Free Marked by Passion by Kate Perry Page B

take up the role of Guardian for you."
    Tu ch’i flared for a second, but I clamped down and stifled it. For some reason, I parroted Wu's words. "You aren't marked."
    "It's the only thing I didn't inherit." He swirled his drink so the ice clinked rhythmically. "You've got to admit I got Wu's focus and discipline, not to mention his sense of responsibility."
    The five-year-old in me pouted. "If you say you deserve the scroll because you're four years older, stronger, and more competent, I'm gonna pop you one."
    Paul laughed and shook his head. "You're still so defensive, Gabby. I didn't mean to step on your toes. You know you're a good fighter. It's just I know you've always wanted to be an artist. The scroll will only get in the way of your plans. The plans Mom had for you."
    Didn't I know it.
    "If I took over the Guardianship, then you could concentrate on your art and whatever else you want to do. You'd be free."
    So tempting. And so easy. "You'd make that sacrifice for me?"
    "It's no sacrifice. I know you see it that way, but I've always felt honored by that part of our family history."
    The mark on my hip ached, and I rubbed it with the heel of my hand as I studied him.
    "I'm not pushing you, Gabby." He swirled the ice in his glass. "This is your decision. Because the scroll is in your possession now, isn't it?"
    I had the impulse to lie and say no. Silly, considering this was my brother. Wu was the one with the conspiracy-theory mentality, and not even he would think to mistrust Paul. "I have it."
    "Where are you keeping it?"
    "Someplace safe," I answered vaguely, looking around to see if anyone was eavesdropping on us.
    "I know you'll keep it secure until I pick it up. I'll have my lawyers draw up the necessary papers for you to sign. To relinquish your ownership, of course."
    I shook my head. "It's not your responsibility, Paul. I can't pawn it off on you."
    He paused, his frown bringing out an eerie resemblance to Wu. "Why not? I have the means to keep it safe. You wouldn't have to worry about it, and you can concentrate on your art. It's a win-win."
    "I know, but—" I shook my head. I should have just handed it over to him. He'd offered me the perfect out. I could let him deal with the burden and all the crap that went hand in hand with the Guardianship. I could be free to live my life the way I'd planned. The way Mom had wanted it.
    And he was right—he'd be the ideal Guardian. He was everything I wasn't. Most importantly, he wanted it.
    But something held me back. And my birthmark stung, which normally wouldn't have fazed me, but the sharp, pinlike pain struck me as a warning. What it was warning me about I couldn't guess. "I need to think about it."
    "What are your doubts?" he asked reasonably.
    "I can't put my finger on them."
    He leaned forward and lowered his voice. "It's just that I'm worried about you. I don't want you to be burdened with hurting another innocent person."
    His statement hit me like a wall of ice water. In my mind, I saw Mom lie before me, her eyes blank in death but somehow still wide with shock. I felt a faint rumbling of power inside me, and I wrapped my arms around my middle, as if that'd help contain it.
    "Damn it, I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry. Are you okay?" He frowned with concern. "It's been so long since I've been a big brother that I'm muddling it. I just want you to be safe and happy. Do what's right for you, Gabby. I'm here to support you. If you need help, you know where to come."
    "Thanks." My shoulders relaxed, and the tension in my gut eased. "I appreciate it, Paul."
    "It's what I'm here for. Speaking of helping out..." He reached into his interior suit pocket and pulled out a business card. "My personal contact info is on the back. For you, I'm available twenty-four/seven. Don't hesitate to call."
    "Okay." I took the card. Chin Enterprises, Paul Chin, CEO. I shouldn't have been surprised. Paul was always an overachiever, but it was hard reconciling the boy who used