Heartthrob (The Bennett Brothers 3)

“I’m not in denial, Claire. I counted on you to be able to handle it. He’s taken to you, as I knew he would.”

“What was your plan? Being trapped down here couldn’t be the long-term solution.”

“No, it is not my long-term solution.”

“Do you care to share what we’re going to do next?”

“No, but I will tell you that this was a last ditch experiment that has turned out well.”

“Experiment!” I semi-shout then close my eyes and take a few deep breaths before opening them. “Please, tell me you have a better agenda than experimenting with your baby brother’s life.”

I know I’ve hit a nerve when his eyes grow stormy and his jaw visibly tenses. “I’d do anything for Carlos. The doctors he was working with were a joke. Our mother sunk all her faith in them, telling me to give it time. But time wasn’t something I was going to rely on. My only choice was to take matters into my own hands. They left me no other option.”

“Why didn’t you bring him to us at the hospital through conventional methods? Why go through all this?”

“There are a lot of answers to that question, but mostly, it was for the safety of my family.”

“Safety of your family? That doesn’t make sense.”

“My name is Stefano Martinez. I suspect, one day soon, you’ll understand.”

“The plot thickens,” I mumble.

“Tonight, I’d like to introduce you to our mother.”

My head snaps up, and I rock back on my feet. “Your mother? She’s here?”

“She’s here. I thought Carlos would have told you about her.”

“He’s mentioned her, but I didn’t know she was here.”

“I think the two of you will find a lot in common. She hates me at the moment, too.”

“Does she know I’ve been kidnapped and am being held against my will?”

“She’s aware and is unhappy with my decision.”

“Then why hasn’t she helped me?”

I know the answer without him saying. His eyes move to the screen on the wall to a sleeping Carlos. “My mother has a pure heart and soul. She also has a sense of loyalty. I’ve disappointed her tremendously with my decisions, but she knows my devotion to Carlos. Their safety is the top reason I didn’t follow conventional methods. People will do anything to get to me, using my family as leverage. You must promise me something, Claire.”

He pauses, bringing his attention back and spearing me with his glare. “You must promise me not to blame her for my actions. She’s struggling.”

“Seems ironic she’s struggling when I’m the one being kept as a prisoner.”

He quirks an eyebrow. “Prisoner? Are you living behind bars with slop for meals?”

“Metaphorical prisoner. I don’t even have a television.”

“That’s going to change tonight. You’re moving here. I want you close in case Carlos needs you.”

“I’m not staying with you.”

He chuckles, the sound grating on my skin. “I didn’t think so. I’ll make arrangements somewhere else. As long as Carlos is taken care of.”

“I’ll do my best, but please consider getting him to a hospital.”

He nods, rolling his bottom lip through his teeth and staring at me thoughtfully. A few seconds pass before he speaks. “I’ll walk you back to your room now, so you can pack some things.”