Page 66 of Forever Zara

Overachievers.

Stubborn.

Hellraisers.

Armado Springs talked about Harper, Knox, and Zane for varying reasons. She knew what some thought about their club and how they lived. Harper didn’t care about people’s opinions she wouldn’t spit on if they were on fire. She loved her family with all her heart, including uncles, aunts, and all her cousins, by blood and not.

With a good set of friends, she earned her own money and rented an apartment.

Coincidentally, the last argument she had with a Marinos man was when she moved out of their family home. Rider thought she wasn’t ready for that.

He wasn’t wrong in anything he was saying, but she’d bite her tongue off before she told big-headed Knox that. He was already too alpha to cope with without handing him that ammo. Everyone had called him Alpha since he was twelve.

He was right. And she hated he was right.

But what was she to do when her heart was in this fight?

Her stupid heart.

If only she’d had the facts, she would have stayed away from the man with hot, brooding eyes.

Thinking about him put a gallop in her chest.

Swallowing, she set up her chin.

“Let me remind you, Knox, seeing as you easily forget. I am Rider Marinos’ daughter. Better yet, I am Zara Marinos’ daughter, that means you do not tell me what to do, or I’ll rip your fucking head off.”

It was a bomb going off around them because Knox’s corner lip curled as he bared his teeth, his eyes narrowing. “Is that so? Guess I have to fucking kill him myself then. I give a shit about this family, even if you don’t.”

And didn’t the little turd-bag stride off after announcing that?

Winded.

Panicked.

Pausing for a second, she could only stare after the long frame of her brother as he stalked further away.

“Knox!” she yelled. “You’ll stay out of it, Knox! I will burn your goddamn bike to ashes if you try anything. I will tell your current piece of ass you have crabs.”

Behind her, she heard a rough chuckle.

“Just love seeing my kids getting along.” Her dad said, putting an arm around her shoulder in the way he always did, pulling her close to kiss her temple. She instantly felt comforted and guilty. He wouldn’t be so quick to give her affection if he knew.

“What’s brewing between you two?”

“Nothing, Dad. Knox being his usual bossy self. Wish you’d tell him to butt out of my life.”

“He loves you, doodle-bug. He has it in him to take care of you and Zane.”

“Even if I’m the oldest? Even if I don’t want him to take care of me?”

“Even then.” Rider Marinos smiled. “Does he have a reason to be bossy now?”

She didn’t want to lie to him, so all she gave as a reply was a non-committal grumble of noise.

Knox had learned from the man himself how important family was.

She agreed wholeheartedly.

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