His brows came together in that way that let her know he remembered that conversation differently. “I told you I thought you needed one. We argued about a bodyguard for hours. You yelled at me to stay out of your business.”

She sat back, her whole soul weary. “Will, I’m sorry about that. I was frustrated at the time.”

“You think I’m not frustrated? Up until two weeks ago I hadn’t slept in months. I sat up every damn night waiting to find out someone had killed you. I know you think this is another funny episode you’ll one day tell your kids about, but it’s serious, Lisa. Someone wants you dead.”

She wasn’t positive that person was Biondo, but she did understand that this was more serious than she’d considered before. Someone wasn’t thinking logically, but then a potential life in prison might make a lot of criminals go a little crazy. And her brother, oh her brother had taken on all the responsibility. He’d been more like her father. How could she stay angry with him when she was alive and whole because he’d kept them all together? Everything she knew about love she’d learned from this man. Love and responsibility and sacrifice.

“All right, Will. I’ll take a bodyguard. I feel bad because I can’t afford it. I feel like I’m using you.”

“I’m your brother,” he shot back, his exasperation obvious. “I love you. You staying alive isn’t using me. This isn’t like you’re borrowing money so you can buy new shoes. This is your life.”

And there was no way out of taking on a bodyguard now, not unless she wanted to go into some kind of protective custody. But this time they would do it right. This bodyguard wouldn’t get close to her, wouldn’t sleep in her bed and whisper to her at night, his arms wrapped around her. He would do his job and she would ignore him as much as possible.

God, she was going to miss Remy.

“Can I interview a couple of candidates?” Lisa asked. “Do you know if Big Tag has some female operatives?”

“Sweetie, all of Big Tag’s bodyguards have jobs right now or they’re on personal time.”

Wow. There must be something in the water. “Okay, do we know other security firms? Doesn’t that Julian Lodge guy have some bodyguards?”

“I believe Mr. Lodge has his own personal guards. I don’t think he lends those out.” Will took a deep breath as though steeling himself for the argument that was sure to come. “There’s only one bodyguard available.”

“Are you kidding me?” She looked toward the door where Remy would be standing stalwart and unmoving.

“I am not kidding you,” her brother replied. “He’s our only option. I don’t trust the other firms.”