Page 74 of Seduction

“So….” He leans forward, placing his elbows on the table. “Wanna tell me what’s going on with you?”

“You sure you wanna do this now?”

“Why not? It’s gonna eat away at you ’til you spill your guts, and I might as well know all the shit I have to deal with all at once.”

“It’s not shit for you to deal with, brother.”

“Then what is it?”

Taking a deep breath, I say, “I’ve been seeing someone.”

“Get the fuck outta here.” He chuckles. “I knew me leaving would give you a better chance.”

“Fuck off.” For good measure, I flip him off when he leans back with a smug grin.

“Hey, be thankful I’m off the market. Don’t hate.”

“It’s Ellen,” I tell him, watching the grin disappear.

“Ellen? My Ellen?”

“Your sister,” I confirm.

He regards me for a few moments, the silence stretching out between us. Finally, he moves, pulling out the Glock he keeps strapped to the underside of the table and gently laying it on top. I know he’s just trying to scare me, but it won’t work.

“Is it serious?”

“It is. She’s the one, Gage.”

“You sure about that?”

“Positive.”

He contemplates my answer, curling his fingers around the pistol’s grip.

“You hurt my sister, I’ll kill you, E.”

“Yeah, right.” I smile. “Like you can live without me.”

“Your name ain’t Raven, motherfucker, so don’t be so sure.”

He relaxes, a smile cracking the death threat written on his face.

“She’s it, Gage. I know it.”

“Shit. Just take care of her, man. She deserves someone good.”

“She does. I promise she’s safe with me.”

“I know. You’ve always been my brother, even before the MC. You marry my sister, it just makes it legal.”

“We’re not quite there yet, but that’s where I hope it’s headed.”

“Me, too, brother.”

He returns the gun to its position, pushing the chair away as he stands. When he extends his hand, I grab it, pulling him into a hug. He’s right; I couldn’t feel closer to him if he was my flesh and blood.

“I’m gonna get Raven home. She’s gotta be tired.”