A Brother's Love

In His Hands

Jake drove us to Easton’s favorite restaurant. Like I thought it was a fancy restaurant. When I entered the restaurant the hostess looked me up and down, her lips curling down in distaste. I figured this would happen, but I had to straighten up and just stare right back at her.

“I’m here to meet Easton Dehn.”

She raised an eyebrow at me, clearly, she thought I was lying. Rolling my eyes at her, I grabbed my phone and called the man who told me to meet him. He never answered the phone, he came over instead and placed his hand on my lower back.

“She’s with me.” He told the hostess.

The woman looked conflicted, she couldn’t let me pass wearing casual clothes but she also didn’t want to upset Easton Dehn. When she made up her mind she smiled brightly at him.

“Of course.” She finally talked and her voice made me cringe.

She had that whiny tone to her voice, I didn’t know if she did it on purpose or that it was her actual voice. It wasn’t cute though, despite she tried to be cute for this man. She had no idea how dangerous it was to want this man’s attention. Glancing aside I noticed Easton looking at me. He had a playful glint in his eyes. He apparently liked what he saw. I wasn’t jealous though. I was annoyed because this hostess was a two-faced snake.

“Let’s go.” Easton gave me a slight push forward and guided me to his table.

Thankfully it wasn’t in the middle of the room, surrounded by well-dressed people. It would make me feel awkward and I'd probably dash for the exit. Like a gentleman, Easton helped me sit at the table and then sat across me. He already ordered a bottle of wine. I didn't trust it though.

“Did you drug this as well?” I asked quietly, narrowing my eyes at him.

He smirked, “Ah, you noticed.”

“Of course I did.” I glared at him, “You do that again and I’ll join the line of people who want to kill you.” I threw him a dirty look when he chuckled, “I’m serious right now, Easton.”

“I know.”

He was still smiling at me which made me huff. He knew I was serious about killing him yet he couldn’t take me seriously. It frustrating but there was nothing I could do about it. He’d find out how serious I was when I stabbed him with a f*****g kitchen knife.

“What are you in the mood for?” He asked, “Fish, chicken, steak?” He reached for the menu and handed it to me, “They also have decent vegan meals.”

“Chicken.” I said closing the menu again, “With a green salad to the side.”

He grinned, “Then I’ll order for us.”

He held his hand up, catching the attention of a passing waiter who politely took our order. The waiter then also filled our glasses with the awaiting wine. I trailed my eyes to Easton who laughed in return. He was in such a good mood tonight, it was odd meeting up with him like this when he was so cheerful. I couldn't get distracted by his handsome face, his nice charcoal suit, and sexy grin. I needed to make my point so I stayed true to myself. Once the waiter left our table, I sipped my wine for some liquid courage.

“You used my phone without my permission.”

“I did.” He didn’t even try to make up an excuse, “I needed your lovely friend to get off my back. Getting the police involved is going to make the situation worse. I need to handle it on my own.”

I leaned forward, lowering my voice, “Are you at war right now?”

He was having a great time with me I assumed since he laughed, this time a bit louder. Easton never let go like this in front of me. He always had his guard up and looked at me as if I’d do something stupid.

“You can call it that.”

We fell silent when the waiter came over with our food. He quietly served us dinner, politely let us know to call him over if there was anything we needed and then left the table. The food was great. Since Easton and I more or less met up occasionally he has been feeding me great food. The wine was good too and this time it wasn't drugged. I was grateful for that.

“Whatever, just don’t do it again.”

“Or you’ll join the line of people wanting to get rid of me?” He asked.

“Exactly.”

He leaned back in his chair, swirling around the liquid in the fancy glass, “How are you going to do that? Do you grow poisonous flowers in your little shop?”

I smiled at him, “You’re giving me too much credit, I’ll stab you with a kitchen knife.”

We were getting along a bit too much, it wasn’t supposed to be this way between us. If he continued to be in a good mood, he’d charm his way into my pants. He already gave me a taste, I knew what it felt like to have his big hands run over my body. I also knew he was a good kisser. I couldn’t give into temptation. I needed to remind myself that Easton Dehn was bad news. I needed to repeat it in my head over and over again.

***

Easton and I were seated in the backseat of Jake's car. I observed both men like a hawk. I wanted to know if these two got along or were merely an employee and employer. It was like Easton was inside my head because he was on to me without me doing anything. He smirked, shaking his head at me. Jake slowed the car and was about to park when the mood in the car suddenly changed. It was like the temperature dropped. Easton grabbed my wrist, all humor left his eyes while he now looked like the man I had approached in his office.

“Don’t move.” He whispered.

"She's being watched," Jake informed us.

Easton cursed, he didn’t look happy about this. I, however, was furious.

“What now?” I asked him, “I can’t go home because you got shot!”

He released my wrist, “I didn’t want that to happen.”

No one willingly wanted to get shot, I got that. I meant that he came to me when he got shot at. Now I was a target as well and I really wasn’t okay with that. I couldn’t march up to whoever was hunting Easton though. I was pretty sure Easton was going easy on me due to us getting along and sharing a kiss every once in a while. It only happened once but there was the possibility of it happening again. So yeah, he was being nice. The guy who wanted Easton dead wouldn’t go easy on me.

“So?” I asked, “What are we going to do?”

“We’re heading to the mansion, it’s the safest place to be right now.”

It was guarded heavily so I knew he was right. I leaned back in my seat, giving up because sometimes it was wise to pick your battles.

“Your little peaceful day ended on a bad note, huh.”

"Shut up, Jake," I growled.

Easton chuckled. At least someone was still having fun, my night, however, was ruined. Once again my fate was in Easton’s hands.