Page 61 of Shiny Things

“She made her rounds shortly before you arrived. Probably restocking in the kitchen.”

I started to walk that way, but he stopped me.

“Not here.”

If looks could kill, my brother would be a dead man.

“I’m serious, Eli. From the way Mom was already pushing Felicity on you, I know you haven’t told her about you and Kim yet. I have no doubt she’s already heard the rumors. Just lie low until this party is over, and then we’ll talk to her. Plus, you need to let Kim do her job. If I didn’t trust that Aunt Ginny and Mom would freak out and consider it disrespect on the family or some bullshit like that, I’d tell you to go home. But since that isn’t really a possibility, just stay by me and get through the night. Okay?”

I knew Ryan meant well, but nothing sounded worse or more boring than a night schmoozing his campaign benefactors as he prepared for his latest run for mayor. It wasn’t like anyone else wanted the job. Plus all of Ravenden adored him. Still, he wasn’t one to leave anything to chance. He was as methodical as a person could be.

I knew he was right though, so begrudgingly, I stuck to him like glue trying not to make it obvious that I was watching my mate like a hawk as she flitted around the garden in the background serving trays of little finger foods and drinks to all the ungrateful elite of Ravenden.

As she made her way through the small wrought iron tables in the center of the garden to serve those sitting there, Joe Montgomery reached out and smacked her on the ass.

A deep throaty kraal escaped from me, immediately drawing my brother’s attention. He excused himself and followed my line of sight just as the idiot did it again.

Kim stopped, took a deep breath, then said something to him before walking away and disappearing into the house with her empty tray.

I homed in on Joe.

“Eli, no,” Ryan warned, but I was seeing red now as I stalked towards my prey.

By nature we were more scavengers than fighters, but I’d be damned if I was going to let him get away with touching my mate.

“Shit!” I heard Ryan say as he scrambled to keep up with me.

I calmly sat down next to Joe.

He flashed a toothy grin that didn’t reach his eyes. His salesman mask was on.

“The Davenport brothers. To what do I owe this honor? Did you finally decide you need that BMW, Ryan?”

“No,” he said flatly.

“How about you, Eli? Did you finally wise up and realize real men drive cars? Ready to turn in that motorcycle of yours?”

“It’s Elias,” I said in a flat voice.

“My bad, Elias,” he said, drawing out my name sarcastically. “So, what can I do for you boys.”

I lowered my voice, never dropping eye contact, making him squirm uncomfortably in his seat.

“I’m only going to say this once, so you better listen closely. You touch her ass again and I will peck your eyes out. I will cut off your arm. And then I will slit you from navel to nose and leave you in a remote place for the vultures to dispose of all evidence. Am I clear?”

He gulped hard.

“Am I clear?” I asked a little louder, feeling my blood boiling beneath my skin.

“Y-es,” he stammered.

“Yes what?” I asked.

“Yes, sir. Yes, sir, I heard you loud and clear.”

Ryan sighed. “It would probably be best if you left now. He’s feeling rather nice at the moment, but if you so much as look in her direction, I suspect that will change.”

His eyes widened as he started putting the pieces together. He quickly got up and ran away, stumbling over his own two feet and falling flat on his face just as Kim walked out.

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