“You love her, don’t you?” Constantine practically pounced.
“Jeez, man, keep your voice down!” He darted a glance toward the closed bedroom door. “She’s exhausted and needs to sleep.”
“And you’re scared she’ll find out thatyou love her.Big Remy just had his heartstolen!”
“Okay, first, don’t call me Big Remy because it’s annoying.”
“Yep, I can see that.” A quick grin.
“Second,” Remy growled, “she didn’t steal my heart.”
“So you…don’t love her?”
“I—” Remy stopped. Just stopped.
Constantine’s grin stretched. “You can’t say it, can you? You can’t say that you don’t love her.”
“I can say anything. Didn’t we just discuss the fact that I lie as easily as I breathe?”
“I don’t know if we said it quite that way…” Constantine rolled back his shoulders. “But maybe you just can’t lie about the most important thing that has happened to you. For the first time in your life, you love someone.”
“Not the first time in my life. I love my sister. I even love your annoying ass.”
Constantine winked at him. “That’s so sweet, and I love you like a brother, too, but you know I’m talking about romantic love. The kind of love that makes you think of forever. That has you dreaming about a home and maybe some kids and growing old as you paint in some quaint little cabin somewhere.” He snapped his fingers together. “Wait, you’re already doing half that stuff, aren’t you?”
“Have you been watching those Hallmark movies again?” Remy snapped.
“Don’t be judgy. I’m not the one who can’t admit that I love someone.”
Once more, he looked toward the bedroom door. Still shut. Was she still sleeping? He hoped so.
“Stop taking the weight of the world on your shoulders.” Constantine’s voice turned serious. “Maybe stop paying for everyone’s sins. Take some joy for yourself.”
If only things were that easy. “I’m not talking about this any longer.”
“Sure. Like I didn’t see that coming. Someone is just not comfortable with his emotions.”
Time for a conversation change. “Did you really talk to Ty?”
“Yep, he has the ring, by the way. Eric gave him my number, told him that I was watching your six, as I often do. Ty is incoming, but he won’t be here until at least tomorrow morning.”
That’s too late.
“I’m assuming we won’t wait until tomorrow,” Constantine added as he correctly read Remy’s expression.
“Nope. We’re getting into the safe tonight. Preston will have his men stationed at the French Quarter house. This is our best opportunity.”
“And you’re okay with taking Jacqueline into the bar on Bourbon, knowing there could be a trap there, too? I mean, if it were me, I’d have extra guards stationed at all my properties, andparticularlyat the place where I had twenty million dollars stashed away.” Cool. Careful.
Remy’s hands fisted. “I’m not okay with it, but we need her in there. She’s priority, just like I told you before. If things go to shit—”
“As they so often can…”
“Get her out.Carryher out if you have to do it. She won’t willingly leave me.”
A nod. “Because she loves you.”
Dammit.“Get her out. Her safety comesfirst.Understand? Forget about me. Focus on her.”