Fast Burn (Body Armor #4)(101)

“I love you, Scott. You’ve been more than a brother to me. You’ve been...everything. I’m so glad you’re home where you belong.” Sahara folded her arms. “I’d take on the devil himself to keep you here, but what I won’t do is let you run my life. I’m smart and capable and I have my own inheritance. That’s enough.”

Damn, she was amazing, Brand thought as he gave her a slow grin. “I love you, too, Sahara.”

She pivoted fast to face him, her startled expression shifting to one of utter joy. “I thought you did, but I wasn’t sure.”

“Why the hell hasn’t he already told you?” Scott demanded.

“He’s been busy rescuing me,” Sahara snapped. “And that’s in part because you kept me in the dark about things.”

Scott had the sense to flush.

The way her shifting moods took her from one extreme to the other was almost humorous.

Ignoring her rigid annoyance with her brother, Brand pulled her close, his hands rubbing her shoulders. She was as feminine as a woman could be, with a unique strength and deep conviction. He loved her more than he knew was possible. “Before we get ahead of ourselves, we need to come to an understanding.”

“Here it comes,” Scott predicted.

Brand’s smile never slipped. He knew what her brother expected, but once a man had met her, how could he care more about money than Sahara?

Maybe because Scott saw her only as a younger sister, he didn’t realize how incredible she was. Brand would never make that mistake.

He framed her face in his hands. “I love you.”

After shooting a look of triumph at her brother, she smiled up at Brand and asked, “Will you marry me?”

Emotion swelled, bringing happiness and peace, even humor. He grinned. “That’s a first.”

She rushed on, not giving him a chance to answer. “We love each other, so it only makes sense, right? After all this time together, I wouldn’t want to sleep alone, and I don’t think you would either. We make a good team, too. Now that my brother is back, I won’t harangue you anymore about working as a bodyguard. Going forward, hiring will be up to Scott.” She managed a quick breath. “Your friends are now my friends, and your family likes me, even Becky. Before you say it, I know, I shouldn’t have overstepped there. I can try to—”

Overwhelmed by her rapid-fire reasoning, Brand pressed a finger to her lips, silencing her. He waited, and when she remained quiet, he said calmly, “I want a life with you, but we need to agree on a few things.”

Her brows rose in inquiry. Unlike her brother, there was no suspicion in her gaze.

“First, your inheritance is yours. I won’t ever touch it. Not a single dime of it. If you’re with me, we’ll live in a house I buy.”

Scott snorted. “I’ve seen what you provide your parents.”

Brand paused. “My parents?” Irritation gathered, but he was determined to get through the rest of this without another explosion. “You’ve checked into my background?”

“As soon as I realized my sister was involved with you.”

“Too bad you weren’t that diligent with Ross Moran.” He let that barb hit, then replied, “I’ll be generous and assume you’re trying to look out for Sahara—even though she doesn’t need you to—but you’re off base with my folks. They would never take money from me, regardless of how I’ve tried. They provide for themselves, and they’re happy where they are.”

“I love their property,” Sahara stated with feeling. “It’s beautiful and private, the perfect place for a family to raise a son.”

It had been perfect, Brand realized. One of the few things Becky had ever done right was to give him to Ann and John to raise. He doubted he’d have so many great memories if she hadn’t.

He recalled how easily Sahara had fit into the setting with his parents. No matter what Scott thought, she could be happy anywhere because her life had more meaning than luxury and wealth. He believed that, but he didn’t want her getting the wrong impression. “So that we’re clear, I’m not poor. I’ve made a good living fighting and I’m smart with my money. I’ve socked away a healthy savings, and the rest is earning for me.”

“You’re still not in her league,” Scott said.

“On that we agree. I’m not sure any man could be good enough for her, but no one will ever love her more than I do.”

Sahara smiled happily. “You see? He loves me. That’s all that matters.”

“I’ll drive my own car,” Brand added. “If you want something fancier, that’s up to you. You won’t spend anything on me, though.”

The smile faded under a frown. “But—”

“I apologize for not appreciating your efforts with Becky.”

Sahara blinked at the topic switch. “You apologize?”

“Are you really that surprised?” Had he been that surly about it? “You were right, you know. Life will be easier if I let that old animosity go.”

Sahara rested a hand on his chest. “You have a right to your animosity. But if Becky is happy, she’ll be an easier burden to bear.”

Amazing that she’d understood when he hadn’t. “True. It just took me a little time to see it.” Already his heart felt lighter. “Don’t ever feel obligated, but do feel free to do what you want with her, okay?”