Page 73 of Whispers of Wisteria

“I had to make a choice,” Bryce finally responded. He sounded almost defeated, but there was a hint of stubborn determination there too. “And I decided that your physical health had to come before your mental health, because it would be neglectful of me to allow anything else. You can’t leave a root-bound plant to suffocate because you don’t want to risk hurting it. Otherwise, you’re not helping at all.”

Well… When he put it that way, it made sense.

Instead of being offended, something about this fierce protectiveness caused my chest to feel light as air.

He did care.

But I still didn’t like it. Plus, it remained that we had to reach an understanding.

“Fine.” I wrapped my arms around my stomach, my attention drifting to the top of the tall oak dresser. Bryce was minimalist, and only a few scattered items were spread out over the surface: his cell phone, a watch, the locket with our mother’s picture, andhis wallet. I couldn’t spot any other personal effects anywhere in the room. “Then just don’t come as my brother.”

“That won’t work,” Bryce replied. “I’m always going to be your brother.”

My fingernails dug into my arms, and I breathed deeply, trying to keep my expression cool.

“Then you need to figure out how you’re going to balance being my brother with what I need to do,” I replied. “Brayden too. I get that you have traditions, but you need to be flexible. Would you respect my decisions if I were a boy?”

Bryce was glaring at the floor. “Yes.” His voice was curt. “But it doesn’t matter. None of this would have happened if you were male, and this is not the only factor to consider. You have an inheritance to consider.”

I brushed off his comment. “I’m going. You can either stay here or come with me. It’s your choice. But if you can’t trust me to make my own decisions, then you might as well resign.”

They could do that, right? I wasn’t sure, but it felt like the right solution.

I hoped he wouldn’t quit.

His jaw clenched, but it was evident from his expression that he was giving in.

“And stop trying to tell me what to wear,” I added for good measure. His snide comments about my skirts and pajamas were getting rather annoying.

He looked up, affronted. “No.” He set his mouth in a grim line and squared his shoulder. “That has absolutely nothing to do with you being the Xing. I’m protecting your dignity.”

I groaned, covering my eyes. We’d gotten somewhere, at least, but then there was this.

There’d been too much adventure today. This could be another fight for later.

“Whatever,” I mumbled under my breath. But as I started to leave, he touched my arm, stopping me.

“I’m sorry. I’ll try,” he said. “I know we’re not… there yet. But we will be.”

What did he mean by that? I didn’t think I wanted to know.

12

Bryce barely leftmy side from the time I stepped out of the car in front of the remains of Mr. Richards house. In fact, he was practically hovering as Uncle Gregory, Gloria, and Detective Kohler gathered with Titus and Damen some distance away.

I didn’t mind his obnoxiousness though. I’d been slowly spiraling since the first familiar bend in the road. And by the time we pulled into the driveway, I couldn’t feel anything at all.

It was a shell of the house it once was, and didn’t look nearly as intimidating as I remembered.

I could barely breathe.

I wrapped my arms tighter around my stomach, but it didn’t help.

Bryce’s fingers brushed against my arm. “Bianca.”

I shook my head. I had to be strong.

“I’m fine,” I said, voice wavering. “Why is D-Detective Kohler here? I thought Julian couldn’t know.”