Page 90 of Ruined

“I never said that. I was dealing with something personal.”

“That’s not good enough for me.”

“Oh yeah?” he shot back, crossing his arms. “What was your phone call about?”

I exhaled sharply. “My family. More specifically, my brothers.”

“What happened?”

“It’s about my dad. He died a few months ago.” The words came out clipped, like I didn’t even want to give them air. “Ever since, my brothers have been up my ass. Texts, calls, trying to get me to play nice for the sake of the estate.”

“Were you close?”

I let out a dry laugh. “Not after he found out I’m gay. I went from golden boy to disgrace of the family overnight. He cut me off. It was a surprise when he left me everything in his will.”

“Why’d he do that?”

I shrugged. “I think he felt some regret. Leaving me everything was his way of saying he fucked up.”

His brow furrowed. “He screws you over, and then dumps that on you? Like money makes up for it?”

I chuckled. “Yeah, well, that’s the kind of guy he was. Always thought he could buy his way out of trouble.”

Luca’s gaze softened. “What are you going to do with the estate?”

“Hell if I know. My brothers are doing everything they can to contest the will, so it’s not exactly free and clear.”

“Sounds like a nightmare.”

“It is, but I’m used to it. A lot of tough-guy posturing. It’s pathetic.”

“They’rethreateningyou?”

“Angelo said he’d ‘take care’ of me if I didn’t fall in line.” Luca glowered, and I shrugged. “It’s not real. They’re pissed because the old man left everything to me.”

“You sure they won’t follow through?”

“They’re assholes, not murderers.”

“You need to watch your back,” he said solemnly.

“I know my brothers. This is their game. Push, threaten, bark loud enough until someone caves. That’s all this is.”

“And what if it’s not? It sounds like you’re standing on a landmine.”

I waved my hand. “They’re not going to do anything. They’ve got too much to lose.”

His eyes bored into mine. “You really believe that? Or are you hoping you’re right?”

I held his gaze. Honestly, I didn’t know how far my brothers would go. I didn’t want to think about it.

“They’re family,” I said.

“Family doesn’t threaten to kill you.”

My lips twitched. “Worrying about my safety?”

His glare sharpened. “This isn’t a joke.”