Page 22 of Weaponized

I grin. I’m learning that she can be such a smart-ass.

“Alright, Texter, let’s hit the party.”

This time, instead of holding her hand, I wrap an arm around her and draw her close as we exit the house. She stumbles a bit and I realize it’s hard to walk with how tightly I’ve pulled her to my side.

“Sorry. I just wanted you close. Didn’t mean to make it hard for you to move.”

She pulls back a bit and looks like she can’t believe I just admitted that.

“Honesty, remember?” I mutter. Maybe too much honesty in my last statement, though. I’ve lost my filter. It’s a bit premature to be telling this girl that I can’t get enough of her.

“Ah, yes. I love the honesty.” She nods with a grin. “Okay then, let’s solve this dilemma of walking while being close.”

Gráinne walks behind me and as I start to turn around, she stops me.

“Uh-uh. Stay like that. You’re going to give me a piggyback ride.”

My eyebrows shoot up. Huh. Well, I guess this is one way to solve our “dilemma” as she put it. I don’t remember the last time I gave anyone a piggyback ride. Maybe my little brother, Michael, when we were younger? Like ten years ago? I can’t recall. It’s kind of playful and I haven’t been playful in a long time. It doesn’t matter though because I’d carry this girl anywhere she wants to go.

She jumps on my back and I hold her bare legs at my sides. Her mouth is close to my ear and she tells me where her friends are. I shiver at the sensation.

As is probably predictable, we make a scene making our way across the patio to the back corner where I see Rowan, Lizzie, and a few others gathered around our fire pit. I don’t mind the looks. In fact, I relish them.That’s right. She’s mine, motherfuckers. Don’t even think about it.I’m sure my glare speaks volumes as I make eye contact with a few of the guys along the way.

I catch Matteo’s eye as we pass. He’s blatantly ignoring a barely-bikini-clad girl who is pressed up to his side. A willowy brunette this time. He gives me a small smile before turning his attention to watch the people gathered around the fire. Yeah, tonight has been good. I’m not ready for it to end.

Gráinne

I’m not surprised that we get a lot of looks as Luca bounces me on his back across the backyard. But I am surprised when he drops me to my feet next to where Elizabeth is seated, sits down in the one open patio chair and then arranges me on his lap.

“Nice outfit.” One of the girls in the circle smiles. I think her name is Stephanie and she’s the girlfriend of Cole, one of my brother’s friends. Her smile is warm and friendly, so I grin back.

My brother is staring at Luca’s tattooed hand on my stomach. Luca’s arm is wrapped around me, with my back pulled tightly to his front. It’s not entirely uncomfortable, but he’s not exactly a soft seat either. I shift to get comfortable because I don’t want to sit anywhere else.

“If you don’t quit wiggling around, I’m going to throw you over my shoulder and take you back inside,” he growls in my ear.

I turn my head to look him right in the eye. “Promises, promises,” I tease. I know I’ve beenbeyondforward tonight. I guess when I decided to go for it, I went all in. I give Luca a quick kiss on the cheek. He begins to stand,and I press down on his arm. “Let’s stay here awhile.” He groans and then rearranges me once again.

“Where have you been?” Rowan’s voice is hard. He’s sitting next to Elizabeth, who is watching me and Luca with wide eyes. Next to her is Stephanie and Cole, and another girl whose name I can’t remember. Tanya? Tori? I know Stephanie introduced her roommate earlier.

“Hanging out with Luca,” I reply cheerfully. I know my chipper tone annoys Rowan.

“And that involved a change of clothes?” His voice has taken on a darker undertone.

“I didn’t bring any other clothes. Luca was kind enough to lend me a shirt. Between that, and sitting by the fire, I should be able to stay warm.” I can’t believe he wants to have this conversation in front of a group.

“And, is ‘staying warm’ why you are sittingwhereyou are sitting? Because I can buy you a fucking jacket.” Yeah. Rowan is pissed. He knew I was setting my sights on Luca. I guess seeing it up close is another matter. I frown because I don’t want anything to dissuade the big guy who has tucked me close. I wish I could say it was entirely due to my mission and not the warm feeling in my chest.

“You have something you really want to say?” Luca’s deep voice pipes up from behind me. He sounds calm. Even. It makes me a little nervous.

“Yeah.” Rowan glares at him. “That’s mylittle sisteron your lap. You might want to spend a little time getting to know her before you take her back to your house and make her some conquest. She’s not some trophy for you to flaunt.” I can’t believe Rowan is going after him like this. First, he’s going too far. I’m an adult. Second,while my brother is a muscular guy, Luca dwarfs him. Is he trying to get himself killed?

I feel Luca tense. “You haveno ideawhat you’re talking about.” His hand clenches into a fist on my thigh while the arm wrapped around me tightens.

I turn to him and whisper, “I’m sorry, baby. My brother is a little protective. He means well.” I look into his face, asking for understanding. His eyes soften.

I have absolutely no idea why I called him baby earlier. It just slipped out. Heat of the moment, I guess. I’ve slept with other guys, and I didn’t give them pet names. However, I like Luca’s soft expression when I do, so I’m assuming he likes the endearment. And I like using it. It just feels right. He just feels right. The way he looks at me, with softness as well as hunger. There’s a protectiveness under the surface that shakes me to the core. I wanted him to touch me. Desperately. I felt safe losing control with him. I also love how he keeps calling me Angel. I am definitely no saint, but it’s nice that he sees me that way.

“I happen to think you guys look great together,” Elizabeth pronounces and bumps my brother’s shoulder with her own.

---