Page 43 of Tempting All The Way

“Yeah, I’m still not sure I like the idea of them beinga twoif you get my drift.”

“In my experience, you can’t stop that shit. If it’s gonna happen, it’ll happen. Unless you want to isolate your sister, all you can do is be there if she needs you.”

I know his words are true—doesn’t make me not want to go and drag Lucy away though.

“Yeah, I know.” I look back at the dance floor, right as some guy slides up behind Shardonnay. And I see fucking red. I storm their way. By the time I reach them, the guy is laid out on thefloor, Dominic leaning over him while whispering something in his ear.

I watch as the douchbag’s face turns ghost white. He scrambles upright and runs in the direction of the door. “What’d you say to him?” I ask Dominic.

“I told him that she’s a mafia princess, and if he touched her again, I’d cut his fucking hands off. Bit by bit. Make him watch as I fed them to my uncle’s pigs.” He doesn’t blink or smile to suggest he’s joking.

“Ah, thanks.” I’m not really sure how to take the guy. I wrap my arm around Shardonnay’s waist. “Can we leave yet?” I ask her. I’d much rather be at home, snuggled up on the couch watching shitty television with her. I don’t need to do this partying shit anymore.

She looks at me and then nods her head. “Let me just tell Lucy and Bentley we’re leaving,” she yells into my ear.

I reluctantly release her and watch as she talks to the other two girls. “Lucy, you want a lift home?” I offer.

She looks behind me and smirks. “No, I’m good. I’m going to find some unsuspecting frat boy in here to take me home and fuck me senseless,” she says.

“Please, for the love of God, just let me drive you home. How the fuck am I meant to sleep tonight knowing that’s your plan?” I say into her ear.

“Don’t worry, I was joking,” she says. “Kind of.”

“Well, that’s a relief.” I shake my head. “Is Tim waiting for you?”

“Yes. I’m fine, Xavier. I’m a big girl. I can look after myself.” She rolls her eyes at me. They say you go grey from worrying about your children. I think Lucy is going to send me grey before I even get the chance to have children.

I take Shardonnay’s hand and turn around. Dominic is still standing there, his eyes fixed on my sister. “Can you make sureshe gets home?” I ask him, though I’m not really sure why, but I have a feeling he’s not about to let her out of his sight anytime soon.

He doesn’t answer; however, he does nod his head. Right, that’s it, I guess. Once we’re in the town car, I lean my head back and sigh.

“You okay?” Shardonnay asks.

“I don’t like leaving Lucy there alone.”

“She’s not alone. She’ll be fine,” she tries to assure me.

“Yeah, I know. What do you know about her and Dominic?” I ask her, opening my eyes to pin her with a glare.

“Ah, nope. We are not discussing your sister’s relationships or anything like that. I don’t want to lie to you, Xavier, and I also can’t betray Lucy’s confidence. Please don’t ever put me in a position where I have to choose.”

Fuck, I didn’t mean to do that to her. She’s right. She shouldn’t have to choose. I tell her as much. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to make you feel like you had to choose. Just tell me one thing. If she was in any sort of trouble, you’d let me know, right?”

“Of course I would. Even if we’re not dating anymore, I would still call you if I thought Lucy needed help or was in trouble.”

“The only time we’re not going to bedating,” I say, using finger quotation marks, “is when we’re married, babe.” I smile.

“You’re really sure about this, huh?”

“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.” Tugging her head close to mine, I slam my mouth down on hers. I pull away and lick at her bottom lip. “You taste like cranberry.” I grin.

“It’s the Cosmos.” She smiles. “You know you can talk about anything with me, right? What was bothering you today?”

“Bentley quit because she has feelings for Nathan—feelings she doesn’t want. I got pissed because she’s one of the best first-years I’ve ever seen and she’s an asset to our firm.”

“Are you sure that’s it? I feel like there’s something else bothering you. I know I’m not a lawyer or anything smart like that, but I want to help you any way I can,” she says.

“Babe, you are smarter than Nathan, Alistair, and me combined. Don’t ever think otherwise. You’re going to be a scientist, remember? When have you ever met a scientist who wasn’t smart?” Picking up her hand, I kiss the tip of each of her fingers.

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