The Blame Game_A Brook Brothers Novel

by Tracie Delaney

  The stranger blushed slightly. “Anyone would have done the same.”

  “Not sure about that,” Jax muttered as he held tightly onto Indie. After she’d stopped crying, he took a look at her face. “Cole’s going to meet us at the hospital. That cheek might be broken. Are you feeling dizzy?”

  “No. I fell over when he hit me, but I didn’t knock my head or anything.”

  Jax clenched his jaw. “I’m so sorry I was late. This is all my fault.”

  She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. You’re here now.”

  His body tensed up, and his nostrils flared. “It fucking does matter. You needed me, and I wasn’t here.”

  She curved a hand around his face, her fingers still icy cold despite the warm cup she’d been cradling. “Where were you?”

  He pulled a face. “Nate arrived unannounced. I was so stunned I completely lost track of time.”

  “Your brother? Oh, that’s great.”

  Guilt reared within him once more. She was being magnanimous, yet he’d let her down, forgotten her the minute he laid eyes on Nate. Twelve years of putting his brothers before everything else in his life was a difficult habit to break. Even buying and renovating the hotel was all about his desire to provide a home for them—except meeting Indie had changed all that. She was the woman he loved, and she deserved to come first. His brothers were no longer children—they were grown men with lives of their own—yet he would always put his own life on hold the minute they snapped their fingers.

  Well, no longer. It was time to change, to treat his own happiness with the same importance as he treated theirs. And Indie was the key. The only key.

  “You must be thrilled he’s here for Thanksgiving.”

  Jax dragged himself back to the present. “His timing could have been better,” he said with a grin. “That’s it. No more procrastinating. Let’s get you to Bellevue.” He helped Indie into her coat and gently wrapped his arm around her waist.

  Luck was on their side because the emergency room was fairly quiet. Indie was taken into a side room and quickly examined. Deciding she needed an X-ray just to make sure her cheek wasn’t broken, the doctor disappeared to liaise with radiology.

  As they waited, Jax’s cell rang. He checked out the screen. “It’s Cole. I’ll go get him from reception.”

  Jax was back a few minutes later with Cole and his partner, Draven, in tow. Indie’s eyes widened as she came face to face with the six-foot-five giant of a man with a thick, unkempt beard, long hair tied back in a ponytail, and tattoos covering a good proportion of his visible skin. Jax repressed a laugh. He was so used to Draven that he forgot the effect he had on most people when they first met him. He certainly didn’t fit the NYPD mold, yet he was an excellent cop. He was also a tough son of a bitch who could drop a man with one punch. Jax had seen him in action several times over the years. He was a good person to have on your side.

  “He doesn’t bite… much,” Jax whispered, adding, “Bet you’re glad he’s not my brother.”

  Indie giggled then winced, her fingertips gingerly touching her cheek.

  Cole moved closer. Air whistled through his teeth when he looked at Indie’s swollen face.

  “I wish we’d met under different circumstances.” He patted her kindly on the arm. “How are you doing, sweetheart?”

  “I’m fine. A bit battered and bruised, but I’ll live. Thank you for coming.”

  “What happened?” Cole asked, taking out his notebook.

  Indie briefly recounted what she’d already told Jax. He could tell from Cole’s expression that the chances of catching the perp were slim to none. Still, he made detailed notes, if only for Indie’s benefit.

  Cole turned to Jax with a frown. “Why were you late?”

  Jax bristled at the inference, especially in front of Indie. He already felt guilty enough without his brother adding to it. “Have you finished so she can get some rest?”

  Cole nodded. “I think we’ve got enough to be going on with. We’ll go and see the shop owner to get a description of the assailant.” He touched Indie’s arm again. “Call your bank as soon as possible to report your cards as stolen, okay, sweetheart? Call your cell company too. Tell them you’ve reported it to us, and if they need an incident reference, let me know.”

  She nodded.

  “And if I find him, I’ll cut his balls off,” Draven boomed. “If I’m feeling generous, I’ll use a scalpel instead of a rusty blade.”

  Indie broke into laughter but pulled up short. “Ouch, that hurts. Stop making me laugh.”

  Draven grinned as Cole cocked his head, gesturing for Jax to walk with them.

  Jax squeezed Indie’s shoulder. “Two minutes, babe. Okay?” He followed Cole and Draven outside her hospital room. “There’s no chance of catching who did this, then?”

  “Never say never,” Cole said. “But crimes like this one aren’t exactly rare. A lot of them go unsolved.”

  “Shit.”

  “So where the fuck were you?“

  “Nate’s at the hotel.”

  Cole’s eyes widened. “Our hotel?”

  “Yep. As I was leaving to come meet Indie, he turned up out of nowhere. Said he’s come for Thanksgiving.”

  Cole let out a low whistle. “Jeez. Did he say why he’s been incognito for months?”

  Jax shook his head. “I didn’t think right then was the time to press him.”

  “He okay?”

  “Seems to be. I should call him. I basically ran out of the house, yelling about Indie. He won’t have a clue what’s going on.”

  Cole checked his watch. “My shift is over soon. I’ll call in on the way home and let him know what’s happened.”

  Jax clapped Cole on the back. “Thanks, bro. I should get back to Indie.”

  Cole nodded. “She’s gorgeous, by the way. Far too good for you.”

  Jax cocked his head to the side. “You been talking to Calum? ’Cause that’s what he said.”

  Cole grinned. “That’s because we’re both smart.”

  Jax playfully nudged Cole’s shoulder and then wandered back into Indie’s hospital room.

  After the X-ray confirmed there was no break, only severe swelling and bruising, they were allowed to leave. As they stepped outside the hospital, it began to snow.

  “You’re coming back with me tonight,” Jax stated. “I don’t want you being on your own.”

  The relief that washed over her face at his demand made his heart squeeze. She leaned into him. “Thank you.”

  By the time they reached the hotel, the streets and sidewalks were covered in snow, which showed no signs of abating. He hoped the builders would be able to get there in the morning. They still had a shitload of work to finish, and he couldn’t afford any delays.

  He took her hand as they walked up the steps. The last thing she needed was a tumble on the damp, slippery stone. He locked the door behind him and headed downstairs—and right into what could only be described as a party. Or at least a significant gathering.

  “What’s going on?” he shouted above the noise.

  “Nate’s home,” Calum shouted back, his arm slung around one woman while another had her tongue in his ear.

  Jax stomped over, and after dismantling what felt like an octopus from his brother—how could only two women have so many arms?—he tugged Calum to one side.

  “I fucking know Nate’s home, but Indie got mugged today, and I think she’d appreciate a bit of peace and quiet.”

  “You think?” Calum pointed his chin in the direction Jax had come from. Jax glanced over his shoulder to see Indie deep in conversation with Cole and his partner, her head thrown back in laughter at something Draven had said. A bite of jealousy hit his gut.

  “Looks like you don’t know your girl nearly as well as you thought,” Calum said, laughing as he walked away to reacquaint himself with the clingy twins.

  “Where is Nate anyway?” Jax called after him.

  Calum pointed at the b
edroom Jax had hoped would be Nate’s but never imagined him actually sleeping in. “Unpacking. Or is that undressing?” He shrugged. “He took a woman in there with him, so probably the latter.”

  Jax rolled his eyes. He’d forgotten what it was like to have all four of them under the same roof. Calum and Nate always had been the ones with a different girl on each arm. Nate might only be twenty-four, but he hadn’t been short of a date since his acne had cleared up at the age of sixteen. Jax had always been more selective as well as discreet. With three younger brothers to look after, he wanted to be a role model. Yeah, that had worked out fucking fantastically.

  Jax looked back over at where Indie was still deep in conversation. Cole was the only one who Jax had rarely seen with a girl. When Jax had gently broached the question of Cole’s sexual orientation one night after several beers, Cole had been highly amused by the question and told Jax he wasn’t gay, nor was he a monk.

  Jax reached into the fridge and grabbed a beer for himself and a juice for Indie. He slipped his arm around her waist and gave Draven a look that screamed, “Back the fuck off.”

  Draven’s eyes widened, and he laughed, the booming sound so loud that the window panes almost cracked. He hit Jax in the shoulder with the palm of his hand. “You dick.”

  Indie frowned, her gaze flitting between them. “What?”

  Jax shook his head.

  Draven wasn’t nearly so restrained. “Your man here thinks he has competition. I’m sure he does, but it ain’t from me. No offense, darlin’, but you’re a bit too clean for my tastes, if you know what I mean. I prefer my women with a little more ink on ’em.”

  “Thanks for that,” Jax muttered as Indie’s lips twitched. “I got you a juice.”

  “I’d rather have a beer,” she grumbled. “Or better still, a large glass of sauvignon.”

  “Not on your meds.”

  She stuck out her tongue. “Spoilsport.”

  “I like this one,” Cole said to Jax. “You can keep her. She’s got sass. She’ll give you a run for your money.”

  “I don’t need a run for my money.”

  Cole grinned. “Yeah, you do.”

  As Draven began talking to Indie once more, Cole leaned in so only Jax could hear. “Seriously, bro. It’s about goddamn time. You did a great job, but we’re all grown up. Even Calum.” He rolled his eyes and waggled his hand from side to side. “Sort of.” Jax grinned as Cole continued. “I know it’s been hard, and at times I’m sure you resented the shit out of us, and Mom and Dad, for what happened and the shitty impact it had on your life. Anyway, this is your time, your turn to be selfish for once. Take your woman, follow your dreams, and stop putting us first.”

  He tapped Draven on the arm, and the two of them wandered off. Jax stared after them as Cole’s words played on a loop in his mind.

  “You okay?” Indie’s soft, inquisitive voice penetrated the thick fog in his brain.

  Something Cole had said resonated. Like a light bulb going off in his head, he suddenly got it. He had resented them. He’d played the part of the loving brother who’d had a terrible situation forced upon him, but in his heart, his anger had burned deep. He was furious at his parents for dying and leaving him with a responsibility no eighteen-year-old should ever have to face. He felt outrage toward his brothers for not recognizing his sacrifice and constantly telling him how grateful they were—and for the loss of his dream of Juilliard, a dream that Nate was now living, albeit in a slightly different field. He’d played the martyr, and he’d given an award-winning performance.

  Jax gently nudged Indie’s chin up. He bent his head and kissed her softly at first, but as was always the case with Indie, his lips grew more insistent. Then he remembered she’d been belted in the face not three hours since.

  He drew back. “Sorry.”

  She frowned. “For what? Making my toes curl with that hot-as-all-hell kiss?”

  His lips twitched. “For coming on strong when you’ve been through a terrible ordeal. I’ll clear this crew out, and then we’ll get you tucked up in bed.” And give me some quiet time to analyze the revelation I’ve just had.

  Indie suppressed a yawn. “No need to spoil their fun. I’ll be asleep the minute my head hits the pillow. I’m exhausted.”

  He took her hand in his, and they silently slipped away. He closed the door to his bedroom and crossed to the armoire. “Here,” he said, passing Indie a T-shirt.

  She took it with a grateful smile. “Thanks.”

  True to her word, within five minutes, her breathing slowed as she fell into a deep sleep—the combination of meds and shock, no doubt. Jax changed for bed and slipped in beside her. He laced his hands behind his head and stared up at the ceiling. All this time, he’d thought he was being so selfless, but beneath the surface, his anger had been festering.

  He turned his head toward Indie. Her eyes were flickering, mid-dream, and his heart squeezed. Cole was right. Jax needed to face up to his true feelings but also find a way past them. Indie was his future now. He no longer needed to put his brothers before himself. He’d done his job and made his parents proud. Now it was his turn to live.

  Chapter Seventeen

  Indie checked herself out in the mirror, still wondering, even after the sixth wardrobe change, whether she was suitably dressed. She didn’t know why she felt more nervous that night than any other night she’d spent with Jax. Maybe it was because Thanksgiving was a time for families to come together, and he’d invited her to sit alongside his brothers and their friends. She didn’t have any experience with family gatherings, either growing up or as an adult. She had absolutely no idea what to expect.

  She smoothed her hands down the deep-cherry-red knee-length fitted dress. As it had a scooped neckline, she bent forward and did a little shimmy to make sure her boobs didn’t fall out—not that she had a lot to display, but still, she’d definitely be the star of the show if that happened, and not in a good way. Fortunately, the girls stayed firmly inside her bra.

  But was red the right color? What did it say about her—confident businesswoman or slutty harlot? Oh, for God’s sake, Indie. She peered more closely into the mirror, this time her attention on her swollen cheek. Despite watching numerous YouTube videos about the wonders of contouring, she still hadn’t been able to hide the angry welt or dark bruise caused by her assailant’s fist. If they ever caught that guy, she’d be fighting Draven for the right to cause some serious pain to his favorite body parts.

  She turned away from her reflection and slipped the strap of her silver purse over her shoulder. Sliding her feet into her shoes, she couldn’t resist one final glance at her reflection. It’d have to do. It was too late to change.

  After making sure she had her key, she closed her purse with a snap and set off downstairs. The snowfall from the previous day still hadn’t eased off, and a thick blanket covered the sidewalks, shop awnings, and any cars parked on the street. She shivered and tightened her scarf. Jax had wanted to collect her, but she’d declined, to his obvious displeasure. He had enough on his plate. At least she didn’t have to wait too long for a cab, and with relief, she slid into the warm interior.

  Due to the awful weather, it took longer than usual to reach Jax’s place. She gingerly stepped onto the sidewalk. Knowing her luck, she’d slip and fall on her ass. Luck was on her side that evening, though, because she made it to the front door without incident.

  Jax opened it immediately and ushered her inside. When she shrugged out of her coat, he made an appreciative noise.

  “You look sexy as all hell.” He leaned in for a kiss, which he kept light. No doubt, his mind was still very much on her damaged face.

  “I wasn’t sure if the red worked.”

  He curled his fingers around hers and placed her hand over his groin. “What do you think?”

  She laughed. “Okay, point made.”

  “Come on,” he said. “Everyone’s here, apart from Calum and Zane. They’re caught up with some issue at work
. They won’t be long, though.”

  As he opened the door that led down to his private quarters, Indie tugged him back.

  “I’m nervous,” she said, gnawing on her bottom lip. “What if your friends don’t like me?”

  Jax shrugged. “Then I’ll make new friends.”

  She laughed. His easygoing manner helped her relax, and by the time she walked into the living room, the tension around her shoulders had lifted.

  The room had been transformed. The sofas and chairs had been pushed to the sides, and a large table dominated the space instead. Cole was in the kitchen, sorting drinks. Draven was talking to a guy who she presumed was Nate. She hadn’t met him the previous evening, and when she’d left early that morning, he still hadn’t ventured from his room. Looking at him now, she wasn’t surprised that he was pursuing a career in acting. He had the looks, the body, and the attitude to make a success in that industry. He must have broken the hearts of half the women in LA.

  Despite all those positive attributes, though, there was something about Nate that made her keep her distance. She couldn’t put her finger on what it was. Call it women’s intuition, but he made her uneasy, wary. Maybe it was the hard glint in his hooded eyes or the way he held himself slightly apart from everyone. Even without speaking to him, she was glad he didn’t live in New York, where she’d no doubt bump into him much more often.

  That meant the two people already seated at the table had to be Paul and Alana. One glance told her she’d like them. They both had warm auras that drew people in. Alana looked over, spotted her and Jax, and rose from her chair with Paul in tow.

  “You must be Indie,” Alana said, giving her a warm hug. “I’m so glad to finally meet you.”

  “Easy, love,” Paul said, his English accent surprising Indie for a moment. Jax hadn’t mentioned he wasn’t American. She’d assumed they’d grown up together. “Give the girl some space.” He pecked Indie on the cheek. “Anyone special to Jax is special to us.”