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would share his every thought to help convince him of Gabriella’s worth to their lives. 
    Harper admitted his curiosity about Winters’ former paramour and his lust to experience what she had to offer.
    Other than that, he refused to allow her under his skin.

Chapter Five
     
    Beginning October 2014
    More than a week after Elijah’s visit, he returned.  He wore track pants, a t-shirt, and running shoes. 
    In his hand was his violin case.
    It was only when she heard his soft knock on the door that Brie realized she’d been waiting, hoping for it.  Seeing him on the other side of the threshold made her smile happily. 
    “Hi.” 
    “Hello, Brie.  How are you?” 
    “Good.  Come in.”  When he closed the door behind him, she led the way slowly to her kitchen.  “I bet you’re hungry.” 
    “How do you know?” 
    Winking, she quipped, “You’re male .  Have a seat.” 
    He watched her in silence for almost a minute.  “You’re in pain.  You’re moving more slowly today.” 
    “I started the next level of physical therapy.  I’ll be fine.” 
    Walking around the bar, he lifted her in his arms and placed her on the padded stool.  “Tell me what to do.”
    Unsure how to react, she told him to make a plate of seafood lasagna she’d prepared the day before for Riya and Tawny.
    “You’re not allergic to seafood, are you?” 
    “I have no allergies.” 
    The way Elijah stated it made her think that if he’d discovered he had an allergy, he’d have found a way to crush the weakness.
    Removing the warm plate, he joined her at the bar.  She watched him eat and smiled at his obvious enjoyment.  He quickly ate every bite and wiped the corners of his mouth. 
    “You’re an incredible cook.” 
    “Thank you, Elijah.”  Moving to get off the stool, she said, “I’ll get us some coffee.” 
    Lightly, he tugged her back.  “Tell me how.” 
    Nodding, she watched him wash what he’d used and follow her instructions exactly for coffee the way she liked it.  Sitting beside her again, he smiled as she took a sip and sighed. 
    “What have you been doing since I saw you?” she asked with her chin in her hand.  “Anything interesting?” 
    “Meetings.  A lot of meetings.” 
    “Do they bore you?  I was barely able to stay awake during my business classes in college.”  Chuckling, she added, “I’m shocked I received my degree actually.” 
    “I didn’t go to college.” 
    “You might not have a degree but I bet you attended every class with Harper.  Am I right?” 
    “How did you know?” 
    “You’ve been in charge of his protection for what seems like most of your life.” 
    “I was groomed for the task from birth.  I’m almost two years older.  Upon news that he’d be born to Hunter and Hope, my true training began.” 
    Brie inhaled.  After a long silence, she reached out to hold his hand.  He’d subconsciously tightened it into a fist as he talked.  Opening his palm, he clasped her back hard. 
    “I met Hunter and Hope when I was a teenager.”  She was cautious about her wording.  “Did they know about your training?” 
    He shook his head once sharply.  “Only my…father.  He presented me to the Delkins upon my eighth birthday with a promise to continue my training.” 
    “Presented you?” 
    “Gave me to them to protect Harper when he started school.” 
    Oh god.
    Frowning, she struggled to wrap her mind around what he was saying.  “Elijah, did they understand why you were with them?” 
    He turned his face and she stared into beautiful light green eyes that she imagined had experienced more pain in more awful variations than anyone she’d ever met. 
    “No.  They believed they were fostering me.  A task they were happy to assume to ensure I received the best education.” 
    “But…you knew you were there for one purpose?”  He nodded.  “I can’t pretend to understand.  To hear these things makes me hurt badly for