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The bastard. He was goading us both.

Fine.

Maybe he was right to give us a push.

My frustration spilled over, and my focus narrowed to one goal. The next thing I knew I marched around the table, oblivious to anyone else. Cameron’s eyes widened, her lips parted in surprise as I strode into her personal space, yanked her body against mine, and crushed my mouth over hers.

The light, flowery scent of her perfume, her soft curves, her plush lips, all of her filled my senses, and I wasn’t aware of anything but how she tasted and felt in my arms. Cameron let out a little moan of surprise before I felt her hands on my face, not pushing me away but leaning into the kiss.

Kissing me back.

For about ten seconds at most before she suddenly jerked away, eyes flashing with indignation.

Damn it.

I braced for the coming explosion.

30. Cameron

Iwill never be one of those women who swoon when men fight over them. Stand up for me? Aye, I had to admit, I quite enjoyed that. But squabble over me like I was a prize to be won? It didn’t turn me on, even if it was Forde doing the fighting. Instead, I felt like a piece of meat caught between two lions and I did not enjoy the experience.

Forde kissing me like that in front of everyone felt very much like I was being claimed but not claimed as in a claim between us … it was like he was claiming possession of me over frickin’ Torin Montrose!

For a second, I’ll admit I was caught up in the kiss because I’d just spent two weeks imagining kissing him again for the first time in eighteen years.

But to do it like this …

I wanted to smack him.

And when I looked at Torin and saw the triumphant gleam in his gaze, I wanted to smack him too.

“Cammie.” My gaze flew to London who was obviously pissed off on my behalf. “You okay?”

As I stared into my friend’s concerned face, I realized there was a slight hush in the pub. There was still chatter, but I could feel eyes on me and sure enough, when I glanced around, the locals were staring.

Now they would gossip about me again.

Not that I cared.

What mattered was Forde finally kissing me, but only to make a point to another man!

I cut him a look so dark he flinched. “I’m going home.”

“I’m coming with you.”

“You follow me out of here, Forde, and I’ll kill you,” I seethed quietly.

“Then I guess this is my last night on earth because I’m not leaving without you.”

I half expected Torin to pipe up that he’d walk me out.

Instead, Laird offered quietly, “I can see Cammie home.”

Forde’s answering glower offered up death.

Laird sank back in his chair, wide-eyed. “Or not.”

“Oh, for goodness’ sake,” I snapped, grabbing my purse and shoving past Forde. I heard London calling my name, but my anger propelled me out of the Lantern without another glance. I had a slight twinge in my foot from putting a bit too much weight on it and that just made me madder.