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“Stop.” June steps back, causing Dr. Baxter's hand to drop. “I’m fine.”
“Paisley.” For a moment, I had forgotten about my brother. I’m not sure if I should still be trying to get away from him or hug him. Instead, I only stand there.
“Who’s the suit?” June cuts in. I swear, my brother is always in a suit. I can’t picture him in anything else. I think he may have been born wearing one.
“My brother.” He looks so out of place, standing here in the center of town. He exudes wealth. No one would ever mistake him for being poor.
“Whoa! Hold on here, Mr. Richie Rich.” June steps protectively in front of me. “She’s not going anywhere.”
“What’s going on?” Dr. Baxter asks. “Woods says he’s been trying to find his sister.”
“Okay, newbie.” June points her finger at Dr. Baxter. “You don’t just tell randoms about the locals.” I think I might be newer around here than the new vet, but I keep that to myself.
“Well, if maybe you let me take you out, I could learn all these rules I should know.”
“That’s enough,” my brother cuts in. I can’t help but stand up a bit straighter at his firm tone. Even Dr. Baxter takes half a step back. June, however, gives no shits. She doesn’t budge.
“Enough of what, city boy?” June has to drop her head all the way back to stare up at my brother. He’s always been tall.
Luka might not be built as big as Jackson, but he has always been athletic. He played baseball throughout school, and I believe he ran track too. My parents proudly display many of his trophies and accomplishments in one of their numerous homes.
Luka stares down at June, his brows pulling together. I can’t tell if he’s annoyed or curious. I’m guessing not many people stand up against Luka. Not even my parents have that privilege anymore. Which makes me wonder why he’s here. He has nothing to do with them. Why the heck would he be helping them look for me?
“Why are you here, Luka?” I ask, not wanting June to get out of hand. Because the look in her eyes tells me she’s about two seconds from letting loose on Luka.
“You’ve gotten yourself into some trouble,” he finally answers, tearing his attention away from June.
“I think you’re the one who has gotten himself into some trouble.” June puts her hands on her hips. Oh crap. I haven’t known her for long, but I’ve seen this side of her a few times when drunk men have tried to get out of hand at the bar.
“Your brother doesn’t intimidate me, Ms. Graysen.” Luka adjusts his tie. “Where is Jackson Graysen? For being the best at his job, he’s done a terrible job of handing her over to our parents. It appears that he had no trouble locating her.”
“What?” I gasp, trying to understand what he’s saying.
“You don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, asshole.” June doesn’t miss a beat. Either she doesn't believe my brother, or she already knows.
“They hired Jackson?” I ask, wanting to be clear.
“They did,” Luka says.
“And that’s why you’re here?”
“He’s not taking you anywhere.” June tries to wiggle her way back into our conversation. “In fact, we’re leaving.” She hooks her arm through mine.
“I am not here to return you to our parents. I’m here to get you out of this mess.”
“Really?” I remove my arm from June's.
“Don’t trust him.” She grabs it back.
“I think it might be best if we get out of here, Paisley.” My brother checks his watch, touching the screen a few times. “Before Jackson gets here.”
Luka wants me to leave. To just go with him. Can I do that? Without talking to Jackson? I don’t have much of a choice to believe anything other than Jackson has been working for my parents. It makes sense. An ache forms in the center of my chest at the thought. Tears are burning in my eyes, but I hold them back. How could I have been so damn dumb and naïve?
“I told you, she’s not going anywhere with you.” June’s voice is getting louder now.
“Don’t worry, June.” My brother's eyes narrow on her. “I’m not done with you yet. I’ll be back to clean up.” He turns his gaze back toward me. “After I get you out of here. They aren’t the only ones looking for you.”
“Not done with me? Who the hell does he think he is?” June mutters. “Maybe I’m not done with you.”
