Page 22 of Protect and Serve

Charlie crossed his arms. He wasn’t one to kiss and tell. “That’s none of your damn business.”

“Oh, I disagree. She’s my baby sister—”

“Our baby sister.”

“And I’ll be damned if I stand by and let her get hurt.”

Hurt? “What the fuck are you talking about?”

Cade narrowed his eyes. “What are your intentions?”

Holy fuck. “My what? Christ. We just met again yesterday.”

“Do you think I didn’t notice that the two of you disappeared last night? For a loooong while?”

“We went for a walk.”

“A walk?” God, it was like being tag-teamed by Vin Diesel and the Rock.

“Yeah. A walk.”

“Did you kiss her?”

He set his teeth. “You need to ask her that.”

The brothers stared at him for an eternity. “So, what are your intentions?”

He decided to answer, but only because Cody’s tone had softened. And because he needed their cooperation. “I’d like to get to know her better, so I asked her out tonight.”

“On a date?”

“Of course on a date.” What did they think? He’d invited her to join him for a bank robbery?

“Where?”

“Bubba’s.”

“What time?”

“About six.”

“What time will you have her home?”

“By curfew at least, Dad.”

His sarcasm hit its mark and the brothers backed off. “She’s our sister. She’s been hurt before. We just don’t want to see that again.”

“Neither do I.” He stubbed his toe into the carpet. “Look, guys, she’s something special. There’s no denying it. I…like her. A lot.” He pinned them both with a sharp stare. “And I believe she likes me. So lay off.”

They exchanged a glance then, the two bristling brothers, and nodded. To his relief they relaxed. “Well, that’s all we want for her,” Cade said, holding out his hand. Against his better judgement, Charlie took it. And yeah, Cade’s grip was brutal. “But if you hurt her—”

“I’m not going to hurt her.”

“I’ll have your guts for garters.” Yeah. He probably would. “Do we have an understanding?”

Charlie affected a salute. “Yes, sir.”

They both glowered again. Shit. He shouldn’t have been snarky. It never ended well. He huffed a sigh. “Yes. Yes. I get it.”