Page 113 of Anger

I nudge him with my shoulder.

“If you need help, I’m here for you,” I whisper.

It’s possible if I ask Blue to introduce me to Brinley, I can smooth things over so Brinley will listen to whatever Shane wants.

The man has never been interested in a woman beyond his one-night stands. We’ve been ragging on him for years about it. But just the mention of this Brinley chick sets him on edge.

I know that behavior.

I’ve seen it in Tanner and Gabe when it came to Luca and Ivy.

I’ve seen it in Ezra when it came to Emily.

I once felt it myself when it came to her.

Shane shakes his head. “This is between Brinley and me. She’s mine to find and mine to deal with when I find her.”

Yep.

He wants her.

I almost laugh to see Shane growing the hell up.

It takes effort not to pat him on the head. But in the mood he’s in, he may attack me next.

Tanner and Shane work out their issue and the family meeting adjourns, leaving Ezra, Shane and me in the room once the group clears out.

Emily is one of the last to leave, and I hate the worried look she shoots Ezra. I know it has nothing to do with Shane and everything to do with me.

I’m surprised she hasn’t attempted to talk to me one-on-one since William’s death. It used to be her job. She used to be the only person who could calm my mind down after those weekends.

Not anymore, I guess.

She’s Ezra’s girlfriend and just myfriend.

Which means she won’t be around that much when I need her.

“You good?” Ezra asks Shane, his energy cool and tempered.

“Yeah,” Shane answers then pauses, “Yeah, I’m fine. I just need to figure this out.”

My brother is attempting to restrain his laughter. Being witness to this newly discovered side to Shane, I’m not doing much better myself. It’s funny as shit to see a man who’s always sworn off relationships become so flustered over a woman.

Ezra grins. “You sure? Because you looked like you were about to take Jase’s head off his shoulders over the idea of him laying a finger on Brinley.”

“And ain’t that some shit,” I pipe up, unable to help it. “I’ve never seen you act possessive over a chick before.”

Shane locks his stare on me. “I’m not being possessive.”

“If you say so,” Ezra answers.

We argue back-and-forth, Shane’s cheeks growing a funny red color at our accusations.

Deciding to give him a break, I offer, “If you need any help, I’m here for you. Got me?”

He shakes his head to decline the offer but then stills in place, turns and catches my gaze. “Actually, I think you can help, and here’s why…”

My brow cocks in interest. How can any idea of his be better than mine?

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