Page 102 of Drowning in Darkness

James snorts.

“Is that a metaphor for something?” Hunter asks.

I chuckle. “Please enlighten me, brother, as to what I could be hinting at? I’m up a mountain, in a hot tub, staring at a mountain goat.”

“Did you get my package?” Eleanor asks.

I lick my lips, delighting when James tracks my tongue. “Yep.”

“What package?” Hunter asks.

I am not prepared for a conversation about sex toys with my brother.

“Anything useful?” Eleanor asks, ignoring him.

“Not had the chance to figure that out yet.”

James swipes a hand down his face, and my eyes drop to the obvious bulge in his jeans. I need to get rid of our respective siblings.

“Let me know. I can recommend some more depending on what you like.”

“Recommend what?” Hunter snaps.

“Shush, girl talk,” she chides.

I snort. Eleanor Austin doesn’t entertain girl talk.

“That makes me worry more, not less,” my brother points out. “Wait, you better not be talking about what I think you’re talking about.”

I grimace. “Thanks for checking on me. I’m good, speak soon,” I say and make a slicing motion across my throat.

“James?” Hunter growls.

“Yes?”

“Look at my sister,” he demands. No need—he’s already looking at me. “You looking?”

“Yes.”

“Good, now let me reframe her. You will treat her like your daughter.”

James blinks and then grimaces. Too late for that intervention, brother.

“Got it.”

“Good. Every time you look at her, you think of her just like that.”

“Right.”

Neither of us is playing that game.

“Any news on Burnside?” Hunter asks.

“He’s unusually quiet,” James responds.

“Actually,” Eleanor interrupts. “I spoke with Honor. It looks like he’s demanding some kind of dinner, gala, or party to celebrate his substantial donation.”

“He’s trying to flush Stephanie out,” Hunter deduces.