Page 22 of Bonita Brynne

“I do. I love her. Never thought I’d ever say that.”

Storm gripped my forearm. “I’m happy for you. But before you make your declaration, you should go see Valerie.”

“Shit, I completely forgot about her.”

“She’s in the family wing. You and Brynne need to be the ones to tell her about the two of you.”

Dread exploded inside me. “I’m not looking forward to that conversation.”

“I wouldn’t be either. Better to get it over and done with before she hears about it from someone else.”

“I’ll go see her right now.”

Storm nodded. “It’s good to have you home, brother.”

“It’s good to be back.” I shook his hand, gave him a half hug, and left.

First, I’d see my little sister and prepare her for meeting Brynne. I wouldn’t let anything or anyone come between my woman and me anymore. I was done being an asshole, as Dodge had so eloquently put it.

Brynne was my priority. No one better hurt her, or there would be hell to pay.

And that included me.

I knocked on the door. Valerie’s room was on the opposite end of the building from Brynne’s and mine. “Oh, hey. How’s it going?” I was surprised to see Maddox. I’d assumed one of the old ladies would’ve been with my sister.

“Been better.” He stepped back to let me in.

“Yeah, haven’t we all?”

“When did you get back?”

“About an hour ago.” I scanned the space. It was like a one-bedroom suite in a hotel. “Where’s Valerie?”

“Reading in her bedroom.” He nodded toward an open door, his gaze lingering for a long second.

“How’s she been?” After what happened earlier with Brynne, it was evident I sucked at dealing with girls. I’d start praying for a son tonight, so I didn’t unintentionally ruin a daughter, which would break my heart. The only experience I had with women before Brynne was club girls. I’d closed myself off to intimacy and love after my mom’s murder.

As a voyeur, I hadn’t needed to involve my heart or anything beyond touchless sex. I’d avoided the things that made a man weak and fall for a woman… until Brynne. Her scent, taste, the feel of her skin, and warm pussy were seared into my memory. I could never give her up now.

“I’ve been guarding her. She’s not been alone once.”

“We appreciate it.” I studied Maddox. He seemed different from the last time I saw him. More mature and intense. His jawline was more defined, and he had the kind of scruff on his face women loved.

He sat on the sofa. “I can’t explain it, but my dad told me to get inside the school and protect Valerie.”

“Whoa, that’s some strong instincts.”

He cut his narrowed gray eyes at me. “I heard his voice. I know it sounds crazy, but I did.”

“I’m glad you listened.” I wasn’t about to argue. My mom had spoken to me from the grave plenty of times.

“Of course I did. I’m not stupid.”

“Clearly.” I went toward the bedroom door. Valerie was reclined against the headboard with a book in her hand, but she wasn’t reading. She seemed to be zoning out. I cleared my throat. “Valerie?”

She blinked and stared at me. “Did you find him?”

“Not yet.” I sat next to her and pulled her into my arms. “But we will.” I kissed the top of her head. “I promise we will.”

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