Page 23 of Burly and Obsessed

“But if you do,” Jax continues, “being fired will be the least of your concerns.”

It’s not quite approval. But it’s acceptance, however grudging. If there’s one thing I know, it’s that Jax will have to get used to this, regardless of whether he ever thinks Ace is worthy of me.

“Understood.” Ace nods, respect in the gesture rather than submission.

Leesa joins us and tugs gently on Jax’s arm. “It’s our wedding, remember? Let’s get back to it.”

My brother hesitates, then offers a stiff nod. “We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

As they move away, the crowd disperses by degrees, conversation gradually rising to normal volume. The music shifts to something upbeat, drawing dancers back to the floor. The moment of confrontation passes, leaving Ace and me in a bubble of aftermath.

“You okay?” Ace asks, his thumb tracing circles on my palm.

“Better than okay.” And it’s true. Despite the tension, despite the public spectacle, I feel lighter than I have in years. “Thank you for standing up to him. I’ve waited a long time for you to do that.”

“I should have done this years ago.” His voice is filled with sadness.

I step closer, tilting my face up to his. “I needed to know you’d fight for us. And you needed to believe you were worth fighting for.”

His eyes search mine, wonder and hope mingled with lingering disbelief. “How long have you known?”

“Known what?”

“That I’ve been in love with you since the day Jax introduced us.”

“I hoped.” My hands slide up his chest to rest on his shoulders. “But I couldn’t let myself believe it until you proved it.”

“And now?” His voice drops lower, private despite the crowd around us.

“Now is when I tell you I love you, too.” I rise on tiptoes and kiss him gently.

CHAPTER 10

ACE

Need some air?” I ask, noticing Andrea keeps glancing toward the door.

The wedding reception swirls around us, and my body hums with awareness every time her curves press against me during our dance.

“Please.” Her smile is soft but tired.

I guide her through the crowd, my hand resting lightly on the small of her back, feeling the warmth of her skin through the thin fabric of her dress. A few guests mill about outside, but they’re far enough away for privacy—a couple smoking near the parking area, an elderly couple headed back to their car.

The moment we step outside, the cool night air washes over us. The music fades to a distant thrum, replaced by cricket songs and rustling leaves. Stars blanket the sky above the trees surrounding the venue. A stone bench sits nestled beneath an oak tree, string lights strung in its branches casting a soft glow.

“Here,” I gesture toward the bench. “Less chance of being interrupted.”

We sit close but not touching. Andrea hugs herself against the evening chill, and I fight the urge to pull her close. My fingers twitch with the need to warm her bare shoulders, to trace the elegant line of her collarbone. There are things I need to say first. Things she deserves to hear.

My shoulders remain tight. I fidget with my shirt cuff, trying to find the right words to start. This conversation might determine my entire future—our future. The thought terrifies me more than any mission I ever faced with the Teams.

“You look beautiful tonight,” I say softly, keeping my gaze on the tree line. My eyes track her profile anyway, the moonlight highlighting the curve of her cheek, the fullness of her lips that I’m desperate to taste again.

Andrea turns toward me, moonlight catching in her curly hair. “Thank you. You clean up pretty nicely, too.”

“There’s something you should know about me.” I step away from the bench, creating distance. This isn’t something I can say while touching her. Not when her proximity scrambles my thoughts, makes me want to skip the talking altogether and lose myself in the softness of her skin.

Andrea waits, patient and steady, her hands folded in her lap. The breeze teases a strand of hair across her cheek. I clench my fists to keep from reaching out to brush it away.

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