Page 35 of Unbidden

I frown. “It was your big win. Shouldn’t you be celebrating?”

He gives me a sad smile. “We might’ve won, but it doesn’t feel right celebrating without the guys. Besides, I would rather have the pleasure of your company while making sure no one gets too close to my baby sister.”

“I’m not a baby,” Tinsley pipes up.

“I know. You’re all grown. What happened to the little girl who would cry and beg me to sing her to sleep?”

She narrows her eyes. “Asshole. You’re only a year older than me.”

He chuckles. “Chill, Tin Tin. I’m kidding.”

I hand my drink back to Keaton. “Can you hold this? I’m going to run to the restroom.”

He nods as Tinsley asks, “Want me to come with you?”

I glance at Keaton, then smile. “I think I can make it to the bathroom and back without being accosted. Besides, I’m wearing Keat’s number as backup.”

“Or maybe some crazed fan will attack you,” he quips.

I wink at him. “I’ll fight for your honor. And don’t worry. I never lose a fight.”

My heart feels light as his chuckle follows me. I walk through the house until I find the line indicating the bathroom. I sway a little on my feet, realizing that maybe the shots I had hit me a bit harder than I thought.

Through my hazed mind, I notice a male figure headed towards me. I gasp as I recognize Reed.

He found us.

Or did he know where we were the entire time?

His eyes meet mine as he grabs my arm, pulling me down the hall. He opens the first door and yells at the couple occupying the room to vacate. Once they exit the room, he slams the door shut, locking it.

My heart thunders in my ears as he takes a step closer to me.

“Take it off.”

My eyes widen at his gruff tone. When I don’t move, he walks up to me and starts to tug the jersey up.

“I said take it off. Are you deaf?”

I smack at his hands while I try to back up.

“Stop it, Reed. What the fuck?” My fight-or-flight finally kicks in, and I slap his face.

He freezes, staring right into my eyes as his darken.

“I don’t want you wearing my brother’s number. Take it off,” he barks through clenched teeth.

“He gave it to me. I’m not taking it off.”

“The hell you’re not.” He attempts to pull it off again.

“Stop it. Now. Or I’ll scream.”

“Like anyone would come.”

“Fine, I’ll yell ‘fire.’”

He growls in frustration before stepping back.

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