by Hayden Wolfe
He propped his elbows on top of the empty chair where Eric’s date should’ve been sitting if she’d shown up to the wedding. “Since your date ditched you, come hang with us out back. They’re opening the bar in a couple of minutes.”
“I didn’t get ditched.” Eric took a sip of ice water. “I never had a date.”
Jack looked pointedly at the place setting next to Eric’s. “What? Did you forget how to count and wrote two guests on your RSVP instead of one?”
Eric carefully set his glass down. “I was trying to rile Brenna. Get her to react. You know? Freaking get her to acknowledge my existence.”
No, Jack didn’t know. He’d never played games where women were concerned. The little scene with Blaine the other night at his parents’ place was the closest he’d ever gotten to playing games. It was not an experience he wanted to relive. He still regretted the baseless accusation he’d spewed.
“Then congratulations are in order, little cousin. She reacted. She asked me.”
Eric pushed from his chair. “If you even think about taking her home with you tonight, I’ll—”
“You’ll do nothing.” Jack lowered his voice. “You don’t have the right.”
Eric’s clenched jaw and flared nostrils portrayed his frustration over the fact he had no place in Brenna’s life. He leaned close and lowered his voice. “Don’t touch her. You hear me? I’ll beg if I have to. She deserves better than for you to use her.”
No truer words had ever been spoken. Brenna deserved a husband, not a fuck buddy or a one-night stand. “She deserves better than you too.”
Eric grunted. He looked in the direction of the patio where Brenna had slipped outside with Iona and Wyn. “Which is why I haven’t touched her yet. Which is why I haven’t touched anyone since she moved home.”
“You would’ve done a hell of a lot more than touch Iona if you’d gotten the chance.” The episode at the lake would be one Jack wouldn’t soon forget. It was the first time his youngest brother had looked at a woman as if she was more than a conquest.
Eric snorted. “I was just being nice to her. Nothing would’ve happened.”
Damn right it wouldn’t have. Wyn would’ve pummeled Eric if he’d tried to kiss Iona. Possession had burned in Wyn’s eyes that morning. It had sealed his fate.
“But you did flirt with her.” And she’d flirted back. Of course, Iona had likely been playing games, trying to get Wyn to react. Or maybe she was only being nice too. Jack shook off the thought. What did it matter? Wyn and Iona were together now. Who was Jack to judge the path they’d taken?
Eric flip-flopped the arrangement of the forks next to his dish, then returned them to their original positions. “I flirt with everyone.”
“And you wonder why Brenna won’t give you the time of day.” Jack shook his head.
“I can’t help it. I’ve flirted since I was in elementary school. I don’t know how to turn that off.”
“Maybe you should…” A flash of platinum-blonde hair caught his eye.
Blaine walked into the ballroom with a guy on her arm. Though “guy” wasn’t the right description for the tall, lean, dark-haired man. Model fit better. He looked like he belonged on the cover of some magazine.
Another man trailed behind them. There was no mistaking him for a model. A dangerous vibe clung to him. The slow, calculated way he surveyed the room gave away his role: a bodyguard. Hopefully, not one of the men Avery’s ex recommended.
Eric grabbed Jack’s arm. “Hey, where are you going?”
He hadn’t realized he’d moved. Jack focused on Eric’s fingers curled around his forearm. The tension in his cousin’s grip registered.
Closing his eyes for several heartbeats, Jack centered himself, relaxing his muscles one at a time. “That guy behind Blaine looks like a bodyguard. I want to know why he’s here. A wedding is no place for someone like him.”
“Maybe he’s here because she’s famous, and famous people have bodyguards.”
Jack grunted. “In Russia, she’s famous. Not here.”
“Don’t know, then. Go ask her.” Eric jerked his chin in the direction of the doors leading to the patio, where smaller tables had been set up to allow more guests to enjoy the view of the gardens. At least that was the reasoning Jack had gotten when he’d asked why he was hauling so many centerpieces out there. “Looks like she’s sitting with you and Brenna.”
The guy resembling a model pulled out a chair for Blaine while the bodyguard moved to the shadows. She smiled and said something, making her date laugh. He swooped her hair off her shoulder, whispered in her ear, then took the seat next to her.
Deep breaths expanded Jack’s chest. His muscles tensed. He recognized the rage slipping through him, but couldn’t stop it or justify it. Blaine didn’t even qualify as a fling. They’d had spur-of-the-moment sex. That was not something to feel possessive about. It was a fleeting moment of pleasure when they’d both gotten off.
Nothing more.
The rationalization didn’t soothe him. Not one little bit. He wanted Blaine away from that guy.
“Yeah, I’ll do that.” Jack closed the distance between them.
The bodyguard looked Jack’s way. His eyes narrowed, his shoulders straightened, and his fingers twitched. No doubt Jack had triggered the man’s instincts. The purposeful way Jack moved directly toward Blaine and her date had aggression written all over it. Damn if he could slow his approach especially when Blaine’s date kept touching her hair.
Jack rested his hand on the back of Blaine’s chair, blocking her date’s access to the silky strands that had caressed Jack’s thighs a couple of days ago. “Are you planning on causing trouble tonight?”
Blaine’s lip quivered as if she was fighting a smile. “Me? What kind of trouble would I cause?”
Makeup drew attention to Blaine’s features, defining her long lashes and giving her a sultry look. She didn’t need anything to enhance her beauty, but like this, she appeared untouchable, as if she was as famous as everyone kept telling him.
He tightened his grip on the back of her chair to stop himself from touching her hair the way Blaine’s date had. “Don’t know. Figured if you need a bodyguard, you must be expecting it or planning to cause it.”
“Actually, Alex is my assistant.” Blaine’s date spoke in heavily accented British. “Sometimes bodyguard, sometimes secretary, sometimes companion. Alex’s been with me for ages.”
Jack turned his attention to the guy on Blaine’s left. “And you are?”
“Eliot Sutherland.” The man held out a hand. “Conductor, choreographer, and Blaine’s dear friend.”
Jack stared at the hand held out to him. He didn’t want to take it. He had no reason not to shake this man’s hand, though. His confusing reaction to seeing this guy with Blaine didn’t give him the right to be rude.
“Jack Sander, pub owner.” He firmly took the man’s hand. “And I didn’t know conductors or choreographers needed a bodyguard.”
“Assistant.” Eliot’s mouth pressed into a thin line. “Alex’s bodyguard skills only come into play when I’m in England. I’m related to the throne.”
Probably rich and cultured too. That was the kind of guy Jack expected to date Blaine. Eliot still looked too pretty to be with her, especially in the simple yellow sundress she’d worn today. She should be the one to stand out.
“And now you’re in Sander’s Valley where…” The delicate press of Blaine’s hand on his stomach drew Jack’s attention to her.
“The wedding was beautiful.” Warmth slid into Blaine’s eyes. “And you looked quite handsome standing with your brothers.”
“I didn’t see you at the church. Thought you’d missed it.” He’d looked among the pews too. Several times. Even with the plain dress she wore, her nearly white-blonde hair would’ve stood out.
“Eliot’s flight was delayed.” She moved her hand from Jack’s stomach to her date’s bicep. “We arrived too late to sit without causing a scene. We w
atched from the vestibule.”
Jack studied Eliot’s hands. Not a scar on them. He’d probably never worked an honest day of hard labor in his life. Would he appreciate the caress of Blaine’s delicate fingers on his skin? “I’m sure Iona will be happy to hear that. She was worried you got lost or something.”
“Yes. I should tell her.” Blaine splayed her fingers on the table and straightened in her seat. “Have you seen her?”
“Outside. I’ll show you.” The moment she stood, Jack rested his hand at her lower back and led Blaine to the gardens before she could give her date a second thought.
Once the patio door closed behind them, Jack stepped closer to Blaine. “Did you bring the royal model today to prove a point?”
Blaine laughed. “Royal model? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“The guy looks like he should be on a runway or something.” Probably had women chasing him too. Hopefully, Blaine wasn’t one of them. A guy like Eliot would break her heart. She might not want a boyfriend, but no girl deserved to have other women fawning over their date while she was with him.
“Yes, Eliot is quite dashing. What point does that prove?”
No reasonable response came to him. He opened his mouth, then closed it without saying a word.
Her eyes lit up. “Are you jealous, Jack? Is that why you’re making a big deal about Eliot?”
“I—” He clamped his mouth closed.
Was he jealous?
The sight of Blaine and Eliot had triggered the same dark feelings seeing Blaine with Levi had the other night at his parents’ place. Damn. If Jack didn’t know better, he’d have to say he was acting jealous. You couldn’t be jealous of a woman you had a nonrelationship with, however. His reaction had to have been caused by something else.
Protectiveness, maybe? He didn’t want to see Blaine hurt by this guy. If she was hurt, Iona would be upset too. They were friends, and Iona was basically family. Probably wouldn’t be long until they were standing here again celebrating her and Wyn’s big day. Yes, that reasoning made better sense.
“No, I’m not jealous.”
“Liar. You are. I see it in your eyes.” Blaine’s laugh lines deepened. She took his hands in hers. “Do you plan on fighting for me now too? I love when men fight over me.”
Then he’d have to make sure he never did. He bent closer to her. “That guy looks the type to only be with women for what he can get out of them.”
“True. Eliot’s been after me for years. I think he’s wearing me down too.”
“Is he?” Did that mean they weren’t lovers, but Eliot wanted them to be lovers?
“Mm-hmm.” Blaine pressed her lips together, but her attempt to hide her smile failed miserably. Her amusement over his reaction was clear.
Jack drew her hands down, compelling her to step closer. Her skirt brushed his legs. He widened his stance but fought the desire to pull her flush against him. Too many eyes on them.
He didn’t need word to get back to Brenna. Not being involved with her didn’t give him an excuse to touch another woman while they were here together. Even the way he was touching Blaine now might be too much. He couldn’t put space between them, though. This would likely be the only chance he got tonight to hold her.
“Are you telling me Eliot hasn’t gotten the chance to experience your lips wrapped around his—”
“Are you sure Iona came this way?” Blaine cut him off. She turned slightly, pressing her hip against his thigh, and scanned the gardens. “I don’t see her anywhere.”
“Yeah. She did.” Jack surveyed the grounds. Friends and family were scattered throughout the gardens. None were close enough to eavesdrop on his conversation. He drew Blaine farther from the door, rounding the building. “We’ll look for her in a minute. First tell me about Eliot. What’s he after?”
“I told you. Me.” She bit her lip as if she found this conversation amusing.
“Your body?” There was a growl to his voice. He heard it. The idea of Eliot and Blaine together stirred his anger. It was jealousy, not his desire to protect Iona’s feelings. What the hell was he supposed to do with this knowledge? He had no right to feel possessive of Blaine.
“Maybe.” With a teasing smile on her face, she tilted her head. A lock of hair slid over her cheek, tempting him to push it back. “But it depends on where our relationship goes. I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“Business? Is he after your money?”
Blaine mapped his face with her gaze as if looking for the reason behind his question. “Not so much my money. He has plenty. More like my name and talents.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Eliot is a man with a large trust fund and nothing to do with his days besides focus on his passion projects. I’m one of them.” Blaine smirked. “Or my music is, actually.”
“And you’re a beautiful passion project, I might say.” Eliot drew her away from Jack.
He hadn’t noticed Eliot’s approach. Jack was usually better attuned to his surroundings. Blaine threw him off balance.
“You’re too kind, Eliot.” Blaine dipped her head. A small smile played on her mouth.
Eliot skimmed his fingers over the neckline of her dress. “But this outfit doesn’t do you justice, my dear. I’m used to you walking into a room and commanding everyone’s attention. That’s one of the reasons I love you.”
“Not at a wedding.” Blaine gave her date a chastising look. “Everyone’s attention should be on the bride.”
Jack hadn’t thought of it that way. Blaine’s consideration meant a lot.
“And Ronnie looked absolutely magical.”
Brenna’s sweet, almost childlike voice drew Jack’s gaze to where she stood a couple of feet away in a bridesmaid outfit that matched Iona’s. With her red hair, green eyes, and freckles, she reminded Jack of the kid he’d known before she’d moved away. Only her generous curves and the jaded look in her eyes gave away her age. No doubt life had shit on her enough to give her that cynical edge. Jack refused to let tonight add to her poor outlook, at least where men were concerned.
“Hey.” He went to Brenna and drew her forward with a hand on her upper back. “I thought I’d lost you. Last I saw, you were with Iona and Wyn.”
“Ronnie’s changing into a different dress for the reception. Iona’s helping her. They didn’t need me, and Wyn’s talking to friends.”
The long train on Ronnie’s dress would make it hard to dance. Jack hadn’t thought about that either. Why would he, though? His involvement in the wedding had been limited to carrying stuff and standing next to Kyle at the altar.
“You must be Brenna.” Blaine held out a hand.
The smile on her face matched the one she’d given Eliot. It was warm and open, but it didn’t reach her eyes. This was her fake smile. Jack was sure of it.
“Yes.” Brenna shook Blaine’s hand, then stepped back. “And you are?”
“Where are my manners?” Blaine laughed. “I’m Blaine Zima, Iona’s friend from Russia.” She motioned to her date. “And this is Eliot Sutherland.”
“Conductor, choreographer, and Blaine’s dear friend.” Jack sneered at the other man. “And he’s related to the throne of England.”
“Oh.” Brenna’s eyes widened. “That’s very interesting.”
“Please.” Eliot held up a hand. “The royal family is just like everyone else. They simply live out their lives in the spotlight. Here in America, though, I’m a simple businessman.” He turned to Blaine. “And I’m hoping to seal a deal with this trip.”
“What deal is that?” Maybe Eliot would offer up the details Blaine wouldn’t give.
“Blaine’s a wonderful singer, but she’s an even better violinist. Actually, a phenomenal violinist. Probably the best I’ve ever heard, and I want to see her—”
“Don’t exaggerate.” Blaine cut him off. “I dabble. That’s it. Singing’s where I make my money.”
“Singing?” Brenna asked.
/> Blaine shrugged. “In Russia, I have a small following.”
Eliot laughed. “Small following? You’re worth billions, darling. Don’t downplay your worth.”
“Oh.” Brenna’s eyes widened.
Blaine shot her date a harsh glare. “The ruble is not worth as much as the dollar, Eliot.”
“True.” Eliot inclined his head. “But don’t forget about your trust fund. That one is in American dollars. Once you can tap into it—”
“Enough.” Fire burned in Blaine’s eyes.
Jack had to agree with her. Blaine’s discomfort with this topic demanded he intervene. “Let’s get some drinks and settle in. Kyle and Ronnie should be making their appearance soon.”
Blaine relaxed visibly at his suggestion. If she thought she was off the hook, however, she was going to be sorely disappointed. They’d be revisiting the topic of Eliot’s business deal. This time, Jack would lead the conversation. Before the night was over, he’d know every detail about Eliot’s interest in Blaine.
And if Jack didn’t like Eliot’s plans, he’d be the one causing trouble tonight.
Chapter 7
The woman sitting to Jack’s right looked like the kind of girlfriend who’d get up early to make coffee and breakfast, then deliver the meal to her lover in bed. Brenna was respectful, nice, and looked good at Jack’s side. Soft where he was hard. Sweet where he was wicked. They’d make beautiful babies together too.
Blaine hated the domesticated picture they made.
She flicked her gaze between them. Brenna held her hand over her mouth to hide her smile while Jack laughed openly. Blaine had no idea what amused them. Focusing on their conversation since returning from the gardens had been nearly impossible. She knew why too.
She was jealous. Over a man.
It was Jack’s fault she felt this way too. He’d all but ignored her since the spur-of-the-moment encounter they’d had. It was almost as if the sex they’d shared hadn’t affected him. As if random women sucked his cock all the time.