Page 48 of The Marine

She hasn’t realized.

Trina’s eyes connect with mine and when I glance back, I hold her stare. I don’t know if she understands me, but if she needs a translation, it would be this:Your friend is mine. Whether you know who I am or not, Briar belongs to me. And I can tell you’re the kind of girl who would be a little wildebeest if your friend needed protection, but she doesn’t.

Not from me.

And no one is taking her from me again.

Trina blinks.

“Briar,” she says, then looks away. “Bathroom break.”

“I don’t...wait, I do need to go.” Briar giggles and begins to stand.

“I’ll go.” I say and follow her across the room as Savannah and Scarlett make up porno names and Ryder vetoes them all.

“That was a good one!”

“Nope.”

Trina stands and glares as we pass.

“Hurt her and I will kill you.” She sneers under her breath.

“Good. I’ll deserve it if I do.”Also, you’re ten years too late.

Which means she doesn’t know our history.

Interesting.

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BRIAR

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“OOPS, WRONG WAY.” Igiggle and turn, slamming into Aidan’s chest.

Such a nice big strong chest.

The moment I saw him on the driveway I had to have words with my body. In long tan shorts and a white shirt, with his tan and a peak of his tattoos, he looks good enough to eat.

Hmmm, he is good enough to eat. I know from experience.

I smile up at him and wobble. He grabs my arms, and I draw in a gasp.

“Do I need to carry you?”

His smirk makes my body all fuzzy, and I want him to kiss me. I want to snuggle into him and pretend he’s mine like all the other loved-up couples tonight.

“Okay.” I chuckle, thinking he’s joking. But I should know better with this man. I let out a cry and another giggle as he lifts me up into his arms, and I loop mine around his neck.

Damn tequila.

“You are crazy, Aidan Black.”

“For you,” he mutters.

“What are you going to do? Hold me while I go for a pee?” I play with the dark stubble on his cheek.

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