From Sanctum with Love (Masters and Mercenaries #10)(13)

This was what his brother did. He tried to one up everyone in terms of who had it worse or could do it better. His competitive streak had been obvious from childhood. “Of course. You had it worse than anyone.”

Jared stood, running a frustrated hand through his hair. “I didn’t. I know that but you won’t acknowledge that I have feelings at…I did not come here to fight with you. I thought it would be best if we sat down and talked so there’s not any awkwardness.”

Awkward didn’t begin to cover it. Still, he put on what he hoped was a placid smile. “There won’t be. Like I said, I signed the contract. I’ll be your mentor in all things BDSM. If you have any questions, ask me. I’m an open book.”

Jared’s green eyes narrowed. “All right. That’s an offer I won’t refuse. How about this one? Do you ever feel bad that you walked out on your younger brother because of a girl?”

And he was done. “I said I would answer your questions about BDSM.”

“Damn it, Kai. I want to talk. It’s been twelve years. Do you honestly intend to go the rest of your life without talking to me?”

“I can’t because I signed a contract. I can’t because once again, you shoved your way in and won’t leave until you get your way.”

“Still a hardass, huh?”

“Only if you’re still a dumbass.”

Jared growled and turned away, facing the door. Thank god. Maybe he would get the point that this wasn’t going to go his way. He’d picked up his bag and was almost to the door when he turned around.

“No, you know what, you’re not calling the shots this time. All my f*cking life, you’ve been the one to set the rules, but I have some power now and I’m going to use it.”

“You already have. You’ve forced me into this position. You’ve got me as your mentor for this movie. I won’t be doing more.”

“Of course not. I don’t know why I expected this would be different. You don’t take my calls. You don’t answer my e-mails. I’m nothing to you. You know for a therapist you hold a mean grudge. Shouldn’t you be all about forgiveness?”

His brother had never really understood him at all. “I’m all about what makes a person happy and whole. I can be perfectly happy and whole and still carry a grudge against the man who f*cked my fiancée.”

Jared nodded. “Yes, I did, and I’ve regretted it ever since. Kai, I’m so sorry it happened, but what you saw that morning wasn’t the truth of the situation.”

“Did you or did you not sleep with the woman I had asked to be my wife?”

“I didn’t intend to.”

This was precisely why he’d never had the conversation. He could play it out in his head word for word. “Did you fall into her vagina? That would be odd since you’re not known for being terribly uncoordinated.”

“I was drunk,” Jared ground out. “Something bad had just happened and she showed up and gave me a ride home. She didn’t leave.”

“Is that when you fell into her vagina?”

“Damn it, Kai. Why won’t you listen to me?”

“Because you’re not talking about the job.” Sitting here with Jared made him antsy. It reminded him of so many things he didn’t want to think about. All those nights he’d sat up watching over Jared, trying to be an adult when he was only a child. He’d loved his mother, but his childhood had been so chaotic. He preferred the peace and calm of his present, and he couldn’t help the resentment that bubbled up when he thought of how Jared was about to disturb it. “I will discuss anything you like about BDSM, but the rest of my life is off limits. If you thought you would get some kind of public reunion for a magazine story, you’re out of luck.”

“I wasn’t looking for press, Kai. If all I can get out of you is mentoring, then I suppose that’s what I’ll do. Who’s the pretty girl?”

Kai stood, looking through the open door. Kori hugged Erin before waving her out the door. At least it looked like one thing had gone right today.

Kori turned and stopped, staring at his brother. Damn it. She was probably like every other woman in the world. He would be lucky if she didn’t drool. The thought of Kori drooling over his perfect brother made him want to punch something.

“Hey, Kori,” he said because he couldn’t pretend like Jared wasn’t standing there. She would find out about their relationship soon enough. “Come on in. I’d like you to meet my brother.”

At least she could defuse the situation between them. Maybe once Jared realized he still had work to do he would go and find a reporter to show his ass off to.

Kori’s mouth dropped open and then she turned and walked right out of the room.

“Kori?” It wasn’t like her to walk away. Kori plunged right in.

Jared stared after her. “Kori? That girl’s name is Kori?”

“She’s a woman and yes, that’s her name. She’s also my office manager.” Kai did not like the way his brother was staring after Kori. Surely now that Jared was a Hollywood star, he was all about the actresses. The ass was surrounded by beautiful women twenty-four seven. From what Kai had seen on magazine covers, Jared was dating a gorgeous, way-too-thin actress who was up for an Oscar.