Total pages in book: 154
Estimated words: 145091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145091 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 725(@200wpm)___ 580(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Was it terrible to think that her rebirth could mend it?
Kyle seemed to think for a moment, leaning against the stainless steel countertop. “She looks more fragile than I expected. When I read her records, I was kind of expecting She Hulk to walk through the door. I know there are plenty of petite badasses, but she doesn’t come off that way. She reminds me the tiniest bit of MaeBe. Like I would peg her as a computer jockey.”
“Everything reminds you of MaeBe.” Constance wasn’t the only one he needed to test to ensure she was ready for the op. “Are you still keeping tabs on her through that game?”
One big shoulder shrugged. “I like to think of it as keeping her company.”
A few days ago he’d figured out that Kyle was playing some massive multiplayer game under an alias, and he’d befriended the woman who was supposed to think he’d died in California.
“You know she doesn’t think you’re dead according to Big Tag.”
Another shrug. “I needed a big gesture. It’s the only thing Julia understands. I was hoping Mae would believe it so she could move on, but it doesn’t matter as long as she stays away from me. I need them all to stay away from me. You know Julia and you know her rules of engagement. I had to do something to prove to her I’m not going to bring my family into this.”
“She already did.” He was worried that was how Kyle was seeing things. “Since we figured out she survived both you shooting her and you blowing up the building you left her body in, I’ve done a deep dive into what’s been going on with your family in the last half a year or so.”
Kyle’s jaw squared. “Are you still mad at me about this? I’m sorry. I know she was your sister and you loved her, but there was no other way.”
Drake took a long breath, trying to banish the difficult swirl of emotions that happened whenever he thought about Julia and that particular time. It was all combined with her betrayal and his parents’ grief, losing his closest friend and everything that had gone on with Taylor. In a lot of ways he’d shut down completely after he’d learned the truth about Taylor, and it had been bliss. Not having to feel anything, going through the motions with his soul tuned out had been exactly what he needed. When Kyle had been pulled into his investigation of Maddie Hill’s boss—that was when it had all started to fall apart.
And then Maddie’s boss had been involved with a Consortium operative who’d turned out to be none other than his supposed-to-be-dead traitorous sister, and his fucking world had turned upside down again.
Hence him being here in the wilds of Wyoming listening to country music and getting ready to deal with the most sarcastic asshole he’d ever met. And it wasn’t Kyle Hawthorne.
“I know you did what you had to do.” He wasn’t going to take this out on Kyle. Kyle had been as hurt as he’d been, and now he had to give up a good woman to protect her from his bad choice. He had to remember that. He hadn’t chosen to be Julia’s younger brother. Kyle had picked her. He had to live with that every day. “And I know you think you understand her, but I think the fact that she betrayed us all means we know nothing and should move forward with that understanding.”
“I’m doing the best I can,” Kyle argued. “And in this I do know Julia. She’s been fucking with me for months, and I didn’t see it.”
“Because you thought she was dead.” He felt the need to point that out. It was a bit of self-preservation. He’d thought many times over the last few weeks that he should have fucking known.
Kyle’s expression shuttered. “There were too many coincidences. My stepfather’s had a bunch of bad luck lately. If I’m right, she’s been screwing with his businesses, and she’s sabotaged my siblings. Hell, I’m suspicious of everything at this point. My credit rating got fucked up. Pretty sure she did that. I’d like to know if she’s the reason Carys got outed, and Luke’s accident was sketchy. My uncle is going to update us when he gets here. He’s probably going to kick my ass, too.”
“Because of what you put your parents through? Yes. He likely will.”
Kyle’s eyes rolled. “No. My mom and stepdad know I’m alive. I would never do that to my family. Luke and Carys know, too. I wouldn’t put my siblings through this. The funeral was complete bullshit where I’m sure my family and friends threw darts at my picture and complained bitterly about what a dumbass I am. Hell, I’m almost certain Julia knows. This was never about fooling Julia. It was about keeping this war between the two of us. The people closest to me know.”