“I’m not part of her love life—what do you know about it anyway?”

“I know plenty. I listen and pay attention even when people think I’m not listening.” For the first time, Nilay’s voice went quiet. “Especially after the last guy.” He set his jaw and stared straight ahead for a moment. He turned to Daniel. “Not that you’re anything like he was, but I... Well, I have to look out for her.”

“Is that why you’re here?”

“No.” He grinned. “I’m here because this is going to be awesome. Checking you out is part of the bonus.”

“Well, no worries. Your sister and I are not a thing.”

Nilay shook his head in disbelief. “She may be mad right now, but she’ll get over it.”

Daniel shrugged.

“She told me to behave myself when I came out here with you and not be a pain,” Nilay continued, “and not bother you. She wouldn’t have made a point to call me about all that if she wasn’t thinking about forgiving you.”

Daniel’s traitorous heart did a flip. He didn’t really deserve that forgiveness, though clearly he was ready to accept it.

“You’ve got a stupid look on your face.”

Daniel knew he did. But try as he might, he couldn’t remove the grin. He might still have a chance. He parked the car and they both got out, heading for the front entrance this time, so Daniel could sign Nilay in.

“Make no mistake about it.” Nilay stopped and looked Daniel square in the eye, that seriousness back in his eyes for a moment. “You saw what happened in the bar. I’m not afraid of much. If you hurt her, I’ll have to hurt you. I don’t care that your muscles are twice the size of mine.” He glanced at Daniel’s biceps and swallowed hard, the intensity of his gaze unwavering. “Well, maybe I do—but it won’t stop me. Understood?”

Daniel stood frozen for a moment. And in that moment, he was not standing in front of a young boy who was half his age, and easily half his size. He was facing a brother who cared enough for his sister that nothing else mattered. Daniel knew this was another reason he should run from Annika: Nilay would just be another person he hurt when he hurt her. “That won’t be necessary. I’d never do anything to hurt her.”

But that meant he couldn’t see her again—ever.

Nilay nodded and broke into a smile, a regular teenager again. “I knew you were a good guy.”

They entered the building, and Nilay presented his ID while Daniel chatted with the administrator and signed him in.

Nilay was a hit with the night shift as he placed doughnuts and bagels on the food table. He was enjoying a doughnut and getting his questions answered when Crista and the pilot, Andrea, came on duty. Daniel made introductions and waited for Andrea to start briefing.