Page 50 of Wish You Were Mine

I snorted to myself. I’d just bet she was. Even as low key as she was, she’d had to deal with a stalker who’d basically wanted to steal her life.

On the makeshift stage, Blair tapped the microphone and began to strum the opening chords of one of his band's songs. The music was cheerful, and a little country. I’d listened to a few of his songs and found the band’s sound difficult to categorize. Some of it veered more folksy while other songs almost seemed to pay homage to classic rock.

Bailey emerged from the back, carrying a second microphone stand, which she placed a few yards away from the one in front of Blair. As soon as it was in place, she returned to the door and signaled for Summer to come through.

The instant I caught sight of Summer’s long legs in sheer black stockings, heat stirred in my gut. I shifted position, angling to get a better view of her. Her dress was almost blindingly white. The sort of thing that would have looked virginal if not for how short it was. The skirt barely covered her ass.

When she circled around behind the microphone and smiled, I nearly swallowed my tongue. Holy fuck. She looked absolutely divine. Dark eye makeup, cherry red lips, and a beauty spot painted on the left side of her face, just beneath her eye. Her hair fell over her shoulders and down her back like golden silk.

My fingers twitched. I wanted more than anything to wrap my hands in that hair, pull her head back, and suck a mark onto the tanned skin of her throat.

I’d always known Summer was beautiful, but right now, she was fucking sexy.

Even thinking that made me feel like a deviant. She was Liam’s baby sister, and—as I knew—off limits, but every part of my body was completely attuned to her. I wanted to devour her, and for everyone to know that no one was allowed to touch her other than me.

If only.

Blair continued to play, and Summer held the microphone and swayed. When she started to sing, I froze in my seat.

I couldn’t move. Couldn’t think.

Her sultry voice wrapped around me, setting my nerves alight and hardening my cock. Had she always sung like a siren and I’d been immune, or was this a new incarnation of Summer?

One thing was for sure: I certainly wasn’t immune anymore.

She held me in her thrall. Her gaze locked on mine, her green eyes made fiercer by the dark circles around them. Blair’s voice joined hers, raspy and oddly comforting. Together, they crooned about a lost love, and she stared right at me the whole time.

I couldn’t have looked away if I’d tried.

They finished the song, and Summer tore her gaze away to smile at Blair and exchange a few words. My gut burned. Irrational or not, I didn’t want her paying any attention to another man when she looked so much like a debauched fairytale princess.

Blair’s fingers moved quickly across the strings as he started another song. This one was more upbeat, with the kind of rhythm people could stomp their feet to. And this crowd did. By the end, the floor was vibrating from the force of dozens of feet pounding the wood. The clapping and cheering could probably be heard a block away.

Blair and Summer played three more songs, and I didn’t move from my chair or once take my eyes off Summer. She enthralled me.

When their set finished, Summer stepped down from the makeshift stage and Blair switched off both microphones. Summer caught my eyes briefly, but then gave Bailey a thumbs up and started moving toward the door through to the back rooms. Before she got there, a pair of men intercepted her.

I was on my feet immediately. I didn’t recognize either of the men, which meant they were out-of-towners and didn’t know anything about Summer other than the fact she looked like sin and could sing like an angel.

“Isn’t this when you should be playing overprotective brother?” I asked Toby.

He laughed. “Summer is allowed to get some action if she wants. It’s been long enough.”

I glanced at Nate, who just stared back.

“You think I’m leaving my incredibly pregnant wife for even a second?” he asked.

I turned to Liam, who raised his hands placatingly. “They’re just talking. I know better than to intervene. Unless she looks like she’s leaving with them, it’s harmless.”

Max didn’t say a word, just nodded in agreement.

Well, damn.

Summer had four brothers present and none of them seemed to think she needed saving.

I guessed it was up to me.

24

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