Page 250 of Blood & Betrayals

“What about baby Luke? He’s single!” Zane says as we all try to ignore Zach as he slides his hand up Ashley’s skirt.

I wink at Luke. “I got you.” Luke flushes a shade of beetroot.

“I think Connor and Zach are coupled up enough for all of us. Give us a couple of months,” Zane says.

I smirk. “Don’t worry. Rafe is my first target.”

Rafe snarls. It’s a deep, terrifying sound that comes straight from his core. The whole table goes completely silent. Even Zach pulls his attention from Ashley and looks at Rafe nervously.

“Rafe. Calm down,” Connor says, shifting his body in front of me.

A storm seems to rage in Rafe’s eyes, and he stares at me furiously. For whatever reason, I don’t back down from his stare. Connor stands up and grabs Rafe’s face, forcing him to look at him. “Calm down.” Rafe’s eyes flicker a little, and then he yanks away from Connor, not looking at anyone as he storms away.

Worried, I look at Connor. He shakes his head and gives me a quick kiss. “Sorry, babe, gotta go handle him.” He grabs his bag and jogs after Rafe.

Zach sighs, watching after them. “Rafe has issues. Don’t worry about it,” he says to no one in particular.

96

Summer

Connor

I might be on Rafe duty tonight.

Connor sends a photo of himself, and my gaze goes straight to his swollen lip, which looks like it has only just stopped bleeding. Anger bubbles inside me at the sight, the need to protect him overwhelming.

Summer

You need me to fight him?

I ask it jokingly, but the offer is anything but a joke. I like Rafe, but he needs to get his fucking head in gear and stop punishing his brother. Connor would do anything for him.

Connor

I’d rather you kiss me better.

My lips twitch, and I look back at the photo of him.

Summer

Deal. And we fuck tomorrow?

Connor sends another photo. This time, it’s a photo of his hand, and he’s written what looks like a to-do list.

1 Beat up Rafe.

2 Fuck Summer.

Summer

Good boy.

I can practically hear Connor’s groan in his reply.

Connor

You know that gets me going…

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