So he knew. He knew what he had done to me. “So you did this on purpose?”
“No, not exactly on purpose. She does need help, and you happen to have the skills that she needs.”
“You know, karma is a bitch. Revenge is an even nastier bitch.”
I could practically hear him rolling his eyes. “If you think I orchestrated this just so you’d talk to her, I didn’t.”
“No, I know you didn’t. But let’s just say I think you could have easily handled the security aspect of this yourself. You don’t need me to work on the systems. They’re your systems.”
“Yes, but I am busy.”
“Busy doing what?”
“See, there’s your problem, big brother, questioning me. I needed your help, I reached out, and you were available. Quit your bitching.”
“Brother, you know this is not my forte.”
Wilder’s chuckle was low. “What’s the problem? She’s fun, and spunky, and smart. So smart. What’s not to like?”
“I just don’t like her. She’s a pain in the ass.”
Liar. You like her plenty.
Wilder laughed again. “Okay, maybe you dig that.”
“What? Please, I need ease in my life. I’ve had enough trouble lately. I’d prefer an old delicate-looking flower.”
My brother sighed. “Honestly, give her a chance. I think you two could actually work well together.”
“Are you joking? This is me you’re talking to. For all the jokes about your name, I’m the wild one. I don’t think there’s anything wild about her.”
“Maybe not. But maybe that’s what she needs.”
“Is there a purpose to this call?”
“Yes. I wanted to find out how it’s going. And then I wanted to ask you to convince her to come and stay at the palace. I’d be more comfortable if she were under our roof.”
I laughed at that. “Have you ever tried to convince this woman to do anything she doesn’t feel like doing?”
My brother cursed under his breath. “I have already tried to convince her myself, actually. It didn’t go well. That’s why I thought you might have better luck.”
“Hardly. She’s not exactly into me telling her what to do.”
“Come on, Breck, you can be convincing.”
“Again, you’re talking to the wrong brother. Ask Roman. He can convince anyone to do anything, which serves him well as king.”
There was another beat of silence, and when Wilder spoke again, his voice was soft. “You know, I don’t think you give yourself nearly enough credit. You can joke and mock all you want, but I know you. I know that, deep down, you are not the black-hearted playboy. You care. I called, and you came, no questions asked. You said what you needed. You’re smarter than you give yourself credit for. I think you’re not quite the fuck-up you think you are.”
I chuckled uncomfortably at that. Ever since we were kids, I’d always been trying to prove myself to Roman, to Wilder. Hell, even to London. London was the youngest when our parents died. Roman’s place was set, and in many ways, so was Wilder’s, because he was quieter and younger and didn’t face the same pressure I did as ‘the spare.’ But I wasn’t settled; I needed my parents, but they were gone. There was a part of me that was forever trying to prove that I was deserving of who I was.
“Look, I understand the tension between you and Sparrow. I get it. Just be careful, because she’s not that girl you think you know. I am telling you this because I think you guys would work well together. I think the two of you would make a good team. That’s why. No other reason. I know you’re hell on women, but that’s because you don’t see yourself clearly enough. I think you probably need to cut yourself a little slack.”
“I don’t need any slack.”
“If you say so. But either way, you’re the best man for this job.”
“You keep saying those words, best man and job. This is just a favor, and that’s it. A favor for our new brother. I like Kannon a lot, and it seems that I should keep his employee from getting herself killed.”
My brother sighed. “Okay, if you insist on looking at it that way, then keep her from getting killed. Yes, please. I’m sure Kannon would very much like her in one piece. Also, do it for London, because she’s become very close to our sister. And for me. I quite like Sparrow.”
I didn’t know why, but that last bit set my teeth on edge. I’d seen the two of them always whispering and laughing. Thick as thieves. Wilder insisted he saw her as family. But was that true? Sometimes I caught him looking at her, and I couldn’t understand the edge of jealousy that rode me when it came to my brother. I had no difficulty with women. None whatsoever. I loved them. They loved me.
I’d never had to fight my brothers for a woman, except throne chasers who made it clear they’d be willing to bed all three of us if it increased their chances of wearing a tiara. And really, who wouldn’t want one of those?
But the relationship between Sparrow and Wilder irked me, and I wasn’t sure why I was so mad about it. I just was. The way he’d parked himself in that chair overnight in the infirmary, watching her sleep. The way he’d sat sentry. I’d wanted to sit sentry. But Wilder was my brother, and I loved him, so I wasn’t going to fight him over a girl. I was just going to have to get past this. It was one kiss. Hardly the end of the world. I’d just do what he said and keep her at arm’s length. “You can count on me. I’m not going to mess her up. She’s not my type anyway.”
“I’m not saying you would mess her up, because I don’t think you would. She deserves someone serious, someone who’s willing to settle down. That’s not you yet. If it was, I think you would be perfect for her.”
I grumbled at that. “I’m not perfect for anybody. Are we done here?”
“Yes. Fine. We’re done. Any luck on finding out who’s after her?”
I sighed. “The bugger was smart. He kept his face turned away from the public cameras, so I’m going to businesses and private residences. There are a lot of home security systems in the area. Tracking him should be a little easier. We’ll get him.”
“I know you will.”
We finished the call and hung up, and I had to admit Wilder was right. I had no business going anywhere near Sparrow once her attacker was found. The only problem was, now that I had tasted her, I wasn’t sure I could stay away.
Chapter 9
Sparrow
Royal uneasiness wears the crown.
* * *
I needed to get my head in the game and not focus on what the hell happened with Breck. He must have done something to me, hypnotized me with his eyes. Or his voice. It must have been the voice. Because there was no way I would’ve let him kiss me like that if I had been in my right mind. Of course hypnosis was the only answer.
Are you sure about that?
I grumbled at myself as I pressed my fingers to my still-tingling lips. Maybe I’d hit my head harder during the attack than anyone knew about and gotten some sort of slow-onset concussion or something.