Page 58 of Almost Ours

FUCK.

Oscar turns in his chair until he’s facing me fully, forearm hooked over the back of his chair, expression giving nothing away. “Now, why the fuck would you want to know that?”

Cam’s grin stretches across his face. “You fancy our Ruby?”

“I have no idea why I asked that.” My voice feels too loud and I snatch up my drink, buying a few seconds I don’t deserve. “Forget I said anything.”

Oscar doesn’t look away. He isn’t glaring or annoyed, but he is watching me. Taking in every detail like he’s checking for intent.

I should have kept my fucking mouth shut.

“No, no, no.” Cam is chuckling lightly. “We’re not skipping past that. You don’t ask if a girl’s single unless you’re interested.”

I shake my head. You fucking idiot, Josh. “It was—I don’t know. It just came out.” It slipped right out, landing me in shit with my Captain already.

Cam leans forward, eyes glinting. “Yeah. Because you fancy her, don’t you? You fancy our little Ruby. Your Captain’s sister, you sick bastard.”

Fucking hell.

Oscar shoots him a look that causes Cam to slam his mouth shut, then turns back to me. “So? What’s the reason then? Why would you ask that?”

I suddenly feel fourteen, caught out in something I didn’t mean to admit. “I was just—”

“Look, my sister is her own person, and she’ll make her own choices. But I’m also not stupid so don’t treat me like I am. Just be honest.”

I let out a ragged breath, anxiety choking me. This is my literal worst fucking nightmare. Trust me actively trying to make friends and shooting myself in the mother fucking foot. “I am being honest. I don’t know why I asked.” I can hardly say, your sister is unbelievably fit and her voice keeps playing in my head, can I? That would be the God’s honest truth. “We hang out. She’s nice. Pretty. Easy to talk to. I guess I was curious.”

There’s a beat before Oscar sighs and dips his chin sharply, he doesn’t look happy in the slightest. “I’m warning you now, I feel very protective of my sister.” No shit. “So, unless you want to keep your face as pretty as it is, I wouldn’t fuck around with her.”

Is he literally threatening me? For asking if she’s single? What the hell?

Cam sniggers. “Oscar thinks he’s Ronnie Kray, but don’t worry. He’s all bark and no bite.”

I sit up a fraction straighter, pointedly ignoring Cam. “I’m not planning on fucking around with her. That isn’t me.”

“Good.” Oscar barks. Then we won’t have a problem, will we?” Alright, Dom Toretto.

Cam fans the air dramatically. “The testosterone in this corner is unbelievable.”

“Shut up, Cam.”

Cam stares blanky before turning to me. “Ignore him. You're allowed to fancy her.”

Oscar threateningly turns his body towards the even bigger bastard sat on his right. “He's allowed to fancy whoever he wants.” His entire body is coiled tight as Cam raises a dubious eyebrow. “He's not allowed to mess her about.”

“I don't even really know her!” I burst out. “It was a stupid question. We’ve only hung out a few times.”

“Yeah,” Oscar swings towards me. “Whatever mate. I know to keep a close eye on you now.”

I can’t quite believe I’ve pissed off my captain right at the start of term. And to think I thought we might be friends.

“Oscar, relax.” Cam shoves his shoulder. “Josh is no bother.”

I nod vigorously, trying to look as innocent as possible. Please don’t kick me off the team. Playing over the last week has been the most normal I’ve felt.

“Oh, crikey.” Cam snorts. “He’s shaking in his boots, O. Look what you’ve done to him.”

“Good, he should be scared.”