Page 41 of Protected

“Damn, I missed it,” Laz murmured before heading back down the stairs.

The others were looking on, curiosity written on their faces before they turned away murmuring something as they followed after Laz.

“Whatever’s going on here, fix itnow,” Mason said, then trained his gaze on Parker. “After everyone gets here and has something to eat, I want to talk to you and the guys in my office.”

Parker nodded. He had touched base with Mason the night before regarding the best way to pull everyone together. After asking Parker if he was sure about wanting to go after Wolf, and Parker saying yes, Mason agreed to get the guys together later today.

When he walked away, Chelsey reached for Parker’s hand and linked her fingers with his. Ready to face off with Kenton, she opened her mouth to speak, but Parker squeezed her hand to keep her silent.

“Ken, man, I’m sorry. I didn’t plan to tell you like this, but it is what it is. I’m in love with Chelsey, and I have every intention of spending the rest of my life with her.”

Silence pulsed between the three of them until Kenton relaxed his shoulders. “This is who you’ve been pining over? He’s the guy who had you walking around like somebody stole your money?” he asked Chelsey incredulously, then he turned his angry eyes to Parker. “And you… She’s the reason you’ve been acting like a stupid jerk and not hanging out with us?”

Parker huffed out a sigh, not wanting to say too much just yet. “Partly. I get that she’s your sister, and I respect that, I really do. But what goes on between me and Chelsey is between us. You don’t have to like it, but you—”

“She’s my littlesister, Parker,” he spat, looking like he wanted to pummel him. “She’s too good for you and every other bastard trying to get with her.”

“I know,” Parker said. He’d had the same thought more than once. “But that didn’t stop me from falling in love with her. She’s an amazing woman, and I’m glad she’s giving me a chance to prove to her that I’m worthy of her.”

“Parker,” Chelsey said, seeming surprised by his words, but before she could comment, he kept going.

He turned to face her. “We all know you’re out of my league, Chels, and I—”

“I am not!” she snapped. “I don’t know where all of this is coming from, but stop it. You are worthy of love just like the rest of us, and that’s what you have with me. I’m in love withyou. No one else, and if my lughead of a brother has a problem with that, then that’s his problem. Not yours.”

“You know what? Do whatever the hell you guys want to do,” Kenton said, some of his anger gone. “But Parker, if you hurt her, you’re going to have to deal with me, and next time Iwillbeat your ass.” With that, he headed down the stairs without a backward glance.

“All righty then… that went well,” Parker said, rubbing the side of his head where Kenton had made contact moments ago.

“Yeah, it could’ve been worse,” Chelsey said, and they both laughed.

It felt good to laugh again. The last few months, Parker hadn’t had much to laugh or smile about, but that was changing. Everything was about to change for the better, and he was looking forward to what lay ahead for them.

Chapter Seventeen

Chelsey didn’t want to leave Parker’s side. In her mind, she knew he was fine, but her heart hurt for him. Her brother had been way out of line. First, throwing a punch, but when the jerk told Parker he wasn’t good enough for her, she wanted to knock him the hell out. But what really pissed her off was when Parker agreed.

God, Chelsey hoped he didn’t really think that and if he did, she was going to have to make sure he knew differently. She didn’t know what that would take, but she planned to spend the rest of their lives together showing him that he was worthy of love. That he was worthy of her.

As for her brother, she wasn’t sure when or if she’d ever talk to him again. At least that’s what she was thinking as she and Egypt strolled out of the main house and headed toward the guest house behind it.

Chelsey had eaten with Parker, but then her sister-in-law dragged her away from him, saying it was time to join the wives. There were drinks and dessert already at the guest house and apparently a sound system. Considering how loud the music was bumping, it was safe to say wives’ night was in full effect.

“Sis, I don’t know about this. I’m not one of you,” Chelsey said as they walked along the cobblestone path, the building several feet away. It might’ve been a two-bedroom, two-bathroom guest house, but it was bigger than some people’s main dwelling.

Egypt glanced over and smiled, and Chelsey couldn’t help but return her smile. Her sister-in-law’s quiet, calm spirit and kind eyes had the ability to provide immediate comfort in any situation. She was beautiful, both inside and out.

Her brother had really lucked out in the wife department. Egypt had so much going for her, and Chelsey also loved her style. Her micro braids were in an intricate knot on top of her head, and though the sun was starting to set, her smooth dark skin gleamed under the sunlight. The red, gray, and blue African print sundress, with matching red sandals that she was wearing, showcased her sexy-chic style.

Now, if anyone was too good for someone, it was Egypt who was too good for Kenton. But Chelsey would never tell him that.

“You’re one of us, even if you don’t have thewifetitle yet,” Egypt said as they neared the house. “The way Parker was looking at you earlier, and the way he’s been acting lately, it’s probably only a matter of time.”

“Heyyyy, that’s my song,” Chelsey heard someone say as Egypt pushed open the door. They both stopped in the doorway, and Chelsey started laughing.

Geneva Carrington was dancing on the coffee table and singing off-key to Beyoncé’s song, “Cuff It.” Her dance moves might’ve been on point, but the only person in the room who should be singing was Zenobia. Married to one of Atlanta’s Finest—Angelo Gonzalez—Zen was a famous award-winning singer who sang like an angel, and she currently had her fingers in her ears. Every few seconds, she visibly cringed when Geneva hit certain notes.

“Have you lost your mind? Get your ass off my table!” London yelled from the opening of the kitchen, trying to sound authoritative, but the last word cracked on a laugh.

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