Page 156

“Yeah, but it’s like the sexy kind of kidnapping. You know?”

Rafe blinks at her, face blank. “No, I really don’t.”

“Let me explain.”

He holds his hand up. “Please don’t.”

She grins, and I find this whole thing bizarre. “Am I on drugs?” I ask the room. “Am I tripping?”

“So, what now?” Saint asks.

“Cove would like to go home, so she’s free to leave,” Rafe says.

“That’s it?” Maverick asks. “Just like that. You went through all this trouble just to hand her back?”

“There’s a lot more to the story. I’ll tell you later,” Cove says.

Lowering my gun, I take a few steps toward them. His men keep their guns pointed at me, but no one shoots.

“So, he’s really your brother?” I ask.

“That’s what this says.” Cove holds up a piece of paper. “I’m not convinced.”

“I’ll take another one if you need me to,” Rafe growls in frustration.

“I’m convinced he’s just a drama queen and all of this was for his entertainment," Cove whispers, covering the side of her mouth.

“Yes. That's it. And I let dozens of my men die in the process.” Rafe rolls his eyes. “I really should have been the one to keep an eye on you. If I knew you were this annoying, I’d have left you be. You can have her,” Rafe says, stepping to the side and waving his hand in her direction.

Cove grins over at him. “You know what? I kind of like you.”

Rafe raises a brow. “You do?” he questions.

“Maybe once I work through all this new information, we can get to know one another.”

“Not fucking happening,” Maverick snarls.

“Over my dead body,” Saint agrees.

“You’re just going to let us leave after we killed all those men out there?” I ask him.

Rafe waves me off. “They were my father’s men. I couldn’t care less about them. I was meaning to clean house anyway. I need men loyal to me and me alone.”

“I kinda like you, too,” I chuckle. “You seem cool.” I look over my shoulder to my brothers. “He seems okay. Hey!” I grin. “We got another brother. How awesome is that?”

“Shepherd, shut the fuck up or the next one to get shot will be you,” Saint snarls.

“Gee, someone is grumpy,” I mutter.

“Enough,” Maverick warns.

“You know what? You two have been revoked of your best brother title. Rafe can have that spot.” I wrap my arm around Rafe’s shoulder.

“Don’t touch me,” he mutters.

“Awwwee. Don’t be like that,” I chuckle. “We’re going to be the best of friends, I just know it.”

“Please, Cove. Take your unbearable men home.” He shrugs out of my hold.