Page 35 of Wicked Praise

The big guy, who was roughly Blake’s size, turned and took in his body language. His gaze, as it landed on his hand, was dark and then his chest puffed out, indicating he believed Bella was under his protection.

Maybe she was.

But not for long.

Blake wasn’t done with this woman. Not even slightly.

Heat from her body burned into the palm of his hand and he pressed his fingers in a little firmer. Like he was planting his flag in the soil to let these piranhas know she was his.

What am I doing?

“What the fuck do you—”

“Knox. This is Blake,” Bella said, spinning and planting her hand on his broad chest.

Blake’s gaze landed on the spot and then slowly lifted to this Knox guy. They stared at one another until one of her suitors, wearing those dark framed modern-man glasses, snorted.

“Well, this is fun,” Glasses Guy said.

“Knox Montgomery.” He reached around Bella and offered his hand.

“My brother,” Bella said, turning her back on him and giving Blake big eyes which pleaded for him to shake his hand and keep things civil.

“Blake Dufort.” He accepted the handshake and wasn’t surprised when Knox’s death-like grip eased when he shared his surname. The name had power here and around the world. He’d learned that as a child and was reminded one way or another every day.

It also came with a lot of responsibility and very high expectations. Even in college, he’d had to deal with a range of reactions. Some wanted to be his friend, others were intimidated. Even the professors showed their biases. One, a complete asshole, told him he had a name to live up to and his grades should be higher.

Even though he was in the top 5 percent of his class, apparently that wasn’t good enough.

“Dufort,” Knox repeated, easing back and giving his sister an inch or two more space.

Blake nodded.

“Thought I recognized you,” Glasses Guy said. He held out his hand. “Tom Hutchinson.”

Jacob appeared beside him as he shook Tom’s hand.

“Gentleman. Oh, and ladies,” his brother said in greeting, winking at Bella.

Oh, no you don’t. She’s mine.

“Speaking of brothers, this is Jacob Dufort,” Blake said, and Bella dropped her eyes, smiling.

Damn it.

He felt like a dick.

Never in his life had he used his name to assert dominance. But the number of actual dicks and amount of testosterone surrounding her was irritating him.

Knox slid his hands into his pockets and studied both him and Jacob with a confidence that interested him.

“This is Bella and Knox Montgomery,” Blake said, turning to his brother.

“The fashion lines.” Jacob sipped his whisky. “Verity & Co. I own a few of your latest pieces. Very nice.”

So did he.

Bella sipped her drink and kept peeking glances at him almost coyly. She was staying close to her brother, and he couldn’t help but think the two of them were up to something.

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