Page 33 of Sacrifice
"Or you're in denial." He polishes off his plate. "Look, I know I'm your little brother, and traditionally I should be threatening any guy who looks at you. But honestly? I've never seen you react to anyone like this. It might be worth exploring."
"Since when are you wise?"
"Since always. You just never listen." He stands, stretching. "I'm getting seconds. Want anything?"
"Another beer. Maybe three."
"That bad, huh?"
"You have no idea."
He heads off, and I'm alone again. But not for long. One of the prospects—Gremlin? Granger? Gorm!—approaches, obviously nervous.
"Hey, Saga. You, uh, you’re lookin’ good tonight."
"Thanks?" I eye him warily.
He's young, maybe twenty-two, all eager energy and misplaced confidence.
"So I was thinking, maybe we could?—"
"Walk away." Emil's voice comes from directly behind me, ice cold and deadly serious. "Now."
Gorm goes pale. "I was just?—"
"I know what you were doing. And I'm telling you to stop." Emil moves beside me, not touching but close enough that his intent is clear. "She's not interested."
"I can speak for myself," I snap, even though I'm definitely not interested in the baby prospect.
"Then speak." Emil doesn't look at me, still staring down the kid. "Tell him you're interested. I'll wait."
The prospect looks between us, understanding dawning. "Oh. Oh shit. Sorry, I didn't know she was yours?—"
"I'm not his!" I stand, furious. "I'm not anyone's!"
"Yet," Emil adds helpfully.
"Ever!"
"We'll see."
The prospect backs away slowly. "I'm just gonna... yeah. Sorry."
He practically runs, leaving me vibrating with rage.
"You asshole," I hiss. "You can't just?—"
"Can't what? Protect you from children who think they have a shot?"
"He wasn't a threat!"
"No, but Los Coyotes might be." His voice drops, serious now. "They're scouting, Saga. Looking for weaknesses. For women who aren't protected."
"I don't need protection."
"You need something." He turns to face me fully. "And until you admit what that is, I'll keep scaring off prospects and accountants and anyone else who thinks they can have what's mine."
"I'm not?—"
