Page 25 of Unbound

Duke chuckles, lifting his palms defensively. “I was just helping her out of the truck. I know she’s yours, brother.” He grins at me, looking my body up and down. “Lucky bastard.”

Sterling pops his knuckles, bracing himself, as if he’s ready to throw a punch. He widens his stance, throwing his shoulders back. Duke ducks out of the way, using me as a human shield. My heart pounds as I stand between them like a deer in headlights.

“All right, all right! Jeez, don’t get your panties in a wad. I’ll find my own golden-haired beauty.”

“Do you need me to remind you what it feels like to get your teeth kicked in, little brother?” Sterling pulls me to his opposite side so that his body is between Duke and me.

I don’t even know how to feel right now about the very potent realization that Sterling is being extremely protective and doesn’t like his brother flirting with me.

Why would he care?

He called me his wife again …

The tension between us eases as we walk up to the venue, my arm locked inside Sterling’s with no room for me to move away, not that I want to. He’s warm, and I feel completely safe being so close to him, like he’s my personal protection detail.

The venue is outdoors in an open area with pine trees sprinkled throughout. There’s a large stage to the left with various food trucks and bars scattered about. String lights and small firepits provide light and warmth, making the space feel cozy. A band is already on the stage, playing a slow country song.

A group of people near some food trucks waves at us after we go through the gate. My stomach rumbles.

“Are you hungry?” Sterling asks.

I nod. Even though the morning sickness has greatly subsided, I’m not taking any chances on letting myself go hungry and getting nauseous.

“There’s this taco place here that’s to die for.” He points at the turquoise truck.

“Sterling! Hey, man. Is this her? Holy shit. I never see anyone besides gnarly old truck drivers when I stop on the road.” One of the guys in the group slaps Sterling on the back.

“Yeah, this is Eden. Eden, this is Gray. We work together.”

Gray smiles at me, his buzzed blond hair glistening in the light. He’s short, close to my height.

He extends a hand, which I accept with a smile. “Nice to meet you.”

“I never understood the quick military-marriage thing until now.” Another one of the guys whistles as he walks up and shakes Sterling’s hand and mine.

“This is Charlie.”

“Hi, Charlie.”

“Hey, sweetheart. If you get sick of this guy, just want to throw it out there that we’re the same rank.” He winks at me.

Sterling clears his throat, moving me farther behind him. Duke, Charlie, and Gray all burst out laughing with each other. I don’t really get the joke. Sterling is shaking his head, like he wishes they’d all shut up.

A full-figured redhead steps up to me, a soft smile on her lips. She’s stunning, like one of those girls on a makeup display with perfect skin.

“Hi, Eden. My name is Layla. It’s great to finally meet you.” She extends a hand to me.

I like her instantly. “Hi, Layla. I’m glad I’m not the only girl here.”

She rolls her eyes at the guys. “You and me both. They’re good guys, trust me. Marines can get rowdy sometimes.”

Sterling tugs me closer. “Eden and I are gonna grab something to eat. We’ll meet y’all back over here in a minute.”

Layla smiles knowingly at him with her big blue eyes, batting her lashes. A ball of unease forms in my gut. I follow Sterling over to the trucks.

Duke comes up beside me. “What about Layla? Is she fair game?”

“Sure, but I think she’s with Gray these days, maybe Charlie. I don’t really know. Can you not keep your dick in your pants for three whole days?”