We take turns tracing, teasing, and letting the soap move against our skin. He washes my hair, and it feels so sensual that I just want to be in his arms. My pussy is wet when he turns the water off. I still want him. His cock indicates I’m not the only one who feels the pull.
Bram reaches for a towel and dries me off. It’s a sign that our time is coming to an end. I hate it, but I understand that life must go on—in different directions, with hope for us to come together again. I’ll believe in it. I hope he does too.
“Is it going to be a busy day at the office?” I try to make small talk—I don’t know what else to say, I’m simply filling the void that we have left.
“Probably.” Bram nods. “We just signed a new client, and I need to make sure he makes money.”
“I remember those clients…” I put on my clothes. “Well, as much as I could understand when it was the topic of conversation at the dinner table.”
“A lot has changed since then.” Bram slides on his pants and picks up his belt. “It was easier when I had your father’s genius mind to point me in the right direction.”
“I doubt that.” I roll my eyes.
“It’s true.” Bram turns toward me and pulls on his shirt. “He understood how everything worked. I just had the money to make it happen…”
“I’m sure you do fine on your own.” I can’t imagine a world where my father makes good decisions. I’ve never lived in it.
“Sometimes.” He shrugs and reaches for his tie.
I wait for Bram to get dressed. He looks so fucking good in a suit. He always has. I have to fight the desire to remove it one piece at a time until we’re naked on the bed. I have the time, but he doesn’t. He has people who depend on him. Only one person depends on me—my brother. I can’t lose sight of it. My relationship with Bram is a side-step into the best distraction imaginable, but my responsibilities still exist; even if he thinks it shouldn’t be my burden to shoulder.
“Do you think you can drop me off at my apartment on your way to the office?” I reach for my purse.
“No.” Bram’s voice lowers.
“Wow, really?” I’m taken aback. He won’t even drive me home? “I guess I can get a cab…”
“That’s not necessary.” He shakes his head and turns toward me.
“I have to get home somehow.” I dig my phone out of my purse.
“You can stay here.” Bram walks over and takes my phone before I realize what he’s doing.
“Not for long.” I motion for him to give me phone. “I have to work tonight.”
“Not tonight.” He pushes my phone into his pocket.
“Bram, seriously…” I stand up. “I told you why—I don’t have a choice.”
“I do.” He folds his arms across his chest. “You’re done with that.”
I stare at him for a moment, mostly in disbelief. I was honest. I told him what was at stake. What we shared was incredible, but it doesn’t mean I can just upend everything and put my brother’s life at risk.
“Give me my phone.” I try to keep my composure. “You don’t have to drive me, but I need to call a cab.”
“I’m going to handle this for you and your brother.” Bram maintains his stoic, steel stance in front of me.
“You can’t. Mr. Diaz expects to be paid, and he’s been checking to make sure I’m at he club. If I’m not there…” My words trail off, and a sick feeling stirs in my stomach.
“If he expects to be paid, then he doesn’t need to come to you for his money. Not anymore.” Bram lowers his arms and walks to the door. “I’m going to make sure he understands that.”
My thoughts immediately go to the worst-case scenario. Mr. Diaz, angry about the sudden change in terms, taking it out on my brother. I can’t let that happen.
“Bram, no—stop!” I rush to him and block the door.
“You just need to trust me, Kiana.” He puts his hands on my shoulders and gently moves me out of the way, which isn’t that difficult considering the size difference between us.
His hand goes into his pocket, and he pulls out a key. As soon as he reaches for the doorknob, I realize he intends to lock me in his bedroom. I can’t let that happen. I grab at his hand and try to take the key from him. He resists and pulls the door open. My mind goes to a dark place—a place where fight or flight takes over, and I realize I will have to do something drastic if I’m going to protect my brother.
I’ve never been in a fight or resorted to violence, but something inside of me snaps. Bram tries to close the door, and I lunge at him. I swing my arms wildly. He simply absorbs the first two shots I take at him, and they bounce off his broad shoulders. He catches me around the waist and lifts me up. Two seconds later, I’m gently dropped on the bed.
“Stop!” Bram’s tone is fiercer than I’ve ever heard, and he presses down on my shoulders to make sure I can’t fight back. “I’m trying to do what is best for you here. I know you think you can solve this problem on your own, and you’ve done a damn good job of it, but you’re not doing that anymore!”
“You don’t understand!” I try to squirm free. “Mr. Diaz made the deal with me! If you show up, he could hurt Hudson!”
“Not if he wants to get paid…” Bram lifts up and lets go of my shoulders.
Maybe he thought I was done fighting.
