I thought he would be so rough, like the way other girls told me boys were like with them. I had no idea how tender he could be, how much he cared about my pain and pleasure. It was better than what I thought about. He loved me.
Maybe I would like Los Angeles. And who knows, if I did, maybe I could get some of Granny’s tea. Branch was so protective, he would be the best father. Our babies and I would always be taken care of. And beautiful. Strong Viking children, with a strong father to protect them, and a mother to teach them a few of her tricks too. If he could leave Ruthless, we could have such a wonderful life together.
I thought about it as I drifted off to sleep.
Chapter Ten
Branch
“So anyway, this guy is coming off his private jet, of course. Real short guy, not the best shape. Kinda like that Edward guy I took care of for your dad with my uncle that time in Amsterdam when we were fifteen…”
“Yeah, you never told me the full story about that,” Larz interjected.
“Another time,” I laughed. “So basically I was waiting in the tarmac, and when he came around the corner I got him in a chokehold and injected the toxic nerve agent into his neck. Ten seconds later, no, maybe just seven, he’s on the ground dead. Poor evil bastard didn’t even know it was coming. I got the body in a duffle bag and some guys from Ruthless who flew out took care of disposal.”
“Well you’ve always been sneaky. I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done for my family.”
Larz’ gratitude made me nervous. We were sitting in his Granny’s cottage, a cute old house. Anyone who didn’t know any better would think it kitsch, because they didn’t know that Larz’ Granny had a deadly weapon hidden in just about every knick knack on display.
“You’ve saved my family so many times, one of these days you gotta get in trouble so we can return the favor,” Larz joked.
Oh shit, he really has no fucking idea.
“Well, I think you’re the one I’m gonna need to be saved from....”
Larz scratched his head. He was taken aback. “What the Hell does that mean?” He asked. He was still smiling. Fuck he really has no idea.
“So about Fara…” I trailed off.
“You son of a bitch.” Larz’ smile was gone. His eyes were piercing, holy shit those family genes are strong. If looks could kill I wouldn’t have a head. “She’s my little sister for fuck’s sake.” He stood up at the table, knocking his chair back. I leaned back, fuck, I probably deserve this.
“Oh now now Larz.” His Granny strolled into the kitchen at just the right time. She gave her grandson a mock slap on the chest. “Don’t you know not to get in the way of true love?”
“Not now Granny. She’s only ninetee-”
“And Branch is the stable force she needs in her life. Always running around, doing as she pleases. We should count ourselves lucky she found a man who can keep up with her.” Granny winked at me and went into the pantry.
Larz pursed his lips and sat down, begrudgingly. He was still staring daggers at me. And I had a feeling he would be for a long time.
“Dude, c’mon. I was worried about you two getting along at all. Turns out you got along too well,” he snarled. “God damn I need a drink.” He reached into his Granny’s fridge and pulled out a cold beer. He set the cap on the edge of the table and smashed it open with his fist, without ever breaking eye contact with me.
“Now Larz,” Granny emerged from the pantry with a large package. “You know I know these kinds of things. I was right about you and Petra, was I not? These two love each other, and you cannot get in the way of that. Here Branch, I put together a nice little care package you can give to my granddaughter. My tea is world famous, make sure she tries some. But don’t drink any yourself, it’s only for women. There’s a treat in there for you too.” She winked as she finished speaking.
“I swear to fucking God my sister will not drink a sip of that or I will rip your balls off and shove them down your throat.”
“Larz MADSEN! So vulgar!” Granny snapped.
What the fuck was up with this tea? “I have an idea.” I needed to broker peace. “How about I give Fara the package and let her decide if she wants to drink some?”
“Well that’s a wonderful idea Branch. But don’t let her wait too long. Isn’t that wonderful Larz?”
Larz was still stiff in his chair. “Yes.” He spat out the words with great effort. “Wonderful.”