I wake early the next morning, a beautiful Saturday sunrise peeking through the trees. I stand at the large window, looking out over my land, and can’t help but smile.

I feel like whatever is happening between Kylie and I just went to the next level last night. And it wasn’t just because of the sex.

The fact that I chased her down at the airport and brought her back says a lot about how I feel about her. It’s a little scary and intimidating, but I actually really like it. I want to keep her around and have absolutely no desire to move on to the next best thing, which is what I’ve felt in the past. I finally feel like I found someone that can keep my attention, and she just happens to be much, much younger than me.

Last night, I fell asleep in her bed. We slept together all night, bodies pressed close, and I didn’t want to leave. I woke up in the middle of the night and could have snuck out back to my room, but I was so comfortable with her pressed against me that I couldn’t bring myself to leave.

I used to never sleep overnight with women. That was part of my rules, and it served me well for years. I would make sure they left by the morning, and I always slept in a different bed. I thought I was going to do that with Kylie, and I mostly did. Until Kylie came into my life, at least.

It just feels right, sleeping in the same bed as her. It’s so intimate, but I can’t deny the comfort or the feeling it gives me. I feel secure, safe, and cozy in a way I didn’t think was possible.

It seems like a little thing, sleeping in the same bed as someone, but it means a lot to me.

I wonder if she even realizes what that meant. I want to tell her, but I don’t know how to put it into words. It’ll make me sound strange or weird, telling her that I never share my bed with women. I’m already worried about pushing her too hard.

There’s so much going on, and she already ran once. I’m worried she might do it again if things don’t start to turn around and go better. I want to prove to her that she has nothing to worry about, that she’s not a distraction, that I can win this battle and still keep her close. For me, I feel like I have no other option.

I pull my phone from my pocket, feeling resolved, and dial my brother’s cell. It rings twice before he picks up.

“Carson,” he says. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Funny coincidence,” I say. “I missed you at the event last night.”

“Oh, I know. Mother told me all about it.”

“I’m sure she did.”

“I’ve been very busy, myself. Did you know that someone vandalized my private office?”

I smile to myself. “Did they?” I ask vaguely.

“Of course, I’m sure you’re aware. Myron said he saw you there.”

“Did he?” I can’t help it as my smile grows larger.

Elliot’s tone changes. His voice gets more sinister. “Do you think that little stunt will stop me?” he asks softly.

“No, not at all,” I say. “But I think what I stole might.”

He laughs. “I don’t think so.”

”You’re in bed with Myron, and I can already tell the deal is rotten. You think that’s going to stay buried?”

“Might not,” he agrees. “But you’re not the man that’s going to uncover anything.”

“I disagree. I’m the man that stole your documents, Elliot. I’m the man that’s going to destroy you.”

“I thought we were brothers,” he says, mock-hurt.

“We were. Years ago. But you decided that anger and petty jealousy were more important than blood, and I’ve finally given up trying to change your mind.”

“Good!” he exclaims, laughing, and he sounds genuinely joyous. “Oh god, that’s so good. I’m so happy to hear you say that, brother.”

“Why?” I ask, head cocked. He sounds genuinely deranged.

“Oh, a special reason. A reason you’ll see very soon.”

I frown to myself. I don’t like this, not at all. He sounds too confident, too happy, and too excited. He should be worried right now. I do know enough to figure out what’s happening between him and Myron, and there’s no way it won’t hurt him pretty badly, at least in my father’s regard. That’s what matters, anyway, right now.

Suddenly, I notice the morning sunlight crest over the mountains and glint off of something in the tree line at the edge of my property. I squint, trying to see what it is, but the reflection disappears as soon as I appeared.

Something is out there, I realize. Something probably man-made, too, if it’s reflecting light like that. I step away from the window just as cracks begin to form in the glass.

“See that, brother?” Elliot whispers in my ear.

“What?” I ask, staring at the cracks. There’s a perfect round hole in the center of the splintered spider web. I stumble back away from the window when another hole appear, this one closer to me.

“What’s going on?” I ask him.

“We’re finishing this, brother. I’ve been preparing this surprise for you all night. I’ll see you on the other side.” He hangs up without another word.

I stare at the holes in the window, my brain taking a while to catch up with my eyes. I drop my phone on the ground and have only one thought: Kylie.

Gunfire bursts and flares up outside. I hear shouts and yells, and my first instinct is to run into the front closet and grab my indoors axe. I get it, though I know it won’t help, just as Nick throws open the garage door.

“Armed men,” he says, face set in a deadly grimace. He’s bleeding from a wound in his arm. “You need to get out of here, Carson.”

“My brother,” I say, hefting the axe onto my shoulder.

“Him and a bunch of men, well-hidden, and well-armed. We’re holding them back, but I don’t know how long we can last. Get in your truck and make a run for it.”

“I can’t leave you all behind,” I say, shaking my head.

“Protect the girl,” he growls at me. “Save yourself. You can get revenge for us.”

“How?” I shake my head. “I don’t have the muscle.”

“No muscle,” he says, and points at a square on his chest. “Cameras. Each of my men. They’re all recording this and uploading it wirelessly to a server.” He takes a card from his pocket along with a pen, and then writes something down on it. “Go to this address. Use this password. Get the videos and nail this bastard.”

I take the card, nodding numbly, not sure what to do. I want to help them, fight with them, and maybe die alongside them. I never wanted any of this, and can’t imagine running.

But he’s right. I have the resources to destroy Elliot, but if I die, it all dies with me.

“Good luck,” I say to him.

He nods, readying his weapon, and heads back outside.

The gunfire ebbs and wanes and starts back up as the fighting continues. I hate that I’m turning my back on the fighting and not helping, but he’s right. I have something more important to worry about.

I shoulder the axe and head toward Kylie’s room, determined to see this through.