Page 72 of It Starts With A No

Seth hooked his hand on Clary’s hips and yanked her against himself.

The door narrowly missed her, and he glared at the oblivious teenagers. They stared back at him as if they couldn’t figure out what his problem was.

Clary tapped the back of her hand against his chest. “Forget it.”

Seth turned back toward the door, only to see a familiar face. He sighed when Zane trailed out behind the teenagers.

And for the first time in a really long time, Seth saw Zane—his brother who dealt with criminals on a daily basis—freeze.

“One of your brothers?” Clary asked.

Seth swallowed a sigh. “Zane.”

“Oh, the FBI agent,” Clary said.

Zane blinked once, regaining his composure. “Clary Fiore?”

“Please don’t shoot me.”

Chapter 14

Seth dropped his head forward to hide his smile at Clary’s words. “He’s not going to shoot you.”

Zane nodded. “I quite like my job, and I’m not going to lose it for an Eolenfeld.”

“Not an Eolenfeld,” Seth and Clary said at the same time.

Zane’s brows rose. “Dinner?” He cocked his head to the side. “I’ll buy.”

Clary turned to Seth, and he stared at the brown bag in his brother’s hand. “You look like you’re getting takeout.”

Zane shrugged. “Changed my mind.” He flashed a smile at Clary. “Join us.”

She nodded. “Sure.” She stepped forward as Zane moved back into the diner.

“Clary.” Seth tightened the grip on her hip.

“You look as if you don’t believe he won’t shoot me.”

Seth laughed softly. “He won’t shoot you.”

“Then I guess we’re good.”

“He’s an FBI agent. He tends to … interrogate.”

“As long as he keeps his hands to himself, I can handle it.”

Seth ran his tongue under his teeth as she strode forward. He didn’t want to push, but he really couldn’t stand the idea that Clary was working with people like Neil.

Maybe he should talk to Zane. His brother wouldn’t mind doing him a favor.

When they got to the table, Clary took the seat across from Zane. “I’m starving,” she said as she sat. “I’ll need food before you start your interrogation.”

Zane nudged the bag forward. “Help yourself.” His brows flicked up again when Seth sat next to Clary. “How’s your hand?”

She shrugged and pulled a fry out of the bag. “It’s healing.”

“Numbness gone?”

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