Page 82 of Jude

I turned to Jude, shocked by the display.

‘Did she just hit him?’

Jude’s jaw tightened, and he leaned in to whisper to me.

‘She’s next-level toxic. Still astounds me how he doesn’t realize how unhealthy her boundaries are. He’s a smart, good-looking, talented brother with the biggest heart. He could have any woman, but for some odd reason this girl just had a hold of him that I can never understand. We’ve tried talking to him, but he just won’t hear it.’

I shook my head in disbelief.

‘He deserves better.’

‘You don’t say.’

Jude stroked my hair and nape, and we exchanged a long gaze before we re-joined the conversation at the table.

At the bar, Angel wrapped his arms around his woman’s waist, murmuring to her for ten minutes before the couple returned.

Evangeline pouted through the remaining courses, but the rest of the table ignored her antics, focusing on the fare.

The guys urged me to try dishes the restaurant was famous for.

I attempted the crispy soft-shell crab first and moaned.

The rich, buttery white flesh melted on my tongue, followed by a delicate hint of sweet ocean brine.

Then came the lobster tail, dripping in a warm garlic-herb reduction.

Jude offered me a slice of his blue-rare steak.

I chewed, then swallowed with a shudder, shaking my head.

‘Honey, that meat is still walking,’ I wheezed, as the raw, iron flavor overwhelmed my palate. ‘I need my beef well done, dead and charred, thank you very much.’

The table erupted into booming laughter, the warmth of the band’s acceptance washing away my lingering anxieties.

I studied each of them as our banter continued.

Levi was almost too beautiful for his own good.

He was a ladies’ man; however, he had a keen, observant intelligence, while Reign exhibited a wicked sense of humor and radiated a fierce, protective loyalty.

Angel seemed devoted to his woman, perhaps a little too excessively.

Still, he was kind and chatted to me about Italy for quite a spell, as Evangeline sliced her dagger eyes at me.

Bishop was the steady anchor of the entire ship, and Deacon was a laconic, playful, laid-back sort, but I sensed a chord of sadness running through him.

They laughed, traded barbs, argued, and teased, not just a band but a real family who enjoyed each other’s company.

I glanced at Jude, seated next to me, my heart swelling with emotion.

He was not ashamed to be seen with me.

He was always making sure my wine glass was topped up.

Even better, he claimed me, his sinewed, muscled arm draped across the back of my chair like a shield.

As for late, his brooding, quieter temperament was less apparent; he was softening, laughing more, getting more affectionate with me.