Page 102 of See You There

Luke grunted, keeping his back to her. Torts, insurance rates… Normally, it would have been a simple task to rehang the shower rod, but Luke was having trouble concentrating. Fair enough, considering all the blood his brain needed was currently in his groin.

Rod back in place, Luke flipped the water back on and stuck his hand under the cold spray. His body mostly under control, he adjusted himself before turning back and stepping out of the bathroom. Dahlia waited until he was several steps clear before moving.

“What’s on the agenda today?” Luke asked.

“Did you hear from your brother yet?”

Luke shook his head. After calling his family with Dahlia’s theory, Declan had promised to look into it. Once everyone else was off the video call, Luke spoke to his eldest brother.

“I need another favor.”

“Twice in as many days.” Luke didn’t like the amused expression on Declan’s face. He had never gone to his brother for a favor before.

“If it’s a problem, I’ll handle it myself.” Even though their relationship had improved in recent months, their differentlifestyles had been a source of tension for years. None of them were clear on what exactly Declan was involved in.

“Don’t be so sensitive. I’m glad you’re asking for help.” Declan spun a pen between his fingers.

Luke bit his tongue on the retort that formed. Brady was effective, but Luke wanted Victor to understand exactly what he risked by threatening Dahlia, and by extension the Bloom family. Sometimes the blunt instrument is the better option.

Still, Luke hesitated. He knew what asking Declan meant. Luke could convince the weasel to leave Dahlia alone, but time was an issue. Declan had connections Luke didn’t.

“Dahlia’s agent is a problem. He’s threatening to go to the tabloids about Dr. Keller’s death and my involvement.”

“You want it kept out of the papers?”

“No, I actually think media interest could be a good idea. Draw attention to it. Which might lead to someone asking questions about Dad’s death.”

“You could be right. So, what’s the problem?”

“I need him silenced about Dahlia.” Luke’s voice was flat.

“Interesting.”

Luke glared at his brother. Declan was enjoying this.

“He got under your skin, didn’t he? I’ll stop the press if you’re worried about your reputation,” Declan’s words dripped with amusement.

“I don’t give a fuck about that,” Luke bit out. “He’s threatening to release private information about Dahlia as a negotiation tactic.”

“Define private information.”

“No.”

The brothers stared at each other until the hard lines of Declan’s face eased into a smile. “I see.”

Luke pressed his lips together. Anything he said would only give his brother further ammunition. And Luke was afraid Declan saw exactly what Luke himself wasn’t ready to face.

“She’s a beautiful woman.”

“Don’t,” Luke warned.

Declan’s smile spread until his violet eyes twinkled. “So that’s how it is. I’ll take care of it.”

“Thank you.” Luke’s voice was tight. “I owe you one.”

“Don’t be dumb. You’re my little brother. It’s my job to take care of you.” Luke was still fuming when his brother ended the call.

“We could go swimming? There are a lot of parks nearby.” Dahlia’s voice brought him back to the present.