Page 22 of Secret Triplets for Christmas

His jaw tightened. "Well, I hope you're right about the police handling things. We don't need any more trouble than we already have." He rolled his shoulders, something I remembered he did to give himself a moment. “Maybe we could go over what we know about the case so far, then."

“Okay.”

"I guess all we really know is that we both received text messages, and your home was broken into."

"Right, but nothing was taken, and I haven't heard anything since."

“I understand your security was bypassed.”

That was unsettling. I relied on it to keep me and the girls safe when we were at home. “Yes. Detective Donovan said he’s looking into how that was done and if there was anything recorded that could help.” I remembered Detective Donovan sharing that he credited Oliver for helping him. “He said you were friends.”

“He was more friends with Liam. To be honest, I’m surprised he’s a cop. I guess he was willing to listen to me when Liam wasn’t.” Pain flashed again in his eyes. He gave his head a quick shake. “When you return home, you’ll want a new system. I could arrange for someone to install it.”

“Thanks, but really, there's no need. My father is already planning to build Fort Knox around my house.”

"Alright, if you're sure. But if you change your mind, let me know, okay?"

“Sure.” But I wouldn’t. “I’m guessing you have no idea who this person texting is.”

He shook his head. “Not a clue. I wish I did. I’m thinking of visiting the old neighborhood and Liam’s old haunts and see if I can learn something.”

“Surely, the police have already done that.”

“Liam’s friends wouldn’t talk to the police. Maybe they’ll talk to me.”

“It could be dangerous.” A chill ran up my spine imagining a world that Oliver didn’t live in. How strange that I wanted him out of my life but still needed to know that he was alive and well and happy.

"I can handle myself."

Oliver didn’t seem as nerdy or reserved as he had five years ago, but neither did he put off Alpha male vibes like Liam had. "Sure, but you were never one of the tough guys.”

His head jerked back. "Wow, so now I'm not a real man, huh?"

I couldn’t decide whether he was joking or really offended. "Of course not! That's not what I meant. I know you’re a real man." Heat came to my cheeks as those words brought me back to five years ago when he’d tenderly and intimately touched me.

He arched a brow, making me wonder if he was thinking about that night as well. "Good. Because I may not have been the toughest guy around, but I've always done whatever it took to protect my family."

"Oliver, you don't have to prove anything to me or anyone else. I know you're strong and capable, but we don’t know what we’re dealing with. You should let the police handle it. You have a business and a life in California. You shouldn’t let Liam get in the way of that again.”

Annoyance flashed across his handsome face. “Please don’t tell me how to feel or what to do regarding my brother.”

I sighed, hating that I’d offended him yet knowing that he couldn’t live his life anymore worrying about Liam or making amends for Liam. That was why he went to California. So he could live his own life.

“I’m just saying that you don’t have to sacrifice your life… your goals. This isn’t your fight.”

“No, it’s Liam’s, but he’s not here, which makes it mine.”

“Liam wouldn’t want that. I don’t want that.”

"Look, Lindsay, I understand what you’re saying, but I can't just walk away from this. Especially when you're caught in the middle."

“I don’t want you in this, Oliver. Not for me.”

He rolled his shoulders, looking briefly out the window. Then he turned back to me. “Did I do something?”

My brow furrowed. “No. What do you mean?”

“I can’t help but feel like you want to get rid of me.”

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