Page 18 of Alexei

For a moment, I worried that being seen here with Byron would attract unwanted attention, but as always, Byron took care of that too. He ensured the hostess gave us the most private table, and he spoke to the owner asking that no pictures be taken. Of course, he was more than happy to oblige once Byron offered to have his PR provide an acceptable photo and written article he could use for advertisement, free of charge.

“How are Winston and Royce?” I asked him as I sipped my glass of wine. Thank God Byron would pay for it because he ordered a five thousand dollar bottle. “I haven’t talked to them yet this week. It’s been busy.”

“They wanted to come,” Byron smirked. “But I sent them off on an assignment, so I could have you all to myself.”

“So sneaky.” I chuckled, shaking my head. “Though it does make me wonder how you found time out of your busy schedule.”

The food came at that moment. I had ordered Emeril’s “Who Dat” burger while Byron got the char-grilled petite filet. It was only for his benefit that I didn't get the fish of the day. He still couldn’t stomach the smell of any seafood.

“You talk to them all the time,” he complained, feigning distress. He didn’t fool me or make me feel guilty, so I just bit into the burger. “You haven’t seen me in over six months and have been sending me short, cryptic messages.” I rolled my eyes. There was nothing cryptic about them. “You keep giving me one excuse after another why you can’t call me. Therefore, baby sister, I decided to pay you a visit to ensure you’re okay and to take care of some business while here.”

Being the youngest of the siblings had its perks but also its disadvantages. My brothers could be so damn overbearing. Winston and Royce hid it better than Byron. My oldest brother wanted to make everything better for me, even before I realized I needed something. He demanded my happiness, the same way he conquered the world. By making everyone bow to his demands.

Though, I wasn’t surprised to hear Byron had business to attend to. He had business everywhere.

Swallowing my food, I took another gulp of my drink then lowered my glass.

“They weren’t excuses,” I told him. “I’ve been busy with this case at work. So what kind of business do you have here? Taking over New Orleans?” I joked.

He waved his hand, discounting the notion. I wouldn’t put it past him though.

“Is McGovan giving you a hard time?” he asked instead, the question seemingly casual but underneath it, there was a hint of his ruthless, protective streak. He’d make my boss’ life hell if I so much as uttered a single complaint. So, of course, I wouldn’t. I was an adult and could deal with my own problems.

“Of course not,” I noted. “He’s too scared of my brothers and our father.”

“If he’s smart, he’d be more scared of your brothers than the old man,” he sneered. He was right, my brothers were a lot more lethal. He continued eating his entrée.

An awareness slid down my spine and the back of my neck prickled with something cold. I glanced over my shoulder, my eyes skimming the room, but I didn’t see anyone. The restaurant was crowded but guests paid us no attention.

I turned around and met Byron’s gaze. He sipped on his glass of scotch. “You feel it too?”

Bryon had a way of making you feel at ease, but he saw everything and had a sharp sixth sense. It must have been ingrained into him as a SEAL. All three of my brothers served in the military for two tours. They ensured they didn’t serve at the same time so one of them could take care of me.

“Yeah,” I muttered. “Probably paranoia.” He placed his glass down and pulled out his phone. “Please tell me you’re not alarming Winston and Royce.”

“Of course I’m not alarming them.” He didn’t even glance my way. “And I’m not asking them to put some eyes on you.”

“Byron,” I protested, my voice rising a notch. “Don’t you dare.”

I heard the swish from his cell, signaling the sent message, as he placed it on the table.

“Now tell me about this case you are profiling,” he said, ignoring my other comment.

“Well, you’re a civilian, so I cannot discuss it with you.” It was funny that I had to say it twice now on the same day. “You know the rules.”

He tilted his head, observing me and probably seeing way too much. Luckily his phone beeped and he turned his attention to it.

“Can we box this up?” I asked him when he raised his eyes to me. “I chased a lead all night. I’m tired, and as exciting as your company is, Brother, my face might end up planted on this table.”

He must have expected it.

“Anything my sister needs.”

ChapterSix

AURORA

Loud squeals traveled through the airport and every single pair of eyes turned our way.