Page 49 of Off Limits Mogul

“I didn’t know about the luggage.”

“I suspect she didn’t want you to worry,” I say. “It was a rough trip back to the US for her.”

“Sounds like it. You also took her clothes shopping?”

“I did.”

“I’ll wire you money to cover those purchases––”

“Absolutely not.”

“Stop being a stubborn ass, Hartford,” he says. “The deal was for you to give her a place to crash. Not buy her a new wardrobe and God knows what else.”

The crotchless panties flash in front of my eyes.

“This goes above and beyond your big brother duties. She’smylittle sister andmyresponsibility.”

I get where he’s coming from. His mom did a good number on him growing up. Still, a wave of possessiveness takes over me.

“She’s in my house, under my roof, so she’smyresponsibility. We made an oath a long time ago. When you can’t step in, I do.”

Noah laughs on the other end.

“What’s so funny?”

“There are no bounds to your fierce loyalty.”

Loyalty runs both ways.“None,” I say. “After all, you saved my ass more times than I can count.”

“Yes, I did,” he says. “While we’re on the subject ofassholes, don’t let any fuckers around her. And if a moron thinks he has a chance with her, I can count on you to make sure the body disappears without a trace. You have enough money to hire the best hitmen.”

“First, those scenarios only happen in Hollywood. Second, Keira is twenty-three. It’s not like I can ground her.”

“Why the hell not?”

We both laugh.

“I’m a lucky bastard to have you as my best friend, Rhys.”

I groan under my breath.

He’d crush me with his bare hands if he knew I was harboring impure thoughts towards his sister.

“I don’t have time for this bromance,” I say.

“Asshole.”

I chuckle.

Noah lets out an insufferable sigh. “I’m trying hard not to get into her business, but I can’t help it. It’s wired in me to protect her.” He’s has done a better job of taking care of his little sister than their mom ever did. “Now that she’s talking to me again, I don’t want to screw things up by being in her face.”

“I get it.”

His need to watch over his sister is as strong as mine. Hence, why she shut us out of her life for three years when we expressed our reservations and concerns. She wanted fame at any cost. Showbusiness is a cutthroat business. I should know. Keira being Keira, she thought she knew better and didn’t need our advice. The rift that ensued put a mountain of stress––and sorrow––on Noah. I didn’t fare much better.

“I’m being overbearing,” Noah says. “You have everything under control. She’s in good hands. Nothing will happen to her under your watch.”

I think of how many times mygood handshave jerkedoff to thoughts of biting her peachy ass. Thank God Noah can’t see my guilty face.