Page 28 of Assassin's Prey
I went cold, my body tensing against the sudden need to pound his teeth in. “Since she’s lost a lot more than you so far, I’d say yeah, she does.”
“And whose fault is that?”
My chair screeched as I shoved to my feet. Remi didn’t retreat when I leaned over the table, getting right in his face, but I could see a spark of something in his eyes, something I’d have to think about later. “I don’t care what your deal is, brother, but if you don’t stop with the dickhead comments, I’ll feed them to you with my fist. Am I clear?”
A red flush rose up Remi’s neck. “Gonna take me out to the woodshed, big brother?”
“You bet your ass I will,” I bit out between clenched teeth.
Eli cleared his throat. “Let’s get the plans settled first.”
It took several deep breaths before I could make myself straighten. For myself, I didn’t care. We’d had rough patches, beat each other up, and come out the other side stronger than ever. But whether his comments were aimed at Abby or just my role in this relationship, they would hurt her if she overheard. And I was too damn crazy trying to figure this stuff out to put up with his shit. “Fine.” I crossed my arms over my chest. “There is zero chance of remote surveillance on the mansion as is; it’s too far off the grid for street cameras. And no way has Rathlin not secured their internal monitoring against outside access.”
“True.” Eli stood from the table and walked toward his temporary computer setup. “Where did you observe from yesterday?”
“The tree house.”
“No way. Really?” Eli grinned like I’d handed him a puppy. “It’s still there?”
“You were like seven,” Remi pointed out. “How can you remember that?”
Eli shrugged, burying his head in the bags of equipment. “Nine. And I just do.” After some shuffling, he straightened, a large box in his hand. “I think I have the answer to our eye problem, though.” He started a pile, adding some cables and what looked like a battery pack. A remote camera. “I’ll head out and set this up.”
“Uh, you will not.” No way in hell. Eli was nowhere near as familiar with the area as I was.
He gave me a get-real look. “You know, I have paid attention all these years. I’m not an idiot. Besides, if the system goes wonky, can you troubleshoot it?”
Fuck no. That’s why he was the electronics expert.
Resignation settled on my shoulders, but it didn’t dampen my tension. My job was to keep them out of danger, not put them in it. “I don’t like it.”
“I do,” Eli threw over his shoulder as he packed the equipment into a bag. “I set up; Remi watches.”
Remi groaned.
“Hours of entertainment for my dickhead bro. How could I not like that?” Eli’s grin turned evil.
“Great. Thanks,” Remi said.
“No problem.” Eli clapped him on the shoulder on his way to the door. “Besides, this gives Levi a chance for that ass chewing you were due. It’s a win-win all around.”
“Then you’re on your own when it comes to the research on Chadwick and the wills,” Remi warned before Eli could leave. “My ass will be too sore to sit in a chair.”
I’d make sure of it.
Eli shook his head. “Bro, I have a feeling that by the time I get back, more than your ass will be too sore to use. Have fun!”
After a wave he closed the door behind him. Remi slumped, his gaze stuck on the exit. When I didn’t start in on him, he finally turned to meet my stare.
“If you don’t want him to be right,” I said, steel threading my words, “I suggest you tell me what the hell is going on with you. Now.”
OceanofPDF.com
Chapter Thirteen
“None of your damn business.”
The words were belligerent, but the tone… There was that something again. It sounded suspiciously like defeat.
