Page 18 of Deadly Conflicts

“And taken,” Mandy said, the words out of her mouth before she had a chance to realize how the simple statement might sound to Vince.

“And taken,” James agreed, not for the first time silently thanking his lucky stars he found the perfect woman. She was playful and delightful one moment and loyal and fierce the next. He could never find a better match. “She’s moved up in the world from when you knew her.”

“Oh, I don’t know,” Vince said. “She seems like the same old Ally to me.”

“Well, she’s not.”

“I think she might be.”

“I think you’re a douche.” This time James was the one not mincing words and Mandy couldn’t stop her mouth from dropping open at his brazen attitude.

“I’m pretty sure you’re not supposed to talk to me that way,” Vince said. “I am one of the VIPs of the festival, after all.”

“I don’t care if you’re the dark lord of the Sith,” James shot back. “I don’t respect you and I’m not going to pretend otherwise.”

“That was a really cool reference,” Mandy said. “I’m hot for you again.”

James didn’t want to smile, but he couldn’t stop the corners of his mouth from quirking up. “I’ll get right on that, baby.”

Vince looked James up and down, sizing him up. His disdain for the eldest Hardy brother was obvious. The feeling was clearly mutual. “I don’t want to get into a pissing contest with you,” he said. “I don’t see the need.”

“That’s good,” James said, his voice breezy even as his eyes sharpened. “Keep away from my sister and we’ll be fine.”

“Last time I checked your sister was an adult,” Vince pointed out. “She can make choices on her own. She doesn’t need you to do it for her.”

“She can make choices on her own,” James agreed. “She won’t fall for your act twice, though. Don’t bother trying to snow her.”

“She’s also taken,” Mandy said. “I … is something going on that I’m missing?”

James finally tore his gaze away from Vince and focused on his blonde. “It’s nothing, baby. How about I take you over to the Coney Island for breakfast before this place opens up? It might be our only chance for some alone time until tonight.”

Mandy was confused, but she didn’t hesitate to agree to his offer. “Sure. A farmer’s omelet sounds good.”

“Great.” James linked his fingers with Mandy’s and shot Vince a challenging look before departing. “I meant what I said. Don’t think you’re coming back into Ally’s life and messing things up. She’s happy. If you ruin that I’ll … .”

“I have no intention of ruining that,” Vince said, unruffled. “I want Ally to be happy, too.”

“Well, the best way for that to happen is for you to disappear,” James said. “We’ll raffle your car off and you can slink back to whatever hole it is you crawled out of. How does that sound?”

“Like you’re betting on the wrong horse,” Vince replied. “It wouldn’t be the first time you underestimated me, though, would it?”

James pursed his lips, tamping down his irritation as he fought to remain calm for Mandy’s benefit. He didn’t want to frighten her and explode all over Vince when it would draw unnecessary attention to the trio. “Have a nice day.”

Vince remained rooted to his spot. “You, too.”

Mandy waited until they were across the street and halfway to the restaurant before speaking. “Wow. Do you want to tell me what that was about?”

James pulled up short as he regarded her, unsure how to answer. “It’s nothing to worry yourself about, baby. I promise. He’s not dangerous.”

“I know that,” Mandy said. “What’s the deal with you and him, though? I thought you were going to rip your shirt off and wrestle him right here. That would’ve been totally hot, by the way.”

James made a face that would’ve been comical under different circumstances. “You are a laugh a minute, wife.”

“Tell me,” Mandy prodded, refusing to let him derail the conversation. “What’s going on?”

“I don’t like him,” James replied. “What did Ally tell you about him?”

“Just that they dated for about two months and he took off for what was supposed to be a business meeting and never came back,” Mandy replied, not missing a beat. “Ally said she was confused at first … and then a little crushed … but she got over it.”