Page 22 of Burly and Obsessed

Every instinct screams to step back, to defuse the situation before it escalates. To be the responsible one, the peacekeeper. But I’m tired of letting my brother dictate if a man can talk to me, or dance with me at a wedding.

Instead, I slide my arms around Ace’s neck, closing what little distance remains between us.

“He’s coming,” I whisper against Ace’s ear.

His body tenses, but he doesn’t release me. “Do you want me to let you go?”

There’s no hesitation to my response. “No, I don’t. I choose you, too.”

* * *

“Outside. Now.”Jax’s voice cuts through the music, his focus laser-fixed on Ace, not me. The command in his tone is familiar—the same voice he uses with his crew when there’s no room for argument. It makes him a good leader but a sometimes unbearable brother.

The dancers around us fall back, creating a small circle of empty space. Whispers ripple through the reception hall. My brother’s jaw is tight, his shoulders squared for a confrontation he clearly intends to have away from prying eyes.

“Whatever you have to say, you can say it here.” The words leave my mouth with surprising steadiness. I step slightly forward, not completely between them but refusing to be sidelined when I’m just as much a part of this as Ace.

Jax’s eyes flick to me, momentary surprise breaking through his anger. “This isn’t about you, Andrea.”

“Of course it’s about me!” I say, my voice strong and loud. I stand taller, my body humming with adrenaline. “And I’m not letting you drag Ace outside like he’s done something wrong.”

For three years, I’ve watched this same scene play out differently—Ace backing away whenever Jax appeared, me staying silent to keep the peace. Not tonight. This isn’t just Ace’s test. It’s my moment to stop letting Jax control my life.

“You promised me,” Jax says to Ace, voice lowered but intensity undiminished. “The one condition.”

“I know.” Ace doesn’t back down, doesn’t look away. His hand finds mine, and his fingers weave through them tightly. “I respected that promise for three years. I can’t anymore.”

“Because of a dance?” Jax’s eyebrow raises.

“Because I’m in love with her.” The simple declaration sends a shock wave through me, even after everything that’s happened tonight. “I respect you, Jax. I owe you everything. But this isn’t your decision.”

My heart pounds against my ribs. Three years of wanting these words, needing this stand. Ace isn’t just confronting Jax—he’s confronting the fear that’s kept him at a distance.

“You can’t just—” Jax starts.

“Yes, he can.” My voice is stronger now. “And so can I. I’ve let this go on too long, Jax. Let you decide who’s good enough, who gets too close.”

My brother’s expression shifts, surprise replacing anger for a moment. I’ve never pushed back against his protectiveness, not directly. My silence enabled this dynamic between them, between us.

“Andrea.” His voice softens, and for the first time, I recognize genuine concern beneath the control. “You don’t understand what you’re getting into.”

Leesa appears at his side, her white dress shimmering as she lays a gentle hand on his arm. “Jax, it’s their choice.”

“He’s not steady.” Jax’s concern breaks through his anger. “He’s a good worker, but he’s reckless. You’re my little sister. I have to protect you.”

The vulnerability in that statement hits me harder than his anger ever could. For all his overbearing protection, all his interference, it’s always been about love. Misguided, perhaps, but real.

“And I always will be your sister.” I step closer, my voice gentler now. “But I’m not little anymore. I know who Ace is. I know who I am. I don’t need protection,” I pause as I look at my brother. “I need you to trust me. And you need to trust Ace.”

The tension in the air shifts and eases a little.

“I make my own choices.” I continue, looking between them and feeling confident in a way that’s new to me. “And I choose Ace.”

Jax’s gaze moves from me to Ace, measuring, assessing. Something passes between them—but eventually, Jax nods.

“If you hurt her—” Jax begins.

“I won’t.” Ace’s response is immediate, unhesitating.

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