Page 32 of Redeeming Harmony

“Hey.” Daniel’s face drew down into a scowl. “Get your hands off, Harper, you fucking perv.”

He stumbled forward, the scowl changing to disbelief when Nathan reached out and shoved him back with a hard hand to his chest.

“Don’t touch me, cowboy,” Daniel said.

“Stay away from Harper,” Nathan said.

“Or what?” Daniel’s hands clenched into fists. “You think you can take me? Harper doesn’t need you pawing at her like a pervert and -”

“You’re the one who couldn’t keep your hands off her ass,” Nathan said. “Touch her again, and I’ll break your arm.”

“Do you have any fucking idea who you’re talking to?” Daniel said.

“A drunk,” Nathan said.

“Oh shit,” Harper said when Daniel roared in rage and lunged at Nathan.

Nathan pushed her out of the way, his arm coming up to block Daniel’s blow. Before Daniel could swing again, a large arm with ‘Addison’ tattooed on it circled his neck and dragged him back.

“Get offa me!” Daniel clawed at the arm as Harper ducked around Nathan.

Before she could move toward Daniel, Nathan put his arm around her waist and drew her back against him. “Stay with me, Harper.”

“I said, get the fuck offa me!” Daniel shouted.

“Enough, Daniel. Calm the fuck down.”

Relief flooded through Harper. Preacher stood behind Daniel and his big body towered over the firefighter.

“Preacher?” Daniel craned his neck to stare up at him. “Hey, man. How the fuck are ya?”

“Fine.” The tattoo artist released him but wrapped one big hand around Daniel’s upper arm. “It’s time to go home.”

“Nah, I ain’t ready to go home yet. Hey, you comin’ to Mom and Dad’s tomorrow night for dinner?”

“Harper?” Addison appeared and took Harper’s hand. “Honey, are you okay?”

“I’m fine,” Harper said.

Addison stared at Nathan’s arm around Harper’s waist before glancing at her brother. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay, pinky-pie.” Harper hated how worried Addison looked. “I’m not upset.”

“Addie!” Daniel waved at her. “Hey! Preacher’s here!”

“I know,” Addison said. “C’mon, Daniel, it’s time to go home.”

“I don’t wanna,” Daniel said.

“Too fucking bad,” Preacher said. He kept his hand around Daniel’s arm. “Your sister is driving you home, and you’re gonna keep your mouth shut and do exactly what she says. Got it?”

Daniel laughed and leaned against Preacher. “Sure, man. That’s no problem.”

Keeping his hand on Daniel’s arm, Preacher stood next to Addison and bent to press a kiss against her mouth. “I’ll follow you on the bike.”

“Thank you, honey,” she said.

He nodded and glanced at Harper. “Hello, Harper.”

---