Read Online Eternal Brand by Sami Lee - Free Book Online Page B

scrappy.”
    â€œDon’t I know it.”
    They’d gotten into more than one physical altercation in their growing years. Born prematurely, so prematurely she’d spent the first month of her life in a humidicrib, Hope had always been small for her age. But she made up for her lack of stature with a wealth of attitude and a never-say-die mentality. She also had a mean uppercut. By comparison, Emily “fought like a girl”. She’d never been a match for Hope.
    â€œSo…?”
    The confession was on the tip of Emily’s tongue. The urge to unload her anguish, to have someone help her make sense of it, was strong. But this was Hope, and Hope already didn’t trust Brand. Emily’s instinct to protect him, as misplaced as it might be under the circumstances, was stronger than her need to talk. She smiled and ruffled Hope’s hair, knowing how much that would annoy her. “I’m fine. Stop worrying.”
    Hope scowled and finger combed her hair back into its spiky style. “Watch the product, Em. I could always sock you instead of Brand.”
    â€œYou planning an attack on me, Hope?”
    They both turned at the sound of Brand’s voice. He was standing in the hallway. He must have gotten caught in the drizzle while out on his ride, because his shirt clung damply to his large frame and a sheen of moisture glistened on his neck. Emily responded to the sight of him with a rush of heat and a throbbing at the juncture of her thighs. He was so damn big, so sexy. The fact they hadn’t had sex in almost four days left a hollow ache inside her.
    Jet thinks he’s sexy too. Jet throbs and aches for him, and it seems to be mutual.
    â€œYou tell me,” Hope responded to Brand, cocking a hip and planting a hand on it. “Do I need to teach you a lesson about something?”
    Emily groaned. “Hope…”
    â€œMaybe.” Brand brushed aside Emily’s attempt to stop her sister and came farther into the room. He held Hope’s gaze with his steady gray one. “I hurt your sister. I didn’t mean to, but it happened. I’ve apologized, but she’s not ready to forgive me. What do you think? Would you give me a second chance?”
    Hope considered him in silence, perhaps as stunned by his earnest announcement as Emily was. Brand always kept his cards close to his chest, especially around her family. To see him display this level of honesty with Hope, who’d always been his most vocal opponent, left Emily speechless.
    At length, Hope said, “I suppose that depends.”
    â€œOn what?”
    â€œOn how much you’re willing to grovel.”
    â€œAs much as it takes.” Brand turned from Hope to Emily, repeating his vow as his eyes settled on her. “As much as it takes, sweetheart.”
    The constriction in Emily’s throat intensified, making it hard to swallow. She stared at Brand, her eyes stinging and her pulse pounding. Inside she was a riot of motion, yet she remained rooted to the spot in the kitchen, frozen by the look of determination in Brand’s eyes.
    â€œWell, that’s my cue.” Hope’s voice came to her as though from far away. “He starts calling you sweetheart and I’m done. Talk to you later, Em.”
    Emily tore her gaze away from Brand long enough to mutter a goodbye to Hope. Then she turned her attention to the sink, where she robotically rinsed the mugs and plates they’d used for lunch. The roar of Hope’s jeep starting up and then climbing through the gears as she drove it away accompanied the sound of water sloshing over crockery.
    All the while Emily felt Brand’s eyes upon her. When they were alone at last, she sensed his approach. Despite his damp state, his body heat reached out to her. When he placed a hand on her shoulder, Emily stiffened, every sense going on full alert.
    â€œWill that help, Em? If I grovel and beg your forgiveness? Because I will