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Blowing out a slow breath, I continued watching the show but never really paid any attention to it. I could still feel her trembling around my fingers. But I would make good on my promise. I wanted her and I didn’t think I could wait much longer.
A throat cleared, making me jump.
My eyes popped open, not realizing I had closed them. I must have fallen asleep.
Cyrus and Sammy were staring at us.
Sammy’s jaw was locked tight, his face red, while his brother stood there with concern etched on his face instead.
“Busy.” I nudged her gently. “Wake up,” I said, not looking away from the twins.
“What’s wro—oh.” She sat up, rubbing her eyes. “Hey guys. What time is it?”
“Hey guys,” Sammy repeated. “Do you know what would have happened if your dad would have come down here and found you with him?” he demanded, ignoring her question.
While Sammy went on a tirade, Busy’s cheeks reddened and she cowered within herself.
I knew he meant well but I didn’t like how he was treating her. She wasn’t a child. She was far from it in fact.
The hackles on my neck rose and before I knew what was happening, I was on my feet and in Sammy’s face.
His eyes widened for a second before he glared at me and shoved me back. “Get the fuck out of my face.” When he looked around me and went to continue yelling at Busy, I stepped in his line of sight.
Sammy raised an eyebrow. “Really?”
“Yes, really.” I stepped toe-to-toe with him. “If you want to yell at someone, you yell at me. She has nothing do with this.”
“She’s just as guilty as you are.” Sammy lifted his chin. “Isn’t that right, Busy?”
My jaw clenched. “You do not get to call her that.” I wasn’t sure where this need to claim her as mine came from, but I was the only one who got to call her that. It was my name for her and my name alone.
“Tanner.” Busy wedged her way between Sammy and me, placing her hand on my chest. “You need to stop. Both of you do. If my dad did come down here, I would have dealt with it, but I am not a child. As much as you all like to keep me under your thumbs, I’m twenty-three. Just because I’m the only female besides my mom and your aunts, means shit.” She lifted a hand when Sammy went to speak. “Now why don’t you go run along and play with that redhead who likes to keep pissing you off.” Busy tapped her chin. “I really can’t wait to meet her though. Especially if she’s keeping you on your toes.”
Sammy looked between her and me. “If something happens to Bee, I will make you ever regret asking our uncle for help.”
Before any of us could say something, he stormed away, stomping up the stairs.
“Ignore him,” Cyrus finally said once Sammy was out of earshot.
Busy let out a hard sigh. She had dropped her hand to her side but still kept close. She was so close; I could see the freckles on her nose where the sun had kissed her skin. I could also still see the slight blush in her cheeks from the orgasm I had given her.
“What were you watching?” Cyrus asked, glancing at the TV.
“The Office.” Busy crossed her arms under her chest, chewing her bottom lip.
“Good choice.” Cyrus ran a hand through his dark hair. “Listen, whatever happens, I have your back. Both of yours. Don’t ask me why.” He shook his head. “But I approve of whatever this…” He waved a hand between us. “Is.”
Busy stepped in front of me. “Why?”
My skin heated over the fact that she was trying to protect me. I was sure a lot of men wouldn’t like it. They would feel like less of a man. But I never had anyone protect me before. Not since Trigger. And he died as a result of it.
My stomach twisted. I stepped away from Busy, needing to put some distance between us. My thoughts were scattered as Busy and Cyrus talked amongst themselves. If I lost Trigger because he was trying to keep me safe, I could very well lose Busy too. I couldn’t do this. I couldn’t put her in harm’s way. She deserved better than my broken mess.
Slumping on the couch, I dropped my head in my hands and massaged my fingers into the muscles at the base of my neck.
Another pair of hands joined mine a moment later, making me jump.
“I got you, Tanner,” Busy whispered, massaging her fingers into the aching muscles.
