Page 100 of Protected By the Sinner

“Yeah, but I had to come here.”

I quickly explain the situation. Amber’s amnesia, the pregnancy, her fainting, and memory coming back.

“Her boyfriend called, asked me to come. I didn’t mean to leave you hanging, Amos, but Amber will always be my priority.”

“Are those your real names?”

“That’s a strange question.”

“Let’s just skip the back-and-forth and assume I know almost everything about you already, okay?”

“Yes, those are our real first names but not our real last names. If you know so much, you’re aware we changed them more than once.”

“I’m not judging you, Elodie. Everyone does what they have to do to survive. I’m coming to see you both. You said her boyfriend called. Can you give me his name?”

“So you can investigate him? Not exactly the best way to build trust.”

“Diplomacy was never my thing. I need his name.”

“No. I don’t really know him, though I’m hoping I’m right about the guy. But right now, my loyalty is with the father of my nephew. If you want to meet us, you’re welcome. I really want that. But when I reached out to you, I took a leap of faith. Maybe it’s your turn to do the same.”

“I’m coming, Elodie. But this blind leap of faith you’re talking about? That doesn’t exist in my world. You not giving me his name just means I’ll have to dig a little harder—but by the time my plane lands in Louisiana, I’ll know everything I need to.”

“I didn’t look for you so you could start running our lives,” I say, even though, deep down, my heart warms at the thought of having someone who shares our blood being so protective over us. “If you really are my brother, you’re only four minutes older.”

“This has nothing to do with our birth times and everything to do with who I am, Elodie. I control everything around me. And maybe, someday, if we’re really related, you’ll regret ever reaching out to me.”

I doubt that. “Maybe,” I say.

“Send me the hospital’s address. Do you two need anything?”

“No. You said you’re going to dig into Amber’s boyfriend, Amos, but there’s something your research won’t show you: they’re in love. Neither of them is perfect, but they’re in love and about to start a family. Whatever your research turns up, don’teven think about interfering in Amber’s life. I want you with us, but not at the cost of her happiness.”

Beau walks into the hallway minutes later, and from the slightly more relaxed look on his face, I think things went well between them.

“Amber wants to see you.”

I nod and head toward the door, but then I pause and look back. “Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for anything.”

“I do. For loving and respecting my sister. I don’t know if you’ve told her yet, but I know you love her. Neither of us grew up knowing how to trust, Beau, and changing that is hard. But I’m giving you the chance to get it right. Don’t waste it. I’ll never judge you, and I don’t care what you do for a living, as long as you treat my sister and nephew well.”

“I don’t owe you anything. My promises were made to your sister. I intend to keep every one of them, but not because of what you said or for you.”

I realize I’ve pushed too far. I don’t want to start off on the wrong foot.

I walk back toward him. “I’m sorry. Protecting her is in my blood.”

“Then it’s a good time to tell you that Amber is my whole world now. I won’t tolerate threats.”

“Fair enough. Again, I’m sorry.” I start walking again but stop at the door. “Beau?” When I glance back, I notice he still hasn’t moved. “Amber and I think we might have a brother.My twin, actually. Long story. We didn’t know he existed until Giancarlo looked into our past and—”

“Giancarlo?”

I grimace. “The man I was with in Italy.”

“Go on.”