Page 34 of Branded Hearts

Olivia.Of course, because why else would she be mentioning my name, other than when talking about my sister.

“I am. Yes.” My tone is clipped.

“Well, it’s nice to officially meet one of our officers. I’m Jamie.”

I shake her hand, which is light and delicate. Jamie turns to the other two women behind her. “This is Stella,” she says, pointing to the redhead, before moving to the other woman next to her. “And this is Kristie. We all work together at Koala Creek Primary.”

“Nice to meet you, ladies,” I murmur, making a mental note of all their names. Not that I’ll likely talk to them again, but it’s just a habit—observing others, remembering names. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to crash whatever this is. I just, uh, saw Amelia at the bar, looking for an out, so I offeredsome help.”

“An out? What does he mean?” Jamie exclaims.

“Was someone bothering you?” Kristie interjects with furrowed brows.

Amelia hesitates, her voice carrying the weight of discomfort. “Y-yeah, I’m fine. Just some creep making me feel uncomfortable.”

“Who do we need to bash?” Kristie says.

“Now, now, ladies. It's all good,” I say, huffing a laugh. “I think I scared him off,” I add, winking at Amelia.

“Are you okay?” Stella asks, with concern evident in her eyes.

“Y-yeah, I’m all good now.”

As the girls launch into a flurry of colourful language, expressing their disdain for the man who harassed Amelia, I can’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction.

They’re like a protective shield, fierce and loyal, ready to defend their own at a moment’s notice.

“Seriously, what a jerk,” Jamie exclaims, her voice filled with righteous anger.

“Yeah, who does he think he is?” Kristie adds, shaking her head in disbelief.

Amelia turns to me, her eyes sincere as she speaks. “Thank you again, Bradley. I really appreciate you stepping in.”

I feel my rigid posture soften at her words, a warmth spreading through me. “It was my pleasure.”

Jamie chimes in, her tone softened, “Yes! Thank you for saving our friend, Bradley.”

I nod gratefully, acknowledging their gratitude, though my attentionshifts subtly back to Amelia. I notice a faint blush creeping up her cheeks, and I can’t help but feel a surge of protective satisfaction. Seeing her relieved and grateful stirs a quiet sense of pride within me, knowing I could make a difference for her.

As she turns back to the bar to grab the shots, handing them out to the girls, she turns to me, “Would you like one, too?”

I tsk with a shake of my head. “No, thanks. I’m taking it easy tonight.”

She smiles and nods before the girls take their shots in unison. With that, her friends beckon for me to follow them back to their table.

I hesitate. “Nah, it’s alright, thank you. I don’t mean to intrude on your night.” I glance out into the crowd, spotting the boys at a large booth, drinks in hand, laughing loudly.

Then, a thought occurs to me. “Wait. Why don’t you ladies come join us?”

Smooth move, Bradley.Trying to keep your distance, remember?I steal a quick glance at Amelia, hoping she didn’t catch on to my momentary lapse in judgement, but it’s a silly thought.

“Us?” Amelia says with a curious look.

“Yeah, my colleagues are here,” I explain.

Jamie’s head perks up. “You mean there are more ofyou? Here?”

“Morepolice officers? Where?” Kristie asks.

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