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The heat from Wilder's palm seeps through my thin sundress to brand my bare skin. Yet, oddly, I find it comforting rather than presumptuous. Brody's eye twitches almost imperceptibly at this display of easy intimacy between Wilder and I. It cuts through his cocky facade ever so slightly.
"Kat never mentioned she had a new boyfriend. Let alone two," Brody forces out a hollow laugh after a brief hesitation. His sky blue eyes flick between Wyatt and Wilder, clearly trying to figure out what exactly he walked in on. I have to resist the urge to smile victoriously. For once, I've left the great Brody Klein utterly bewildered.
Before he can imply anything crass or suggestive about my character based on this unconventional situation he's stumbled upon, Emrys appears behind me. His imposing yet comforting presence presses against my back, his inner heat seeping into my skin.
Wyatt and Wilder both shift subtly, exchanging subtle nods with Emrys over my head. Without a word, the three of them present a united and impenetrable front.
Emrys levels Brody with a forceful glare that has likely wilted far stronger men. "Three," he states simply, his gravelly tone brokering absolutely no argument.
Despite the one word introduction, his meaning rings out loud and clear: Back the hell off. The sheer masculine energy Emrys exudes in this moment sends an unexpected shiver down my spine. And not an unpleasant one, if I'm being fully honest with myself.
Sensing the shift, both Wyatt and Wilder press in closer on either side of me. Wilder's grip tightens ever so slightly over my shoulder, while Wyatt runs the pad of his thumb in a distractingly soothing sweep over my knuckles. They exude solidarity, strength and an air of warning without a single word passing between the three of them. And oddly, their display only fills me with an exhilarating sense of warmth and care that cuts through the dark anger Brody's presence stirred up.
Meanwhile, the man in question looks positively bewildered at this development he clearly wasn't prepared for. His cocksure stance loses some of its bravado. That infuriatingly charming grin of his flickers uncertainly as he glances between the three intimidating men now presenting an impenetrable wall of protection around me.
Brody looks between the three of us, dumbfounded. Clearly this is not the smug reunion he was expecting.
"Well...seems you've got your hands full these days, Kat." He forces out a chuckle. "Can't say I ever took you for the type to be so…adventurous."
Anger ripples through me at the judgmental dig. I open my mouth, a scathing retort on my lips, when Wyatt beats me to it.
"I assure you, your opinion on Kathryn's personal affairs is neither required nor desired," he says coldly. His slate gray eyes bore into Brody, sharp as steel.
Brody visibly bristles, his cocky mask slipping further. Ah, nothing hurts his inflated ego more than utter dismissal. Before he can respond, Wilder nuzzles his nose against my ear playfully.
"C'mon darlin', this fella's harshin' my good mood. Let's skedaddle and leave Debbie Downer to his lonesome." His exaggerated drawl makes me bite back a smile despite the irritation still simmering inside me.
Emrys grunts in agreement behind us. His large hand presses reassuringly against my lower back, guiding me away from the toxic encounter I'm all too eager to escape. I shoot Brody one last frosty look over my shoulder.
"Lovely chat. Let's not do it again sometime."
As we walk away, I hear Brody sputtering indignantly but I don't look back. Wyatt and Wilder stay close on either side of me as Emrys trails protectively behind. Their barely restrained fury simmers palpably beneath the surface. Yet, oddly, I've never felt safer.
"Well that was..." Wyatt searches for the right word.
"A steaming pile of horseshit!" Wilder provides cheerfully.
Despite everything, I can't help the laughter that bubbles out of me. Soon, all four of us are releasing the adrenaline from the encounter through unrestrained mirth.
As we catch our breath, an unexpected warmth swells inside me. With these three intriguing men, I feel untouchable, understood...seen.
Maybe this ridiculous fake boyfriend scheme wasn't such a bad idea after all.
We make our way across the gleaming lobby, the minty scent of eucalyptus from the decorative plants filling the air. The tension from our encounter with Brody continues to dissipate with each step.
I’m struck once again by how, despite barely knowing me, these three men had my back without question. Even Wyatt and Emrys, who tend to play things close to the vest, showed a united, protective front. And Wilder, ever the wildcard, matched their intensity despite his casual charm.
My heart squeezes unexpectedly. I really have to stop reading so many romance novels. They’re distorting my perspective on relationships. This is a business arrangement, nothing more.
So why does the thought make my stomach sink like a stone?
Lost in my confusing thoughts, I don’t notice the decorative fountain up ahead. Wyatt’s hand on my elbow steadies me just before I trip gracelessly into the swirling water.
“Careful,” he murmurs, a hint of amusement crinkling his eyes.
My cheeks flush but Wyatt doesn’t let go, keeping a courteous hand on me as we walk. I tell my thrumming pulse it’s simply gratitude for saving me from an embarrassing unanticipated bath. Even as my skin tingles everywhere we touch.
As we pass the front desk, the concierge calls out. “Excuse me, Ms. Sharpe? This gift basket was left for you.”
