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them. Alec’s hands rose and I couldn’t ignore how sincere he’d been.
    “I’m not here for any trouble, Slade.”
    “Explain the roses. Why send them? Why go from white to red? Are you planning on hurting my sister?”
    One minute, Alec was a few feet away, the next, Slade was jerking him forward and patting him down.
    “Hurt her? Why the hell would I do that? I like your sister. Hell, I just asked her out on a date.”
    Slade pushed him back hard, causing him to stumble.
    “Enough,” I yelled. “Slade, you have to stop. Alec and I work together. He wanted to meet so we could talk about the past and I agreed it was time. What you’re doing is uncalled for.”
    The angry stare was thrown at me. “Uncalled for? You killed his father and brother. You don’t think he wants revenge for that? I do.”
    “I don’t . He explained he didn’t even grow up with them. If that’s the case, maybe he doesn’t blame me. His family was sick. Surely he can see that. Besides, we’ve never had any negativity toward each other, even when we were battling over accounts. Quite the opposite.” I couldn’t stop the smile from coming. “Getting Wes Corp was actually his doing. He pretty much handed me that one. Didn’t you.” It wasn’t a question.
    Alec shrugged and returned my smile. “You worked hard. You deserved it. Plus, I think you would have gotten it anyway. I just eased back some.”
    “Jesus fucking Christ,” my brother cursed. “You both can’t be serious. This is so not happening right now. Alec Brighton?” he said, turning to me. “Seriously?”
    I looked nervously between both of them. Alec wasn’t my Master, but he was nice in his own way. And I liked him. Besides, I couldn’t have Zain like I wanted. It wasn’t right. Not in the eyes of society, and Slade surely wouldn’t accept that scenario.
    “Slade, can you leave now? Everything is okay, really.”
    He shook his head. “Not until you tell me whether you’re planning on dating him. I want to know right now. Are you going on this date or can I happily toss him out of my building?”
    I rolled my eyes and took a deep breath.
    “Slade.” Alec took a step forward. “I understand Lily is your sister, but she is old enough to make up her own mind. You’re looking out for her, I see that, but I hope you can look past who I am and give me a chance, if that’s what she wants.”
    My brother kept quiet as he continued to stare at me.
    Did I want to do this? Date Alec? I’d just told Slade I didn’t have any interest until I turned thirty. Now, here I was, seriously contemplating having a life again. The appeal was there. The guilt over my Master was, too. It felt wrong to say yes. To turn my back on someone I loved and expressed as much. He’s your enemy, Lilian. He associates with people who deal in selling girls and boys for a living. That is not acceptable.
    “I think I would like to go on one date with him. Just to see.”
    “Shit.” Slade ran his fingers through his hair and turned to Alec. “Her guards will be there the entire time. You are not to make it past the lobby of her building and she sure as fuck isn’t going to your place. Dinner, movie, whatever. Nothing else. You understand me?”
    “Slade!” My hand gripped his jacket. “That’s enough. I’m old enough to make my own decisions concerning that. Now, out,” I snapped.
    “I’m serious,” he said, turning back to Alec. “You touch her, you won’t have a hand left when I get done with you. That is a threat. Feel free to take it with a grain of salt if you don’t treasure your body parts.”
    “Out,” I growled, pushing him toward the door. The moment he was past the barrier, I slammed it shut.
    Alec had a smile on his face when I turned back around to face him. “I’m so sorry,” I rushed out. “He’s not serious.”
    “Oh, yes he is,” he said, laughing. “I know your brother and I don’t put it past him. He’s dead serious.”
    I nodded, knowing