marshall knew a little about what I’d been keeping from him. If he knew the rest, he could be brought in and questioned. My brother didn’t belong in those rooms or behind bars.

Marshall pushed off the counter and came toward me until he could hug me. I embraced him back.

“I don’t need all the details, Barrett. I’m here though. I’d never tell anyone what you say to me. You’re the most important person in my life. You carry a weight on your shoulders I hate seeing. I hope Reghan helps you relax and shows you your worth.”

My eyes became misty. “Thanks, Mars,” I whispered.

He leaned back and graced me with one of his bright smiles. “I’m happy for you. Reghan’s going to be good for you, now that you finally gave in.”

“That’s yet to be determined. I could be fired if we're found out.”

---