Page 19 of Undo Me

BD let out a muted roar of denial when the object of his desire tore herself from his embrace, rolling off the bed to land on her feet in a move that would have been impressive if he weren’t so frustrated.

Allegra stood in the doorway, a tray full of food in her hands and a comical expression. The shock he saw wasn’t directed at him at all, but Bethany, who had turned beet-red with mortification.

Why? There was nothing wrong with what they’d done. Unless someone else had claimed her.

The idea did not sit well with him.

Before he could question her, she mumbled her apologies to Allegra and rushed past the redhead in the doorway, out of his sight.

He was sick and tired of people walking away from him, and he now detested the feeling of sexual frustration. “Is she married? Engaged to another?”

The tray rattled at his bellowed questions. “She doesn’t even date, according to Michelle,” Allegra said hesitantly, moving closer to set her offering down on the dresser. “Mambo Toussaint said feeding you is a priority, so Rousseau and I whipped up a little of everything. I didn’t realize you would—that she would—” She turned toward him, her expression apologetic. “I’m so sorry, BD. I thought you were still unconscious. And none of us thought that you and Bethany would hit it off so quickly.”

For some reason, that last remark raised his hackles. He stood, hands on his hips as the sheet fell unheeded to the floor. “Why wouldn’t Bethany and I hit it off? Am I not good enough for her?”

Allegra paled. “Of course not. That’s not what I meant to say at all. I mean, I guess I don’t know her that well yet, but she doesn’t seem like the kind of woman who’d just leap into someone’s bed right away.” She gestured helplessly. “Then again, neither was I, so what do I know?”

What was wrong with his little warrior? She looked like BD had just kicked her favorite puppy. A strange tenderness welled up in his chest for this freckled Valkyrie. “Forgive me, cher. It’s been an unusual morning, as I’m sure you know.”

She sniffled, and he wanted to bang his head against the wall. Instead, he wrapped an arm around her. “There now, Allegra Jarod. Why would you cry? We can’t blame her for acting out of character, can we? I’m irresistible.”

“There’s my Bone Daddy,” she chuckled wetly, before sighing against his chest. “It’s my wedding day. Did you know?”

His eyes widened, arm tightening instinctively. “I knew Rousseau would waste no time, but I will say the date surprises me.”

“All Saints’. I know this might sound strange, but I wanted you to be here in spirit. You healed my leg, you saved my best friend’s life. You’re a part of us, so I wanted to honor you.”

He blinked swiftly, wondering at the pinch around his eyes. The sting. “I’m the honored one, Allegra. Thank you for including me. I have a feeling I won’t be the only one to pay his respects. The Loa love a good wedding. Your life will be blessed.”

“And your life will be over if you don’t get your hands off my woman and put some damn clothes on.”

Rousseau stood in the doorway, Ben Adair’s grip on his shoulder the only thing holding him back. Despite his restraint, Ben’s grim expression wasn’t all that welcoming either.

Ingrates.

He lifted his hands from Allegra and took a step back, smiling smugly. “Good to see you, too, boys. I’d love to get dressed so I can find Bethany. If one of you would be good enough to loan me a pair of pants, I’ll be out of your way. I seem to be lacking in the basic necessities this morning.”

“Bethany?” The two men spoke in unison, their matching expressions of bewilderment making him angry.

“And why not Bethany?” She doesn’t even date. “Has she taken vows? Is she a nun?”

That would be a crime and a waste, if it were true.

“Not a nun,” Allegra assured him in a whisper. Good girl.

“She’s not really your type.” Rousseau sounded as if the response had been torn out of him.

Ben scratched his head, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, I don’t see it either.”

“You see nothing.”

“I’m not knocking your skills, brother,” Ben protested. “From what Mimi said, Bethany was always—”

“Waiting,” BD interrupted, glaring at him. “For someone to look beyond the concealing surface and truly see her for the beauty she is. The butterfly that trembles inside her cocoon owns the brightest pair of wings. Once you free her, she soars. I thought I taught you better than that.”

Allegra ignored Rousseau’s curse of denial and wrapped her arms around BD’s bare waist, squeezing him affectionately. “That was beautiful. I’m so glad you’re here.”

He chuckled, his wary gaze fixed on her fiancé. He understood his possessive friend better than Rousseau knew. If he’d ever seen someone touching Isabel this way, he would kill them.

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