Page 52

I find him standing in the doorway of what will be Audrey’s studio, taking in the demolished wall, the new windows I’ve been installing, the lumber stacked along one side.

“Renovation project,” I say, aiming for casual.

“This is more than a renovation.” He steps inside, examining the space with genuine interest. “You’re building something specific. The light in here is incredible.”

“It’s an art studio.”

The words hang between us. Ben turns slowly, his expression shifting from curiosity to understanding.

“For a woman.” It’s not a question.

“Yes.”

“The same woman whose bed you just left?” His grin is knowing. “Come on, Reign. I’m not an idiot. You show up looking like you’ve been thoroughly fucked, and there’s a half-built art studio in your guest room? Connect the dots for me.”

I take a long drink of coffee, weighing my options. Ben’s loyalty to Vega is professional, not personal. But that doesn’t mean he’d be comfortable knowing I’m planning to destroy his meal ticket.

“It’s complicated,” I finally say.

“When is it not with you?” He leans against the doorframe. “She must be something special. I’ve never seen you like this.”

Special. The word doesn’t even begin to cover what Audrey is to me.

“She is.”

“So, when do I meet her?”

“You don’t.” The response comes out harder than intended. “Not yet.”

Ben’s eyebrows rise. “That complicated, huh?”

“You have no idea.”

He studies me for a long moment, and I see him make the decision not to push. It’s progress from the kid who used to needle me relentlessly, desperate for any scrap of attention.

“Well, when you’re ready, I want to meet the woman who’s got my big brother building art studios and sneaking out at dawn.” He claps me on the shoulder as he passes. “I’ll grab those photos and get out of your hair.”

I follow him to our mother’s room, standing in the doorway while he digs through boxes I haven’t opened in three years. He pulls out a manila envelope, checking the contents before tucking it under his arm.

“Thanks for this,” he says, squeezing past me. “The interview’s a big deal. They want the whole story of where we came from, how we both ended up in the military, and the reunion. Human interest stuff.”

“Just remember operational security. Nothing specific about missions or?—”

“I know, I know.” He rolls his eyes. “This isn’t my first media rodeo. Vega’s got me media trained within an inch of my life.”

Vega. Always comes back to fucking Vega.

We walk to the front door together, Ben still buzzing with excitement about his career trajectory. I want to be happy for him. I am happy for him. But the shadow of what’s coming makes everything complicated.

“Hey,” he says, turning at the door. “Whatever’s going on with you and this mystery woman, I hope it works out. You deserve something good, Reign.”

The sincerity in his voice catches me off guard. “Thanks.”

“And when you’re ready to talk about it, I’m here. We might not have been close growing up, but we’re brothers. That means something.”

He’s gone before I can respond, his Jeep kicking up dust as he navigates down the mountain road. I stand in the doorway long after he’s disappeared, coffee growing cold in my hand.

Brothers. Family. Complications I didn’t factor into my plans for Audrey.