The voice stopped me cold. I turned and Dane stood a few yards away, leaning against a tree with his arms crossed. My mood dropped instantly. I had a feeling I knew what this was about.
“What do you want?” I asked.
He pushed off the tree slowly. “I was actually looking for you.”
“That’s never good news,” I muttered.
His eyes flicked briefly toward the house behind me. “Tony’s still digging into Mason.”
Right. Tony’s investigation. I’d completely forgotten about it. Something in my chest hardened.
“That’s not necessary anymore,” I said curtly.
Dane frowned. “What?”
“I said it’s not necessary,” I told him more firmly.
His gaze sharpened. “You’re serious.”
“Yes,” I told him.
“You just met this guy,” Dane pointed out.
“And?”
“And now you trust him completely?” Dane demanded.
“Of course,” I told him.
Dane stared at me like I’d grown a second head. “Levi…”
“No.” I held up a hand. “Drop it.”
He didn’t.
“You’re getting attached too quickly,” he said flatly.
I felt irritation spark in my chest. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“I know exactly what I’m talking about,” Dane shot back. “He’s a stranger.”
“He’s not?—”
“He showed up out of nowhere,” Dane continued, voice rising slightly. “And suddenly you’re defending him like he’s family.”
My hands curled into fists.
“Careful,” I warned.
Dane stepped closer. “Someone has to be.”
The air between us thickened instantly. Years of brotherhood meant we both knew the signs. Tension, posture shifting, and the subtle readiness before a fight.
“You think I’m stupid?” I said quietly.
“I think you’re blinded,” Dane corrected.
My temper snapped. In two quick strides I closed the distance between us, grabbing the front of his shirt.
