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Hudson’s nostrils flare. “Mags,” he says, like she’s sucker-punched him. “That’s a low blow. I’m counting the days until I can rub it in his face.” He suddenly looks like a toddler who doesn’t want to share his toy.

She shrugs, cool and confident. “I know.”

He glares at me, then at her, then at me again, as if it’s my fault she’s tearing him a new asshole.

Maggie doesn’t give him time to respond. She leads us back to the dining room.

“I’m going to say this in front of all of you so there are no misunderstandings.” My girl gives each of her brothers a pointed stare.

"We're in love," she says, gently encircling my waist with her arm. "We're figuring out where this relationship is heading, and until we do, you guys are on a need-to-know basis."

"If he hurts you again," Silas tells Maggie, but his words are really a warning for me. His voice is low and dangerous. "We'll make him disappear." He jabs a finger in my direction, his eyes steely and unwavering. "Mr. Sanford's pigs always need a little extra food. And pigs will eat anything."

The implication is clear and chilling. Ouch. I square my shoulders, meeting their gaze with unwavering determination. "She's the love of my life," I declare, my voice steady and resolute, leaving no room for doubt. "And I plan on spending the rest of my life making her happy."

"Damn," Tanner interjects, rolling his eyes dramatically. A huge smirk breaks out across his face. "He's got it bad."

"Pussy-whipped fucker," Cole chimes in with a chuckle, his laughter echoing around the large dining room.

"It's embarrassing to watch," Hudson adds, a sly grin tugging at the corners of his mouth as he delivers his teasing jab.

And just like that, I’m one of them.