Page 14 of Scotch & Dreams

Lachlan felt his muscles tense. He was a calm guy, took things in stride, and gave people the benefit of the doubt. He couldn’t recall ever wanting to hit anyone. But a very distinct desire to do just that was snaking through his veins. It was a completely unfamiliar sensation. He sat stone still, listening. His fists tightened as he tried to keep control of his reaction. Of course, the lads would notice her. He certainly had.

“Blimey, that’s the sweetest sight I’ve seen in a long time.”

“Aye, I’d die a happy mon if I could have a piece of that!” Laughs all around.

“You’d have to save some for the rest of us. We’d all want a turn!”

Lachlan was up and at their table before they uttered another crude word. “That’s quite enough, lads." His tone left no room for argument. He was deadly serious.

“Well, if it isn’t my big brother, wonders never cease.” Lachlan hadn’t even noticed his youngest brother among the foursome of men. He was stunned as he took in the sight of him. He’d barely recognized him.

“Drew?” A familiar apprehension replaced Lachlan’s tension. “What are ye doin’ here?”

“Lovely to see you too, Big Brother.” Bitterness laced the younger man’s voice. “Still Saint Lachlan, I see.” Contempt resonated in the tight curve of his smile. “Goin’ to bat for all the helpless lasses.” His voice dripped with sarcasm.

Sadly, Lachlan had grown accustomed to Drew’s malevolence toward him. It had been almost two years since Lachlan had seen him last, and he’d hardly recognized the scruffy, tired-looking man before him. Time had done nothing to ease the younger man’s bitterness. Lachlan wondered if he’d ever see him again. And if he did, would it be any different? And now here they were, the reunion not going well.

“Are ye finally getting some action then, Lachlan? Sweet piece of ass too. How the hell did that happen?” His brother goaded him.

“That is enough.” Lachlan’s voice was edged with steel. He didn’t like any man speaking rudely about a woman, but his brother got under his skin worse than anyone else could.

“Aww, is that a sore spot, Big Brother?” Drew stood face to face with Lachlan, and the pair squared off, ready to do battle as tension bounced between them. In the back of his mind, Lachlan knew he should walk away. But he couldn’t.

“Just leave it alone, Drew,” Lachlan warned, feeling his fists clench.

“Oh, I think I get it now.” Drew grinned lewdly back at his friends, who sat riveted by the interaction before them as if it was all for their entertainment. “Of course. How could I forget? Saint Lachlan doesnae fuck them. He friends them.” Drew laughed crudely.

Lachlan’s blood boiled even though his brother’s offensiveness was nothing new. But then he crossed the line as he turned back to look Lachlan in the eye.

“If she’s not sucking yer cock, mind if I give it a go? I should like the feel of that sweet mouth…”

But before he could finish, Lachlan’s fist slammed into Drew’s smug face, dropping him like a ton of bricks. Lachlan had already turned and was walking away when he heard Drew swearing behind him, and that’s when he saw Violet. Her moss-green eyes were wide with apprehension.

“Lachlan, what’s happening? Are you okay?”

He turned her toward the door, feeling a surge of protectiveness and wanting to get her out of there as quickly as possible.

“Go get in my car. I’ll be out in a minute,” he instructed her.

“Okay.” Her eyes were filled with uncertainty, but she turned away from him and did as he told her. He didn’t have time to feel bad. He just needed her out of there. He couldn’t think straight until they were away from his brother.

When Lachlan turned around, Robbie stood behind him, concern etching his wrinkled face.

“Sorry, Robbie,” Lachlan muttered awkwardly. Pulling out his wallet, he took out some cash and held it out to him.

“It’s okay, lad,” Robbie said, pushing his hand away. “Dinnae fash yerself.” He grabbed a bag from the counter and handed it to Lachlan. “Two Scots breakfasts, to go.” He smiled reassuringly.

Lachlan nodded his thanks and headed out the door without looking back.

Aside from asking Violet if she was feeling okay when he first got into the car, Lachlan hadn’t said a word. He just drove like a man on a mission. Violet could feel the anger emanating from him. Should she be scared? His don’t-fuck-with-me attitude radiated off him.

Up until this point, Lachlan had been kind, funny, emotionally connected, and gentlemanly, but this side of him was far different. He’d become intense and raw like testosterone was barreling through his veins from the tick in his clean-shaven jaw to the way his biceps seemed to be busting out of his dress shirt as he death-gripped the steering wheel.

Violet didn’t know why, but even like this, she trusted him. He was angry for sure, but she was certain that his anger wasn’t directed toward her. She had a sneaking suspicion that he was angry at himself.

She didn’t know what had happened exactly, but she prudently decided now was not the time to ask questions. Violet had forgotten about her hunger, but the dull throb in her head intensified. She felt tired. She looked out the window as they sped along the rugged coastline. Waves hypnotically rolling against the sandy shores. It was otherworldly. Slowly, she drifted off into a deep sleep.

Chapter 10

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