Page 55 of Stone

“You’re really okay?” she asked shakily. “You promise?”

“Yes. I promise. We’re both fine.”

She smiled, relief punching through her.

“What the hell?”

Uh-oh. Nick’s angry voice.

Nola looked up and saw her brother standing over them, hands on his hips, and a scowl on his face.

“Why the hell are you kissing my sister, Stone?” Nick demanded.

Nola scrambled off Knox and stood. Knox rose behind her and pressed a hand to her shoulder.

She cleared her throat. “Nick—”

“You.” He pinned Knox with a hard look. “She was in danger, and you made a move on her?”

“Wait.” She stepped forward and poked her brother in the chest. “Listen to me.”

His scowl deepened.

“Knox and I met at the bar the other night, before you guys got there.” God, it seemed like a really long time ago. She felt like she’d known Knox for so much longer. “We…connected. I like him, Nick. A lot. When he found out you were my brother, he turned me down.”

Nick crossed his arms.

“And I was hurt,” Nola added.

“Sprite.” Knox’s fingers moved to her neck, brushed her skin.

She turned toward him. “Then he saved me. He risked himself for me. He’s a good guy—” she glanced at her brother “—and I know that you like and respect him, right?”

A grudging look crossed Nick’s face. “Yes.”

“So, what’s the problem, Nick? I like Knox. A guy you like and respect. And he likes me.”

Nick’s jaw worked. “He’s too old for you.”

She made an annoyed noise. “That’s for me to decide, not you. Besides, I’ve dated plenty of guys my age. You hated all of them.”

Nick’s brows drew together. “True.”

“I’ll treat her right, Wolf,” Knox said. “I wasn’t looking for a relationship, and I sure didn’t expect her.”

She tipped her head up. The look on his face as he stared down at her made her chest squeeze.

“Now I want to spend a lot more time with her.” He touched her cheek. “And make her smile.”

“Knox,” she murmured.

“Make her murmur my name just like that.”

The kiss was light and sweet, but when she parted her lips, he groaned. He deepened the kiss and his tongue delved into her mouth.

Nick made a sound.

Knox lifted his head, and Nola licked her lips.

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