Page 85 of The Soldier

I only wanted him to come with me tonight as my date. My wall between Marshall and me. I should at least show some interest.

I tune out a little when he answers. Something about looking at a new career and might even do some different education.

My eyes flicker over to Marshall, the pull like the earth’s magnetic field. I’m struck by the anger rolling off him. It’s almost palpable.

Then his eyes dip down as a petite blonde with the longest and most beautiful hair I’ve ever seen stops in front of him.

My heckles rise.

Marshall’s face immediately brightens, and he gives her one of the smiles he saves for people who are important to him. Including me.

And I’m instantly furious.

I trip, and Roger catches me.

Fuck.

Next minute, Marshall’s arm is around her shoulder, and he kisses her cheek. Then they wander off into the kitchen together.

“The hell,” I mutter.

“Sorry?” Roger says and places his hand on my hips.

I slap at it.

“Hey!” I growl and then catch myself. But it’s too late and I catch Roger’s face which has turned red with anger.

He steps closer, grabbing my hip again, and snarls. “What the hell was that?”

Ah, what is happening right now? He’s turned into Jekyll and Hyde.

But even if he is a little unhinged I cannot let him leave now this girl has arrived.

No goddamn way.

“Sorry, natural reaction to grabby guys.” I shake my head and laugh. “Shall we see if there are any shots?”

Roger’s dark eyes study me and I shiver.

I think I might be in a little over my head here. At least I’m surrounded by all the guys.

It will be fine.

“Sure.” Roger finally nods, and we head in the same direction Marshall and his pretty girlfriend went.

The whore.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

MARSHALL

Sacha saved Roger’s life tonight. Nobody but me will ever know it, but she did. I haven’t seen her since I was in high school, and here she is at Aidan’s damn party. All kinds of random people are showing up.

Except Sacha isn’t random.

She was my brother’s girlfriend for two years, so she was at Sunday night dinners and a lot of family events while we were growing up.

I left for the military just as they were breaking up and was sad for them both.

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