Page 16 of His Lovebug

“If you keep talking about what youthinkI did to Bethany, I’llreallydo it to you.” I used my height to its fullest advantage and stared him down. “Quin was nice enough to let you stay,don’tstep out of bounds. You’re already pissing me off by talking to him.” I sent Quin a glare. “He needs to leave, Baby Girl.”

“Hey now.” Jackson held up his palms toward us, the smile transforming from knowing to downright sweet, the same kind he’d always used to weasel his way out of trouble. “I was only wondering what you did to make her leave. I’m not insinuating youhurther, am I?”

We all knew that was exactly what he’d been saying. He was fork tongued and slimy, a snake hiding in the grass until he found the perfect moment to strike, and when that time came, I’d be ready for him.

Quin cleared his throat and shifted closer to my side. “Have you made yourself at home in one of the guest rooms, Jackson?”

I wanted to tell Quin not to fall for his lies, but I’d caused enough issues between us yesterday. Once I was alone with Jackson again, I’d make my position clear. I’d also keep a closer eye on him, and when I wasn’t home, I’d make sure Royal was around to watch out. Royal had never met Jackson—Derek had only met him twice—and that was how I liked it, but I’d make sure Royal knew exactly how dangerous my brother was.

“I did, yeah.” Jackson doubled the charm with an innocent grin that tricked even the most suspicious people. “I can tell the house has had your delightful touch, Quin. It’s very homey.”

A flush spread across Quin’s cheeks and he chuckled. “Thank you. I tried to redecorate and give the house a warmer vibe.”

“You’re one talented man.” Jackson winked, and Quin’s blush spread farther down his neck, digging the knife of jealousy deeper into my gut.

I curled my arm around Quin’s shoulders and leaned in to whisper in his ear. “Don’t trust him, Baby Girl. He’s trying to find your weak spots.”

He blinked up at me and nodded as the corners of his mouth curved into a gentle smile. He glanced back at Jackson. “Do you have any plans today?”

“Why? Are you going to ask me out on a date?” Jackson sounded too smug for his own good.

I went to step forward, but Quin’s arm shot out to stop me. He gave me a pointed look.

“I’d love to get to know you. I want to understand why anyone would let a sexy husband like Colt go for a few hours with a fuck boy who flirts with everything that moves.” Quin delivered the line with directness, his tone unchanged, as though speaking about the weather.

Jackson’s smile faltered, and while he kept it on his face, it nearly disappeared altogether. He cleared his throat and tilted his head. “I know this great café not far from here.”

“Matt and I would love to go there with you.” Quin pressed in closer to me and gave me a smile that stole my breath. “I’m sure you have all sorts of stories about Matt as a kid.”

I raised my eyebrows when his grin turned wicked. Naughty, Princess. I was going to have to spank him for trying to tear secrets from Jackson.

To my surprise, Jackson relaxed and something calm swept over his face. “Oh, I have someawesomethings to tell you about this guy.”

I sent him a glare. “Nothing embarrassing.”

Jackson laughed. “It’sallgoing to embarrass you.”

Quin nodded resolutely. “Give us an hour to get ready, and we’ll meet you in the living room, okay?” He didn’t wait for an answer. Tugging my hand, he pulled me out of the room.

I scowled over my shoulder. “And get out of my den, you sneaky piece of shit.”

“Manners. I’m a guest,” Jackson responded loud enough for me to hear.

I rolled my eyes and let Quin guide me up the stairs toward our bedroom. I squared my shoulders, ready for whatever he was going to throw at me. Bethany’d had a lot of questions about Jackson, and I’d been blind to her initial intrigue over him. Even back then, when I’d alreadyknownwhat Jackson was like, I’d turned my back on him when I should’ve kept my eyes on him at all times.

I let Quin lead me to our bedroom, and I closed the door behind us before I turned to him. “What game are you playing, Princess? I want him gone, not feeling like he’s at home.”

He threw me a wicked smile over his shoulder as he sashayed toward our walk-in closet. “I’m going to show him that I’m taken. I’m not going to fall for his ridiculous attempts at flirting with me. I’m yours.”

That was the sexiest thing I’d ever heard in my life. I resisted the urge to eat up the space between us and kiss him because I knew he was on a mission to get into the best clothes and makeup, so it was easier to let him be. He always complained when I messed up his looks, even if ravaging him was worth it. So, I walked over to the bed and plopped onto it while he thumped around in the closet.

“Hopefully, he won’t be here for long,” I mused loud enough for Quin to hear me. “And if he tries anything after you’ve said no, I’ll strangle him with my bare hands.”

“I’ll help you,” Quin said. “But I’d knee him in the balls before he even attempted it.” He peeked his head out of the closet. “Because you’re the only man allowed to touch me that way.” He wriggled his engagement ring in my direction, and the diamond glittered, almost like it was winking at me.

“Good girl.” I resisted the urge to make my way over to him. I had a feeling he wouldn’t appreciate the distraction because if I went over there, we wouldn’t leave the space. I’d hide him awayin the closet and have my dirty way with him until my brother had no choice except to leave.

Quin exited the closet and opened his arms, presenting himself in a sequined navy dress that was longer in back and came to his knees in front. The sleeves were off the shoulder and made from floral lace, and his heels were silver to match the necklace I’d bought him a few weeks ago, which had a sapphire-and-diamond flower in the center that currently sat against his chest.

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