Page 65 of Cursed Love
Peter’s nostrils flared as he sniffed Junior. Seemingly satisfied with the scent, he stepped toward the building and Junior snapped, “Where are you going? He has my si—”
“Z, make sure no one follows us in and then head back to the gym. Let the family know,” Peter told him pointedly.
Ryan hurried them into the building, staying on Junior’s heels. Ethan trailed behind her, and she noticed the way Junior kept glancing over his shoulder.
“I think he can feel us behind him,”she told Ryan.
“I noticed that too,”he told her.
Once they reached Peter’s floor, Brandy wondered how they would all squeeze in the door without further raising Junior’s suspicions. Her question was answered when Peter opened the door and ushered Junior in. Brandy, Ryan, and Ethan shuffled inside as Junior took in his surroundings.
“Let’s go to the living room where we’ll be more comfortable,” Peter told Junior as he opened his mouth to say something.
“I smell her. She’s been here,” Junior said, turning toward Peter quickly.
The two were nearly chest to chest, raging testosterone as they both aimed to protect her.
Peter’s nose flared as he tried to rein in his wolf. “You need to step back.”
Brandy rolled her eyes at the display of aggression. Shrugging Ryan’s arm off her shoulders, she stepped up to the men.“Drop the shield now!”she snapped and placed a hand on Junior’s chest.
He jumped as his eyes rounded. “What the—”
“Why didn’t you just listen to Ethan?” Her annoyance grew as she thought about the many times and ways Ethan had told him she was okay.
“Where… Where did you—” Junior stuttered. His eyes were as big as saucers as he took them all in.
Ryan offered his hand. “Nice to meet you. I’m Ryan.”
Junior stared at the outstretched hand for a moment before shaking it. “Where did you—I thought I smelled you. Were you behind me on the stairs? Who was the other guy?” Junior asked, shooting question after question at them.
Chapter 26
Ryan enjoyed watching the large man turn into a blubbering idiot. Once they were able to shut him up, Brandy suggested they sit and have a chat. He sat back while Brandy and Ethan told Junior their family secret. Ryan figured it would be an easier pill to swallow that way.
Twenty minutes later, Peter walked back in the room as he hung up with whoever had called. “They tell him everything?”
“Sure.” Ryan nodded.Minus one little detail,he thought with a smirk. After a lifetime as friends, Ryan knew Peter could gather that something important had been left out.
Junior leaned forward, put his elbows to his knees, and stared at Brandy. “Come home with me. I have the house rigged with cameras, and we can keep you safe.”
Part of Ryan wanted to laugh, but the other wanted to sock his future brother-in-law in the jaw. Ryan coughed and scrubbed his face—his attempt to let Brandy handle the situation. Peter crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Junior with amusement.
“Junior, no—”
Junior turned toward her and grabbed her free hand in his. “Come on, baby girl,” he pleaded, and Ryan felt the man’s magic instantly. “I’m sure these two mean well, but I’d feel much better if you were at my place with Debbie. She would love—”
“Wow…” Ryan muttered and raised his palm toward Junior.
Brandy tried lowering his hand.“What are you doing?”she asked, panicked.
“Junior, can you say something else you think will make her change her mind?” he asked gently, and Brandy’s posture changed.
“What?” Junior asked, both annoyed and confused.
“Humor us. Why should I go to your place and not stay here?” Brandy asked.
Junior looked around a moment and noticed their serious faces. “Umm… Brandy, you know I have experience in security. I’m sure Peter and Ryan are trying their hardest to keep you safe, but—”
