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From the corner of my eye, I see the man in question stomping across the dance floor. His hair is disheveled from constantly running his hands through it. His jeans strain against his thick thighs with every step he takes. My body tingles at being this close to him and I have to force myself not to turn toward him. Instead, I step closer to Jared with what I am hoping is a seductive smile. His hand moves from my hip to grope my ass and it takes everything in me to stay in this position.
Seconds later I am snatched out of his grasp and pulled against a wall of muscles. A corded arm bands across my midsection.
“What the fuck?” Jared asks in outrage before taking in Xander’s expression. “That’s my date!” The anger vibrating through the man behind me doesn’t seem to deter him.
“Not anymore,” Xander growls sending goosebumps skittering across my skin and my body melts into his.
“Who are you to decide that? You’re not her brother.”
The blow lands. Hard. And I feel the tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. Xander’s grip on me tightens before he speaks.
“You have five seconds to get out of my bar, you inconsiderate little prick.” His breathing speeds up against my back. “Before I beat your face in.”
Jared pales before turning to leave, knowing that even on his best day Xander would kick the shit out of him.
***
Xander
“Are you okay?” I ask lowly beside Laura’s ear after watching Jared leave the bar.
I haven’t released her from my hold. I know I should but having her in my arms is something I have wanted for longer than I will ever admit out loud, and it feels fucking fantastic.
When she doesn’t answer I finally remove my arm only to take her smaller hand in mine and lead her to the small office I have behind the bar. After closing the door, I let go of her hand and take a seat behind my desk, trying to put as much space between us as possible. I never should have touched her in the first place.
My mind races with inappropriate thoughts of how perfectly every curve of her body molded with mine. Her smell is burned into my memory along with the feel of her smooth skin. It took everything in me to release her and I am not sure I will be able to do it again.
Neither of us speaks for the longest time before she clears her throat. “Why did you do that?”
“Jared is a piece of shit,” I grumble.
“I’m old enough to make my own choices.” She glares at me, hands on her hips.
“And I promised Luke I would always take care of you.” I realize my mistake the moment the words leave my lips.
“Don’t you dare bring him into this,” Laura hisses, hands planted on my desk while she leans forward. The angle has her white tank top straining against her heaving chest, her perfect cleavage drawing my attention. A hint of her lace bra peeks out and I want to run my tongue along the fabric.
“Why not? It’s the truth,” I challenge. Seeing her angry is better than seeing her cry. “I made a promise, and I am not about to break it.”
Laura takes a deep breath as she straightens to her full height. “Luke died more than three years ago. I had a big brother. I don’t need a new one.”
Chapter Three
Laura
I don’t know why I thought this would work. Xander will never see me as anything more than his dead best friend’s little sister. I should just cut my losses and get the hell out of here, but I can’t stop the words coming out of my mouth.
“He’s gone,” I say, wrapping my arms around my middle, all the fight leaving me. “He isn’t ever coming back. And I am tired of everyone using him as a weapon to guilt me into doing what they want.”
“That isn’t—” Xander tries to explain but I hold my hand up effectively cutting him off.
“I want to go home.”
Xander looks like he wants to say more but nods before grabbing his keys and leading me through the crowd and to his truck. We drive in silence toward the other side of town. My thoughts are scattered as my broken heart tries to reassemble itself in the knowledge of this new truth. Xander doesn’t feel the same way about me.
When the truck stops, I realize that Xander hasn’t driven to my apartment building. Instead, we are stopped beside the lake just outside of town. The silence continues to stretch out between the two of us.
“Laura,” Xander says softly.
