Page 90 of A Little Naughty

“Okay.” Aiden puts his hand on my shoulder, moving me away.

Raif’s jaw is tight, but when he sees Aiden has me, he steps closer. The two of them turn away, but I hear Bull say something about tonight.

Raif looks up at him confused, and a lump is in my throat. I don’t know what they’re saying, and I don’t like it. Bull isn’t a good person, and I’m starting to see why Raif didn’t want me around him.

His brother nods and takes a step back. “Nice to meet you, Princess.” His dark eyes slide down me in a way that leaves me feeling naked. “My little brother might drag you down to his level, but I bet you’re pretty on your knees.”

Raif moves so fast, I almost don’t see him. He holds the front of Bull’s shirt, but Aiden is just as fast, catching his arm before he slams his fist into his brother’s ugly face.

“Not here, man.” Aiden grunts, pulling Raif away. “Time to go, Bull.”

“Yeah, I’m done.” Bull turns and swaggers, backing away.

Raif’s nostrils flare, and I can see the flames in his eyes when he returns to me. He loops his arm around my waist, pulling me tight to his side, and all his muscles are tense with anger. I don’t know why I’m shaking.

“I’m sorry about that,” he says quietly, kissing the top of my forehead.

Hugging closer to him, I tuck my head under his chin. “He’s not the first creep I’ve ever encountered.”

“You’re my wife now, and I’m not letting another creep near you.”

Warmth squeezes my heart, and I exhale a breath of relief. I’ve always been afraid. I learned early to always be aware of my surroundings, but lately it’s becoming less of a fact of life.

Rising onto my tiptoes, I kiss his cheek. “I love knowing you have my back.”

His eyes meet mine, and his expression relaxes. “I’ve got your front, too.”

My brow furrows, and I study the direction his brother went. “What was he talking abouttonight?”

The muscle in Raif’s jaw moves, and he hugs an arm around my shoulders, pulling me into his side. “It’s nothing.”

“Nothing?” I tilt my head back to meet his eyes.

“Just something he wanted me to help him with.”

A trickle of worry tightens my chest. “But we have the gala tonight…”

“And I wouldn’t miss it for anything.”

We’re approaching the mob of children and dogs and drag queens, and the music has changed to a happy zydeco classic, “Don’t Mess With My Toot-Toot.” The kids laugh every time the words toot-toot are spoken.

Pinky marches in her white boots, and Angie Dickinson dances all around her feet in her pink tutu. Nikki throws a frisbee, and Porkchop takes off after it while Owen watches with his arms crossed, and Ryan walks around with Fudge draped over his shoulder like a cat-fur stole.

It’s all joyful and celebratory, and Piper is thrilled with how much we’ve raised for the paper, but when I look at Raif, I can’t relax.

Whatever his brother said has him on edge, and I can’t shake my sense of dread. He puts his hands on my waist and starts to dance, and I hug my arms around him hoping I’m just being paranoid.

CHAPTER24

RAIF

I’m standing in the small living room in my white tie and white vest waiting for Jemima. My black tailcoat is lying on the back of the chair, and I’m thinking about what’s coming tonight.

My brother showing up and showing his ass this afternoon has had me on edge. Jemima tried to smooth it over, but it’s going to take a mighty effort not to punch him in the dick if I see him tonight.

Hell, I shouldn’t see him at all. I don’t plan to get that close.

The kids are all at Aiden’s mother Patricia’s house for the night. Piper reassured us the old lady loves keeping all the kids, and she has a trampoline, movies, and all the games and snacks to keep them entertained.

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