Page 53 of 4-Ever

“You have to meet my boyfriend,” she interrupted with a tight smile and turned her head. “Dallas Bledsoe, my brother, Ronin.”

A bulky guy with a shaved head and a stern expression stepped forward, offering his hand. His other one gripped my sister’s arm tightly.

“I thought for sure Ciara was lying when she said her brother was famous, but I guess the joke’s on me.”

Strange intro, but okay.

“Nice to meet you,” I replied politely and shook his hand. “Welcome to Nashville. Meet my bandmates, Brodie and Holloway.”

Dallas shook their hands. Then the guys gave Ciara a hug in turn.

“Don’t wait so long between visits,” Holloway teased her.

“I’ll try. But New York life is crazy busy,” she replied.

Jesse was waving at us from across the room and called out Brodie and Holloway’s names. They left me to my sister and her boyfriend.

“This is quite the party,” Dallas muttered as he looked around. “I can see the appeal.”

Two stunning models walked by, and Dallas stared at them far too long for my liking.

“They go all out when you sign with a new label,” I replied, trying to ignore my irritation. “So, how was your flight? How’s life in the big apple?”

“Good, even though Ciara made us late to the airport. You sister is never punctual. I’m surprised she can make it to work,” Dallas sneered and shook his head. “We only had time to check in and drop off our luggage. I’m thirsty as hell. Is there any booze at this party?”

Dallas’ tone pissed me off and my big brother defense system was about to unleash. Until I saw the pleading in Ci’s eyes.

Be nice.

I kept my mouth shut and motioned for a server. Bourbon on the rocks for me and Dallas, and nothing for my sister. Which was odd. She always enjoyed a drink or two.

“How did you two meet?” I finally asked as I motioned to a couple of chairs so we could sit and relax.

“I—” Ciara started.

“I’m a patrol officer,” Dallas talked over her. “I ticketed her.”

“Parking in a restricted zone?” I quipped as I glanced at Ciara, but she had her eyes downcast.

“Speeding,” Dallas replied and rolled his eyes. “She can’t remember the rules of the road. I have no idea how she survived before she met me.”

My protective hackles engaged. I didn’t appreciate the way he spoke about Ciara. And it wasn’t like my sister to let an insult, even one disguised as a joke, go by without a response.

My gut instinct was pinging loud as fuck.

Just when I was about to confront Dallas about his comments, Faise sat down next to Ciara. “Ci, long time no speak!”

“Faise! It’s so good to see you,” she replied as she hugged him with one arm.

Dallas still hadn’t let go of her other one. As soon as Faise leaned back, Dallas yanked Ciara back to his side, and glared at my best friend.

Now, I didn’t know shit about romantic relationships, but I knew that Dallas’ hold on my sister felt off. It wasn’t possessive, like Van and Brodie, or Holls and Dawson. Because Dallas looked downright angry, and Ciara looked downright scared.

“I’m Dallas, Ciara’s boyfriend,” he announced as he continued to glare at Faise. “You seem to know her well.”

“Naturally,” Faise addressed him. “I’m Faisel Reed, Ronin’s bestie. I’ve known Ciara since we were kids.”

Dallas nodded at him, his gaze slightly less menacing. Thankfully, our server returned to ask if we wanted another round.

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