Page 90 of Alive At Night

SOMEONE JUST TOUCHED MY ass. And based on how Julian was now storming toward me, hesawsomeone touch my ass.

His eyes pinned on something—more likely, someone—behind me, and I spun, looking for the culprit. I didn’t spy them until Julian had pushed his way onto the dance floor and grabbed the shirt collar of a guy to my right.

“Give me one good reason I shouldn’t break all your fucking fingers.”

Julian’s low snarl made goose bumps rise on my skin and my jaw drop.

Did I—did I hear that correctly?

“I’m waiting,” Julian growled, reaffirming that, yes, I did hear it correctly. He gave the man a shake while keeping a white-knuckle grip on his shirt. When the man stammered something about it being an accident, Julian scoffed and released him with an eye roll that made it clear he didn’t believe that excuse for a second.

“Stay away from my girlfriend if you don’t want to go to physical therapy. Got it?”

The man—who looked to be a little older than me but with considerably less fashion taste—nodded. Once he split, Julian slid in casually behind me, circling his arms around my waist as though he hadn’t just threatened someone for getting too close to me.

“Are you okay?”

I nodded, even though a slight tremor coursed through my bones. Honestly, it had a lot less to do with the guy who’d invaded my space and more with how Julian handled it. It wasn’t a surprise in the sense that Julian Briggs had always had an overprotective streak. But not withme. And not while calling me his girlfriend in the same breath.

Although that was probably why he did it. Just another part of the show, huh? That made sense, even if knowing the truth of it did nothing to stop my heart from hammering.

“How long have you two been together?” Sofia’s voice brought me back to reality. If she saw Julian threaten one of her guests, she didn’t seem annoyed by it. In fact, she appeared utterly unfazed as she twirled the straw in her glass, her body twisting slightly to the beat of the music. “I was surprised when you said you were bringing your boyfriend because I’ve never seen you post any pictures together.”

I stiffened, realizing she was right. Maybe she knew—she’d already figured it—

“Not long,” Julian replied easily, his lips brushing my ear. “But we’ve known each other forever.”

“We grew up together,” I added, relaxing into the truth. “Julian’s sister is my best friend.”

“That explains why you seem to know each other so well, even though your relationship is new,” Sofia said with an easy smile. Her gaze flicked over my shoulder to Julian. “What does your sister think about it?”

God, that was a good question. How would Gemma feel if she could see us right now? How would she feel if she knew the way Julian had held me last night? How would she react if she heard some of the things he said? Some of the thingsIsaid?

For the first time in a while, Julian seemed speechless until he cleared his throat.

“She’s getting used to it,” he replied, making Sofia laugh before someone cut in and stole the bride away from us.

The funny tone of Julian’s voice sparked curiosity. I spun in his arms, wanting to see his expression, but it caused me to momentarily lose my balance. Julian’s hold on me closed in, keeping me steady. Once the world straightened again, I tipped my head back, looking up his six-foot-plus frame to find him staring back at me, face wiped blank.

“Did Gemma say anything to you about this weekend?” I wondered.

“Just told me to behave.”

“Behave?”

Why was I suddenly curious to see what Julian acted like when hedidn’tbehave? Surely, Gemma didn’t think he’d misbehave inthatway. Right?

Julian cleared his throat. “Be nice to you.”

Of course. Well, that certainly made so much more sense. My brain was running wild tonight with far too many assumptions.

“I told her I already promised you I would be,” he added.

No wonder he was being especially nice. Not only had I asked him, but he knew I’d report back to Gemma if he was an ass. I supposed I had her to thank for the sweet, protective version of Julian that was my date tonight.

I’d miss him.

We were dancing very noncommittally. It was one of those awkward songs that lacked a good beat to dance to. Not fast, not slow. Julian and I shuffled from side to side. He likely wished he could be back chatting with Grayson and Nessa, but he didn’t say anything.

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