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My hackles rise. I have no claim on the girl, but I definitely don’t want my brother even looking in her fucking direction.
Ella doesn’t even move a muscle when he extends his hand to her. “I’m Ella. And you interrupted a private conversation.”
My brother, unused to meeting a girl that doesn't fall all over his dark red hair and deep blue eyes, blinks a few times. “Oh, did I? Why don’t you come over here and let me apologize?”
Ella looks at him as if she doesn’t quite understand him. “I’m sorry, in what world was that an apology?”
James licks his lips, glancing at me surreptitiously. His smile widens, making him look cartoonish.
“Look, we got off on the wrong foot. I think you’re very pretty. Why don’t you come over to the bar with me and let me buy you a drink?”
“Leave her alone, Jamie,” I say, my voice testy. My patience is wearing thin now.
“It’s James!” he reminds me, sliding me a look.
Ella puts her arms down by her sides, but her hands are clenched into little fists now.
“Well James, I am going to first say, no thank you to whatever you’re selling. And second, I don’t care who you are or what office you’re running for.”
Kaia is right on her heels, chastising James. “Ella is totally right. You very rudely cut in, you doubled down on that behavior, and on top of all that, you are not as cute as you apparently think you are.”
For half a second, my brother’s face shows a dark kind of anger. But then he fights it, swallowing the emotion and replacing it with a snide laugh.
“Whatever. Keir, let's go.”
Anger sizzles in the pit of my stomach. I hate when James assumes that he’s the one calling the shots now. He’s been this way ever since my parents decided not to back me politically any more. I reach out and push his shoulder, forcing him to back up a step.
“You heard the girls, Jamie. You’re not wanted here. Get lost.”
“Fuck you, Keiran. You can’t tell me what to do.”
I grimace. “What are you going to do? Tell mommy and daddy about me?”
He snorts, his cheeks going pink.
“I’ll be over there, talking to ladies who are not so combative. Find me when you’re ready to go.”
Ella gives him a crooked smile. “Good luck with that.”
Seeing Ella and Kaia assert themselves in front of James makes a small smile appear on my face. I watch him go.
Calum glowers at James’ back. “He might be your brother Keir, but his personality is the complete opposite of yours. Honestly, I think the wrong brother is running for office.”
My smile fades. That brings back the heated anger that filled my veins before.
Not now. Don’t lose your shit. It was just a passing comment.
Pushing the emotion down, I glance back at Ella.
“You were right. He had no right to cut in on our conversation. I apologize on his behalf.”
“You know, I bet this is not the first time you’ve had to apologize for him.” Ella gives me a tight smile. “You shouldn’t do it, though. Your brother is kind of a creep.”
Her comment makes me snort. “You have no idea.”
“I can guess.”
I look at her for a long moment. Her lips twitch. I feel my own turn up ever so slightly at the corners.
