Page 23 of Bear

As he spoke, he pinned a long, hard look on Justin.

“Who the fuck are you?” Justin demanded.

“Just a few of Shelby’s friends,” Rooster replied, giving my shoulders a squeeze.

With Brewer at my back and Rooster by my side, I was hemmed in by bulky, tattooed, muscled men in leather vests, jeans, and biker boots, smelling of alcohol and cigarette smoke. Under other circumstances, I would have been worried, but right now, I felt safe and protected.

A third male voice spoke from the mouth of the aisle, behind Justin.

“Got the ribs for dinner next weekend, Boss.”

Crow stood there, clad head to toe in black. His eyes were cold and hard, and he wasn’t smiling.

Justin took a step back and bumped into the shelf. Three against one. And the odds were not in his favor.

“You’re done bothering the little lady,” Brewer said, his voice rough and low. “Now leave. Before you’re crawling out of here.”

Justin clenched his jaw and his nostrils flared. I could tell he wanted to spew a dozen vile things, but when he didn’t budge, Crow stepped toward him and shoved him in the shoulders.

“Move.”

Stumbling over his own feet, Justin left. After he was gone, I released a breath of relief that sounded like a sob. Rooster kept his arm anchored around my shoulders.

“You’re all right, darlin’.”

“How did you…?” I asked.

“We like to keep an eye on our own,” Brewer replied.

I blinked in surprise, too shocked to say anything.

Maisie made an inquisitive noise. Rooster tickled her tummy.

“That’s right, pumpkin. You’re part of the family.”

“I…I don’t know how to thank you,” I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Brewer cupped his palm to my cheek.

“You don’t have to say anything at all. Bear cares about you a great deal and he would want you to be safe.”

At the thought of Bear, a small spike of panic lodged in my chest.

“Please don’t tell him. About…this.”

Brewer raised an eyebrow.

“Why not?”

“I don’t want him to worry,” I replied.

But deep down, I had other reasons. I’d seen those scars on his chest. I’d felt the calluses on his knuckles. Bear could seriously hurt Justin if he found out Justin had been threatening me. Even though I wasn’t worried about Justin’s well-being, I was worried about Bear. I didn’t need him getting into trouble because of me.

Rooster clucked his tongue in dismay.

“Keeping secrets from another brother isn’t really a habit we like to make, sweetheart.”

“I know, and I’m really sorry to ask that of you. It’s just…”

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