Chapter 486:
She sipped her coffee. “Why did you buy it and give it to me?”
Brad met her eyes. “You were just having coffee, weren’t you? Then you helped a random guy in his twenties. And now everyone says you killed him.” He let that hang for a beat. “That story doesn’t add up.”
Rylie set her cup down, frowning. “You’re not saying everything.”
“Did I say something wrong?” His tone shifted slightly. “I’m just trying to help you let it out.” Brad leaned back in his seat and looked out the window.
“Besides, you saved my life.”
His jaw tightened, and the silence stretched. Obviously, he was upset.
She stirred her cup slowly, trying to figure him out. He’d been distant lately. Had she done something wrong?
She hesitated, then raised her eyes to his. “Back when you brought me that gown from the Owens’ place — were you listening in?” Her voice dropped. “Or did you just get offended because I gave everything back, untouched? You think it’s embarrassing?”
Brad finally turned to face her. He hadn’t expected her to bring it up so suddenly. His bad mood came down to one thing: she liked younger men. That was something he couldn’t change. All he had was his health and skin that hadn’t sagged yet — but age never stopped for anyone.
He pressed his lips together. His voice dropped low, laced with a bitter kind of humor. “Haven’t I been embarrassed enough times by you? I think I’ve lost all my dignity when I’m with you.”
To everyone else, he still looked perfect. But in front of her, he almost looked like he wanted her to see more. She didn’t seem to notice. Or maybe she just didn’t want to.
Rylie rubbed at her temples like someone twice her age. Sometimes, he acted so childishly around her that it gave her a headache.
Your next adventure is at g al n ovels . con
She knew he was a strong ally. A solid friend. But as for romance? She hadn’t let her thoughts go there, not really. She had her reasons.
She reached for the pot and poured him coffee. Her voice softened. “That day, when I talked in front of my brothers, my words might have been unpleasant to you. But they only just found me again. They’re worried I’ll get hurt.”
“So what you told them — was it all made up?” asked Brad.
They weren’t exactly lies. Rylie shifted the topic, locking eyes with him. “Go on, try the coffee. It’s actually good.” All she wanted was to ease the tension.
He took a sip. She watched him for a moment, then said quietly, “That concert was dull. I only stepped in because the guy had ties to Deandre. I couldn’t pretend not to see it.”
Brad paused, eyebrows raised. “So, you didn’t enjoy yourself?”
Rylie blinked. “Enjoy what?”
“All those young, toned guys. You didn’t find them appealing?”
Rylie was momentarily speechless. So, after all this circling, this was the real question.
She froze, then covered her forehead with her hand. “No.”
For once, she meant it. She admired them, sure. But that was all.
“And me?” Brad leaned in, resting his elbows on the table. The way he moved made his loose collar slip open, revealing the scar and solid muscle beneath it. He looked dangerous. And magnetic.
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