“I know we’re still in New Orleans. So if you’re trying to ensure I never know where your hideout is, it’s probably not going to work.”
“I can try.”
“You forget, I have GPS on my phone.” I feel smug as I point out the flaw in his plan.
One side of his mouth quirks up. “Won’t work within a quarter-mile radius of the building, but good try, princess.”
I shrug like it’s no big deal and survey the large kitchen that seems to have a square mile of granite countertops. The fancy appliances may as well have price tags on them, because they screamexpensive.
“You’re loaded, aren’t you?” It’s a stupid question, especially because of the comment he made downstairs about the cars.
“I do okay.” He gestures to the kitchen. “There’s food in the fridge and cupboards. Help yourself. If you like to cook, feel free. If you want something I don’t have, ask.”
He doesn’t wait for a response before continuing toward the living area. “Living room. TV has satellite and everything else you could imagine.” I follow him as he stops in front of a wide-open staircase. “Bedrooms and bathrooms are on the top level.”
I soak in everything I can see. The decor is clearly of the industrial persuasion, which works for the space. The black leather couches look comfortable, like I could curl up and take a nap right now. That is, if there were any pillows or a blanket. The place is devoid of female touches and there’s not a single picture of a person, but he does have framed photographs of landmarks around the world hanging on the wall, along with canvases and masks and weapons. I can’t help but wonder if he took the pictures himself.
Then there are the shelves holding a wide array of items I can’t even begin to list without a closer look.Travel souvenirs?
Kane crosses to a large metal-and-wood cabinet. “Drink?” he asks as he splashes what looks like whiskey or Scotch into a tumbler, no ice.
Given the day I’ve had, I’m not saying no, even though hard liquor isn’t my thing. “Make mine a double.” It’s something I’ve always wanted to have the chance to say.
When he carries two glasses over to the table in front of the sofa, he jerks his chin as if to summon me. He’s got the booze, so I go. I take one tumbler from him, and before I can raise it to my lips, he clinks the rim.
“I know this isn’t ideal, but happy birthday, Temperance.”
The birthday wish is a reminder of everything wrong in my world, also known in general asevery damn thing. I look over at the sculpture in his entryway and amend my thought.Almost everything.
“Thanks.” My voice still carries a rough edge.
“Tell me what Rafe told you before he left.”
I wrap both hands around the glass before sinking onto the luxurious leather cushion of the sofa. His question brings me back to what matters most—my brother.
“That he had a big job. A dangerous one.”
“He didn’t give specifics?”
“Would you tell your sister?” I ask after taking a sip. Warmth rolls over my tongue.
“If I had a sister, I’d make sure nothing ever touched her.”
No sister, then.
“To do that, Rafe would have to cut me off completely, and that’s not something I’d ever forgive him for doing.” A wave of emotion washes over me, and sudden tears burn behind my eyes. “Not that I’ll ever forgive that bastard for taking such stupid chances with his life.”
Kane reaches out and covers my knee with his wide palm. “He’s a grown man. Capable. He knows what the hell he’s doing.” He squeezes, but I notice he makes no promises about getting Rafe back safely.
“Then why would he screw someone over? He has to know that couldn’t end well.”
Kane’s lips flatten out. “Your brother doesn’t exactly ask a lot of questions before he takes a job. Especially if the price is right.”
I take another gulp of liquor, and the heat burns a path to my belly. Dropping my head back on the cushion behind me, I close my eyes. “Stupid or greedy. Those are the two reasons someone screws up, right?”
Kane nods.
“So, which is it?”