Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 62972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 62972 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 315(@200wpm)___ 252(@250wpm)___ 210(@300wpm)
“So you thought you’d take advantage of a young woman under the influence?” It’s the goon. Why did I even let him in?
Hazel’s hand goes stiff and cold in mine. I’ll bet she shared that information with her sister, but didn’t expect these guys to also know she drank too much. I don’t fucking like what he’s implying, but I’m going to keep my cool for Hazel’s sake.
“Look, not that it’s any of your business, but nothing happened last night. We came back here and we fell asleep.”
Hazel softens immediately, and I don’t miss the relief that crosses her features, though she tries to hide it. We definitely need to talk once this meddling foursome is gone.
“Why the rush to marriage?” Ember asks. “That’s what I’m wondering.”
My brothers stroll in then, looking indifferent to anyone who didn’t know them well. I introduce them all around, and Ember’s displeasure ratchets up several notches. When she glares at me again, waiting for an answer to her question, I say, “Sometimes things are unconventional.” I give a meaningful look at her and the way she’s connected to two men with another hovering nearby. “I’m a musician, and forgive me, but I can be a bit of a romantic. Sure, dating would have been the expected route, but sometimes, when you know, you know.”
As I say this, I smile at Hazel, and get a weird warm feeling in my chest when she smiles back at me.
“I did some research on you on the way over,” Ember says, “and romantic isn’t the way I’d describe the things I read.”
I wave a hand dismissively. “Stories in the media are greatly exaggerated, if not entirely falsified. Besides, can’t a person change?”
“A person could also take their time and be cautious about things,” Ember counters. She stands, and the two men flanking her immediately follow suit. “Hazel, why don’t you come home with us, and you and Conal can back things up a few steps. Maybe he can ask you out on a date.”
I tilt my head, giving Hazel an inquiring look. If she wants to leave, I’m not going to stop her. She searches my eyes for a long moment before she turns to her sister and says, “No.”
“Look, I’m not trying to interfere. I just want what’s best for you, Hazel.” She holds out her hand, but Hazel slides an inch closer to me and shakes her head.
“No, Ember. I’m going to stay.”
This marriage has already had some gratifying side effects. I’d be okay if she wanted to leave, but damn if it doesn’t make me happy that she wants to stay.
“You’d better treat her right,” the red-headed guy with Ember says. Can’t remember if he’s Zeb or Griffin. The other men echo similar warnings about keeping their eyes on the situation, and I smile through it all, even though inside I’m flipping them off.
“I’ll call you if I need anything,” Hazel assures her sister before they hug at the door. Frank throws me one more dirty look, and then they leave, and Jack follows them out.
I put my arm around Hazel’s shoulder and pull her close. “That was a good time.”
“I’m sorry about that. Sometimes Ember forgets that she’s my sister and not my mom.”
“Hey, don’t worry about it.” I turn her toward me and press a quick kiss to her lips. So sweet. The urge to take her into the bedroom is strong, but I’m not as big of an asshole as her sister thinks I am.
“Can you eat something else? How about some eggs?”
She shakes her head. “Maybe later. I’d like to let the toast settle. I could try some tea, though.”
Bron gets up from the barstool where he’d been sitting. “I’ll make it.”
Good to hear, because when Hazel’s in my arms, I don’t want to let her go. I lead her to the nearest sofa, stopping along the way to snag another blanket, and settle down with her resting against my chest.
After I cover her with the blanket and give her time to get comfortable, I gently stroke my fingertips over her scalp, from her forehead to the crown. “That feel okay?”
She nestles closer and lets out a sigh. “Yeah, that feels good.”
Bron arrives with her tea and sets it on the coffee table in front of us, saying, “Whenever you’re ready.” Then he sits down next to Hazel. “Want a foot massage, too?”
Her body stiffens and she looks up at me, as if to gauge my reaction to my brother’s offer.
“I wouldn’t turn down a foot massage if I were you,” I tell her.
After I give her a smile, she turns back toward Bron and softly says, “Okay.”
Hazel wasn’t throwing herself at us last night, but today she’s much more … demure. I like it, actually, but I want her to be comfortable.