Page 63 of Priest

I roll my lips. I guess she has a point as Brandi skitters across the floor in her giant heels, her mini skirt showing off half her ass.

“I bet she knows how to use a power tool,” she goes on. “On turbo mode.” I can’t help the laugh that bursts from my chest as I imagine such a thing. Clearly, I know she doesn’t mean an actual power tool. Looking up at me, she can’t hide her smile.

“You done?”

“I don’t know, are any other beautiful women going to throw themselves at you?”

Beautiful?

Of course, Brandi isn’t unattractive, but I don’t see her that way.

“I hope not.”

“I mean, I can understand. You’re a good looking guy, and I’m here hanging off your arm looking like I don’t belong.”

“Who says you don’t belong?”

She gives me a withering look, making me chuckle again. “Don’t overthink it. Stick with me, okay?”

She sighs like this is a hardship for her. We get about another ten paces when Nevada appears in front of me like a phantom. Oh, great. Just what I fucking need.

“Well, if it isn’t the prodigal son returning from the prairie. Where have you been?” He flicks his eyes to Bella and I tighten my arm around her.

“You know where I’ve been; the Soup Kitchen, helping people in need. Somethin’ you could be helpin’ with instead of pretendin’ to look busy.”

“Is that where all the pretty girls hang out?” He smirks, ignoring my insinuation. “Aren’t you goin’ to introduce us?”

Of course, Nevada is the most popular with the ladies.

I take a long intake of breath. “Bella, this is Nevada, Nevada this is Bella.”

He holds his hand out to shake hers, and when she extends her arm, he pulls her hand up to his mouth and plants a kiss on her knuckles.

“Enchante.” His eyes don’t leave hers.

I shake my head. Fucking French?

“Parlez -vous francais?” Bella says as I look down at her in surprise.

Nevada frowns, not expecting that.

She smiles. “O in Italiano, se preferisci?”

Nevada’s lips part and he looks off kilter for a second, making me laugh. “That sounds hot. Do you know any swear words you can teach me?”

She shakes her head. “I’m a good Catholic girl.”

Something about her words is teasing. A low rumble forms in my chest, a protective surge coming over me as I stare Nevada down.

“Well, well, looks like you’ve got a little minx on your hands,” he says, finally meeting my gaze. “She yours?”

“Yes.” I steel my jaw. “Now kindly fuck off so I can get the girl a drink.”

Nevada laughs, sizing her up. I want to punch him in the face, but I know that won’t discourage him. Just ask Tag; he’s landed a punch more than once and Nevada still gets up. He’s a tough motherfucker.

“Come on now, I’m just bein’ friendly.”

I lean closer to him. “You know what I think about you bein’ friendly to one of my girls.” I don’t like saying it because it makes it sound like Bella’s a piece of meat, but it’s the only language he’ll understand.

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