Page 80 of Her Noble Protector

“If it’s casual, wear the red sweater and black skinny jeans. If it’s dress-up, wear the green dress.”

“I’m not thinking the clothes really matter.”

“You’re right. Let’s talk about the underwear you’re going to wear.”

22

Raiden was more than a little annoyed to find out that his cousin had tried once again to circumvent all of Kane’s preventative measures. What is with this kid?

“I’m sure he’ll be home soon,” Aunt Kathleen said as she poured him a second cup of coffee.

“Thanks, Auntie.”

“Are you going to straighten him out?” Tallie asked as she wandered into the kitchen.

Raiden looked over at his younger cousin. She had a lot of attitude and seemed to like to bust her brother’s chops, but he could see that beneath it all she really cared.

“He’s just rambunctious,” Aunt Kathleen said.

“Ma, open your eyes. Leif is on a straight shot to juvie if he keeps this up,” Tallie said as she moved deeper into the kitchen. “Everybody knows it but you and Dad.”

Aunt Kathleen sucked in a deep breath then turned back to the stove. Tallie rolled her eyes and looked over at Raiden. “Do you need any help? Do you need me to toss his room?”

Raiden’s lip twitched. “I’ve got this,” he assured her.

“I’m willing to do my part. Seriously, I don’t want some kind of ex-con for a brother, it’ll ruin my rep.”

“Tallie!” Aunt Kathleen whirled around from the stove. “You’re out of line.”

“No, Ma, I’m not. Leif is headed towards serious trouble and you should be damned happy that Raiden is willing to step up.”

Aunt Kathleen looked over at Raiden. Her expression had changed; she now looked seriously worried. “Is this true?”

Raiden sighed. “Yes, Auntie. I was hoping after our last talk things would get better, but they haven’t. I need to hurry things along.”

His phone vibrated, he pulled it out of his back pocket and read the text, then frowned.

Shit.

He looked over at his distressed aunt and walked around the kitchen counter to kiss her cheek. “I’ve to go. You tell Leif I’m looking for him, and he better stop avoiding me.”

She gripped his hand. “Will he be all right?”

“Yes. I promise.” Even if he had to wipe up the floor with him, Raiden would make sure he got his shit together.

He swept past Tallie and gave her a wink, gratified when he saw her relax.

As soon as he hit his car, he put his phone on speaker and dialed.

“Is this Raiden?”

“Yeah, is this Aiden?”

“Yep. I’ve got some information for you out of the Yucatan.”

“That was fast.”

“Yeah well, it sounds like you didn’t have time to fuck around, and I don’t have good news.”