Page 139 of The Young & the Sinner

She shrugged. “I don’t know yet.”

“That’s okay,” I said. “You still have time.”

Olivia can choose whatever she wanted to do. She had to know Max and I would support her, no matter what. But I knew Olivia worried about being dependent on Max for longer than she deemed necessary.

But that was because she didn’t know about the trust fund Max set up for her when she was six. She would have access to it once she turned twenty-five. Though the funds weren’t excessive by any means, it was more than enough for her to live off on for years to come. And even if she didn’t have the trust, I would happily take care of her for the rest of our lives if she’d let me.

My hand tightened around her with the thought.

I wanted to take care of her.

The waitress took that time to come back with our drinks. We waited until she left to pick up where we left off.

“Did you guys all meet at school?” she asked.

Gage shook his head. “No, I didn’t go to the University of Chicago like these two.”

“Where did you go to school?”

“Brown University.”

Olivia nodded, obviously impressed. “What made you decide to come to Chicago?”

A mask shadowed over Gage’s eyes. I knew him coming here had to do with a past he didn’t talk much about. I only knew a little about his sister’s suicide: that it happened right here in Chicago, in the huge house his sister shared with her husband in the suburbs.

“To be closer to family,” he answered vaguely. His sister had been the only family he had here. His family was from Indiana, where his parents still resided in. I didn’t say anything to that, but Logan met my eyes from across the table.

Olivia nodded, but didn’t comment on it. She probably picked up on his mood.

The rest of the night was… pleasant enough.

I was sure Olivia enjoyed herself, and Logan and Gage were nice to her.

As I drove us back to my house, I couldn’t help but think of the conversation Gage had with me while Olivia was in the bathroom and Logan was ordering more beers at the bar.

It was more of a warning, really. Telling me everything I had already thought about when I decided to pursue this relationship with Olivia.

“She’s young.”

I shot him a look. “I know that. I don’t need you to state the obvious.”

He shrugged. “I’m just saying. And she’s Max’s ward. I don’t know your brother very well, but I know he’s protective of her. And I can see why.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked sharply.

He raised his hands up and moved back a little. “Nothing bad. It’s just, she’s very different from the women weusually associate ourselves with. Hell, she’s probably different than the girls her age. Walking around with those big innocent eyes. And being beautiful doesn’t help her one bit. Might as well put a bullseye on her back.”

“She’s not a target. Or a victim,” I said through gritted teeth. It was taking everything in me not to sock him.

“I’m not saying that you are moving in on her because of it. I’m saying when a girl walks around looking like that, it raises all our protective instincts, because we want nothing more than to keep her safe. Max is one of them. And he’s not going to like what you’re doing with her.”

“What I am doing with her is none of your goddamn business.”

“I know it’s not. But I consider you one of my closest friends. I’m trying to look out for you. And I would hate that this relationship you’re pursuing might ruin your relationship with your brother. A man you look up to.”

“I’m not pursuing this relationship. I’m all the way in. I can’t walk away now, and honestly, I don’t want to.”

He shrugged, but I knew it wasn’t because he didn’t care. It was because he didn’t understand. Perhaps one day, he might. One day, he’ll meet someone who will bring him to his knees, and he’ll find himself doing anything for her.

“Is she worth it?” he asked.

I didn’t hesitate. I knew the answer already. “Yes.”

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