Page 54 of Wicked

Love another and your world will go out with a bang.

18

Ryker

Iglance sidelong at Harper. Shoot my gaze next to the guy at her side. What a fucking surprise to see his text on my cell after my team won yet another home game.

Unknown number: Ticket at the airport in your name waiting to be claimed. Shephard.

A shit ton of emotions hit me. Suspicion. Excitement. Curiosity. My curiosity overrode the suspicion. Excitement won out as soon as the plane landed.

Then when I saw her from across the room, dressed so damn fine, I couldn’t stop myself from pulling her into my arms and claiming her as mine on the spot.

I see the hunger in the other guys’ eyes. Felt their desire dig its claws into her. Didn’t miss the hostility wafting from the booth across from us. The one occupied by four hulking guys with chips on their shoulders.

“Who are they?” I say in a low voice.

There’s no need to tell Harper and Shephard who I’m referring to. I’m a douchebag, but I’m not clueless. I get when there’s history between people.

“My little brother’s following.”

“Following?”

Fuck’s sake, what am I, a parrot?

“This isn’t the place. Harper can tell you about my blasted brother tonight.”

“I have more time.”

“Your father’s murder changed that, little one. Tell him, Harper. That’s why I brought him here. He needs to understand what he’s getting himself into. He has his future to think of.”

They’re speaking like I’m not sitting right here. But this conversation is too damn interesting for me to take offense to them talking over me.

“Are they the reason you left to make a phone call?”

She sets her fork down. The tips point at the men who haven’t gotten the clue it’s rude to be staring so hungrily at my girl.

I cast my eyes up and glare. They smirk. One slips me the bird. I clench my jaw. Ball my hand. Small fingers cover my fist under the table. Tap, tap, tap. A message to calm the fuck down.

I unclench my jaw. Crane my neck side to side. Shake the tension from my shoulders.

“Sam needs to understand you’re not alone. That if something were to happen to me, there’s someone else ready to do anything for you.”

“What if it’s too much for him?”

Why do I suspect “him” isn’t Shephard’s brother, but me?

“Then he isn’t the right one, is he, love? Desire. Lust. Obsession. Possession. You are mine. I am yours. Run and I will come after you. Fight and I will hold you tight until the fight dies from you breath by breath. Love another and your world will go out with a bang.”

What the fuckery? “Are you threatening her?” I hiss. “What the fuck kind of friend are you?”

Harper is quiet. She takes a slow drink of her water, then sets the glass down. Clasps her hands in her lap.

“My father wrote poems too, Ryker.”

“Are you telling me what he spouted is from your father?”

“To my mother, yes. I . . . I share everything with Shephard, including the poems my parents wrote to one other.”

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