“I’m bloody serious. Leave her alone.”
Rhett and Tucker exchanged glances, and I wondered just how much weight I actually carried with them after three years of friendship and countless hours on the water. Apparently enough.
“Orion here is a gentleman and a scholar,” Rhett said. “It’s the British propriety in him.”
Tucker shrugged. “Suit yourself. It’s not as fun when it’s a girl anyway. Kind of feels unfair. I’d much rather it had been that Xander Ford fucker. Caught him with Emery last night, and I swear to God, he was about to put the moves on her.”
“Coach is going to put him on the roster tomorrow,” Rhett said. “Mark my words.”
They continued to bitch about Ford, and I left them to it, satisfied Harper was safe. I’d worry about Xander later.
One gallant act at a time, I thought with a grimace, and rowed on the erg until I was about ready to puke too.
As I sat slumped over, toweling my face, Dean caught up with me. “Orion Mercer, hero of the little people.”
“You heard that, eh?”
“I hear everything” he said. “I still maintain most people are good at heart, though they don’t always make it easy. Rhett is especially challenging.”
“Hey, you and Harper Bennett are friends, yeah?”
Fucking hell, that came out of nowhere, because I clearly had no game when it came to this girl. None. Naught. Zero.
“Yes.” Dean grinned. “Why do you ask?”
“No reason,” I said. “I just noticed that you guys helped Jack when he had his unfortunate accident last night.”
Dean’s smile fell. “Yeah, it was pretty bad.”
“Is he okay?”
“Don’t know. Haven’t had an update.”
“Well, it was a good thing you helped him, mate,” I said, claspinghis hand. “Quick thinking. He’s lucky you were there. You and Harper both.”
Perfect recovery. Now tell me everything you know, Yearwood.
He nodded. “She didn’t hesitate to jump right in, even though it was pretty gruesome. Harper’s a good one.”
“Oh yeah?”
Dean’s brows went up, amused.
“Right. Anyway.” I coughed. “Any intel on the roster, since you and Coach Daniels are so chummy?”
Dean glanced around, making sure Rhett and Tucker were out of earshot, then pulled me close.
“Let’s just say we’re about to add another Bender to the crew who’s going to appreciate having you watch his back.” He chucked me on the shoulder. “Our very own champion.”
“Oh, shut it.”
He laughed. “Going home?”
“Shower, then piano practice,” I said. “See you tomorrow?”
“Yep.” Dean started to go, then turned and shot me a wink. “I’ll tell Harper you said hi.”
Chapter 9Harper
