Page 42 of Sworn to Protect

“Is that a problem?”

“No, not at all. She needs a good person to look out for her.”

“Trust me. Mackenzie’s quite capable of looking out for herself. I’m helping out with the kids. That’s all.”

“Hmm. You won’t find any argument from me. Mackenzie’s always been one to take care of herself. As for the second part, you may need to reevaluate that thought.”

“As I said, I’m just helping out,” I reiterate, wiping away any emotion from my face. I don’t give anything away, even though I don’t know if I’ll be able to rein in my feelings for her much longer, especially after spending the entire evening together.

We head over to the bleachers. Once practice ends, I have no problem rounding the boys into the truck. They must really be excited to go to their grandma’s. They usually ask for ice cream from the concession stand. Despite being right before supper, I never deny them, but I’m sure Mackenzie knows. She hasn’t told me to stop.

We head to their house. Mackenzie comes out the front door wearing tight jeans that hug her slight curves and a low-cut top that showcases her creamy skin. Her loose curls sway in the slight breeze, and I know I’ve lied to everyone, including myself. I may be helping out with the kids, but there’s so much more I want.

And what I want is Mackenzie.

CHAPTER TWENTY

MACKENZIE

“You’re making a mistake.”

Jordan’s voice cuts through the crisp air, sharp enough to make me freeze mid-step. My stomach twists, and for a brief second, I consider walking straight to my car without looking back. But I know my brother. He won’t let this go. I grit my teeth, turn around, and face him, already bracing for a fight.

“What are you talking about now?” My voice is steady despite the tension coiling in my chest.

Jordan steps closer, his brows drawn tight. “You know exactly what I’m talking about. You’re letting some stranger hang around your boys. They’re kids, Mackenzie. Impressionable kids. You don’t know anything about this guy. He could disappear tomorrow, and then what?”

His words hit a nerve, just like they always do.

“Nate isn’t a stranger,” I snap. “He’s a good guy. Why are you so determined to make him into a threat?”

“Because something about him doesn’t sit right with me.” Jordan’s jaw clenches as he crosses his arms. “You don’t see it because you don’t want to. You’re so desperate for help that you’re blind to the risks.”

My fists clench at my sides. “This isn’t about Nate. This is about you wanting to control everything.”

“It’s about keeping your kids safe,” he fires back. “I haven’t been able to prove anything yet, but I will.”

I shake my head, biting back the words I want to scream at him. My gaze flickers toward the porch, where my boys are laughing and playing, blissfully unaware of the tension between their mother and uncle. “Give it up, Jordan. Worry about your own life and stay the hell out of mine.”

His face hardens. “Don’t tell me not to worry. Whether you want to believe it, I care about you. About them.”

I exhale slowly, trying to stay calm. “I know you do. But you’ve got to back off. Spend time with them at Mom’s house. Otherwise, let me live my life.”

“It should be me taking them to practices,” he mutters. “Not … him.”

The weight of the unspoken words hangs in the air. Ethan’s voice echoes in my mind, sharp and unforgiving:Never trust your brother. I know Jordan wouldn’t intentionally hurt my kids, but the doubts linger. Ethan never believed in Jordan, and I’ve spent years trying not to see my brother through my late husband’s eyes.

“Drop it, Jordan.” My voice is firm as I stand taller. “I’ll let you know if anything changes. Until then, leave it alone.”

He hesitates, his lips pressing into a thin line. “Fine. But don’t say I didn’t warn you.”

“Noted.”

“I’m still digging into his past.”

I sigh. This is how he charms his way into Mom’s heart by acting as if he cares. When all Jordan really cares about is himself.

“Fine. Let me know if you find anything.” I take off toward the car before he can throw another accusation my way.

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