Page 209 of Sin With Me

Eric cleared his throat loud enough for both my brothers to freeze, Julian midway to scratching his head and Tristan to getting off hisseat.

“Emma’s the only one I want on this case. I trust her. She’s very intelligent and knows the details already. Besides, I know that she would ask for help and not get herself into a dangerous situation if there was aneed.”

My brothers looked from one to the other, obviously not happy with Eric’s choice. For a moment I thought we’d have a little wrestling match in the middle of the room between the three of them. Instead, Tristan poured himself a cup of coffee and sipped it, saying, “Fine. So what’s this I’m hearing about a family dinner tomorrow?”

Eric shrugged toward me. “I sort of mentioned it already.”

While Tristan and Eric discussed tomorrow afternoon, already making the flight arrangements and ordering a caterer, Julian pulled me aside.

“You love him, Emma? Isn’t it too fast?” he asked.

“Yes, I love him very much. I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy.”

“I haven’t seen you this happy in a long time, either. He’s a goodguy.”

“You did a background check, didn’tyou?”

“Do you blameme?”

“No. I love you, Julian. Thank you for putting up with me for the past few years.”

“You’re welcome. Believe me, I know when a woman is broken and when she needs help.” He sighed. Of course he knew. He’d helped his wife, Kendra, rehabilitate after she’d been held captive by sex traffickers for a month. If there was anyone who knew how to fight dark demons, it was Julian. “I’m sorry it took me so long to help you, but I’ve never had a troubled sister. You’ve always been so strong, Em. I just wanted you healthy.”

“Iknow.”

“As much as I don’t like you working this case, I will be forever grateful to Hunter for bringing Eric to New York. You’re practically glowing when you look athim.”

“All I want to do is make him happy. How are we going to make this work? He lives so faraway.”

“I’m sure you’ll figure something out, Emma. Listen, this case and Huntz. You may have been too young to remember what Allie went through with Wright, but John Huntz has all the traits of a maniac, Emma. Be careful.”

Yes, I remembered how Allie had run her entire life from the man who raped her mother, causing her to lose her baby. She’d run from him, met Tristan, and when the two of them finally thought they could form a family, the bastard had returned. He’d been stalking her for years, calculating the perfect time to make a comeback. Chills ran up my spine, raising goose bumps on myarms.

“I remember enough. I’ll be careful.”

“You still have thegun?”

“Yes.”

“Well, maybe it’s time to carry it with you on the job. I don’t want to lose you, Em.”

“You have nothing to worry about. I was taught by the best.” I huggedhim.

We chatted a bit longer in the kitchen, and for the first time since I’d met Eric, I got the feeling that our families could blend together after all. The guys seemed to get along quite well, and I couldn’t wait for tomorrow’s family dinner.

“Do you know how much I love you?” I said after my brothersleft.

“Why don’t you show me?” He picked me up and carried me to my bedroom where we spent the next twenty-four hours, until my phone sounded with a long-awaitedping.

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