Page 41 of Sworn to Protect

The smoldering look and sexy-as-hell smirk carry me all through practice.

This can’t be good.

Coming back from the playground area, I spot Mackenzie’s brother. He stands on the far side of the soccer fields, away from the bleachers, playing with his cell phone. An eerie feeling crawls up my spine. Something tells me he isn’t here to watch Liam practice.

“Uncle Jordan!” Nick takes off in a sprint toward him. “We’re going to Grammie’s house to stay with you.”

“That’s right, little one. Are you going to help me in the garage too?” Jordan directs the question to Nick, but his focus remains on me.

“You come to watch Liam’s practice?” I ask after Nick’s enthusiastic yes, but I know that’s not Jordan’s reason for being here.

He purses his lips and continues his stare down. A few awkward beats later, he asks, “You know what’s funny?”

Here we go.“What’s that?”

“I couldn’t find any information on a Nate Dixon in San Francisco.” He cocks his head to the side, and those beady eyes of his narrow. I’m not sure if he’s trying to be intimidating, but I have news for him. It will take more than some skinny-ass punk to unnerve me. I am an Army Ranger, for fuck’s sake.

“Nick, why don’t you head to the bleachers? I’ll be there in a minute.”

“Okay. I’ll see you later, Uncle Jordan.”

I watch Nick until he’s safely seated in the stands before turningto face Jordan straight on. “I didn’t know you were looking. If you’re after specifics, you could have just asked.” Not that I’d answer, but I know what he’s digging through. He could search around all day if he wanted. He won’t find anything about me in San Francisco.

“Why are you here sniffing around my sister?”

“I didn’t know helping someone out was such a bad thing. I’d call it being a decent human being.”

“Cut the bullshit. You waltz into town and decide to be Mackenzie’s martyr. Yeah, I don’t buy it. Not for a minute.”

“I don’t equate helping your sister to chronic suffering, but I assure you my intentions are pure.”

“That’s not what I meant.” He huffs out a frustrated breath. “I don’t like you.”

“You don’t have to like me. But your sister asked for my help, so I’m helping.” Footsteps come up behind us, but I don’t turn to see who it is. This discussion is going to end soon, one way or another. I’m through with this guy.

“I’m here now. You can leave. I’ll take them home.”

“And I’m sure Mackenzie appreciates you being here, but I’m not going anywhere without the kids. They’re my responsibility. Besides, Mackenzie prefers me behind the wheel. Unlike others, my driving record is clean.” My dig at his DUIs strikes a nerve. His jaw clenches as he steps closer, but I stand my ground.

“Heed the warning. I’m watching you. Ialwayslook out for my sister.”

“Since when?” Mark’s voice echoes behind me. “I remember when you conveniently ditched her when she needed you.”

Jordan’s gaze cuts to Mark. “I see you’re still playing second fiddle.”

“That was a long time ago. Some of us grew up.” Condescension laces Mark’s tone. I must admit that learning Mark had been Mackenzie’s boyfriend wasn’t all sunshine and roses, but he makes it awfully hard not to like him.

“I’m watching you.” Jordan points his finger toward me and then storms off.

“Don’t worry about him. He’s more bark than bite.”

“He’s nothing I can’t handle.”

“So maybe now would be a good time to tell you I dated Mackenzie back in high school. Her husband was my cousin.”

“Yeah, she told me.”

He jerks his head as if startled but then composes himself quickly. “Oh, I’m surprised she mentioned me. I knew you were helping her with the boys, but I didn’t realize you had gotten close.”

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