Page 16 of Thorns of Deceit

“Among many other things, yes.”

“You so rarely talk about him,” I pointed out.

“There’s not much to say.” While that was the understatement of the century, she did open the door. And I had no intention of missing the opportunity to find out more.

“Do I ever, um, remind you of him?”

“Hm, no. You’re more like me. My twin, really.” There was a reason people often mistook her for my big sister, and it sounded like that extended beyond our physical looks. When she was looking after herself, that was. “You do have a knack for trouble, which you definitely got from him.”

“Hmmm.”

“Baby, our time in New York City is coming to an end.”

I stiffened. “Already?”

“Yes, we have to keep moving. It’s the only way to stay safe.”

For as long as I could remember, we’d been on the move. Never in one place longer than two years.

“Don’t you think it’s time we stopped running?” I rasped.

“No, because the moment we lower our guard and settle is the moment we’re dead.” I sighed, but before I could comment, she continued. “You remember what I told you when we moved here, right?”

My brows knitted. “Remind me?”

“If something should ever happen, you’ll find everything you need in that P.O. box I showed you in Brooklyn. You didn’t forget about it, did you?”

“No, I didn’t forget.”

NINE

AIDEN

The elevator door slid open and I turned to my brothers.

“Just leave the bags here,” I instructed.

“Why can’t we come in?” Kyran whined. “You can’t just use us as your bag boys.”

I rolled my eyes. “You can visit some other time.”

“Let’s go, Kyran. He’s trying to impress his wife,” my brother grumbled. “Besides, what are we going to do? I have no desire to watch Raven open this crap. It was bad enough having to endure this shopping trip with you two.”

“I want to know if this makes her like him,” Kyran protested. “Women are weird. But I’d prefer learning from him before making the same stupid mistakes.”

“Happy to be your guinea pig, asshole,” I retorted wryly. “I’ll let you know whether she’s happy with my choices. Now get the fuck out.”

“Fine, we’re going.” They dropped the bags with a thump and headed back into the waiting elevator.

The moment they were gone, Raven appeared in the foyer, still wearing my T-shirt and boxers.

“Ah good, you’re back.” Her hands came to her hips while she eyed the numerous bags from Cartier, Jimmy Choo, and a few high-end department stores that my sister, Margaret, recommended. “I need to talk to you.”

“Then let’s talk.” I slid my hands into the pockets of my jeans. “Do you want to do it while you’re opening these or…”

Her lips parted.

“They’re for me?” I nodded. “All of it?”