Page 77 of Fury
"They're home for good," I tell him, trying to gauge his reaction. "Transferred schools to finish their degrees here."
"So I heard." He steps closer, his hand finding my waist in that possessive gesture that's become second nature. "Also heard they're less than thrilled about being kept in the dark regarding recent events."
I lean into his touch, seeking reassurance. "They're just worried. They'll calm down once they get to know you better."
His laugh is short and humorless. "Will they? Because according to Zach, who got an earful from Tiana, they spent a good chunk of time at the compound this afternoon having a very animated conversation with your father about my intentions toward you."
My stomach drops. "Oh God. What did Dad tell them?"
"Nothing that wasn't true," Greyson says, his thumb tracing circles on my hip. "But apparently your brothers have some strong opinions about older men who 'take advantage' of their baby sister."
"You didn't take advantage of me," I protest immediately. "I'm twenty years old, and I make my own choices."
"I know that. You know that. Your brothers, however, seem to think I'm some kind of predator who's been waiting for you to come home so I could pounce."
The image is so ridiculous I almost laugh, but the tension in Greyson's shoulders tells me this isn't funny to him. "What exactly did they say?"
"They made their position very clear," he replies dryly. "And they've invited us both to dinner tonight so we can all 'get to know each other better.'"
"Oh no." I can already imagine how that conversation will go. "We don't have to go. I can make an excuse?—"
"No." His grip on my waist tightens. "I'm not running from your brothers, Livie. If they want to have it out with me, we'll have it out."
"Greyson—"
"I love you," he cuts me off, his voice fierce. "And I'm not going anywhere. Your brothers need to understand that."
The determination in his voice sends warmth flooding through me. "I love you too. But they can be… intense."
"So can I," he reminds me with a smile that's all predator. "Besides, how bad can it be?"
I think about Harlan and Cole, about their overprotectiveness.
"Famous last words," I mutter, but I let him help me onto the bike anyway.
I love my brothers, I love the fact that Greyson is fine with facing down all of the important men in my life to make his place known in mine.
I love it.
Once, when I was younger and before I discovered Greyson, I was crying over a boy I had a crush on, and he was scared of my dad who approached him.
My dad told me that any boy that is so easily scared off doesn’t deserve me.
The ride to my brothers' new place is tense. Greyson's body is rigid beneath my hands as we navigate the familiar streets. I can feel the coiled energy in his muscles, the way he's preparing himself for battle. It reminds me of that conversation with Dad all those years ago, and I find myself smiling despite my nerves.
"What's got you grinning?" Greyson asks as we pull into the driveway of the old Miller house.
"Just thinking about something Dad told me once," I reply, sliding off the bike. "About boys who scare easily."
His eyes narrow as he removes his helmet. "And?"
"You're not scared," I say simply, standing on my tiptoes to kiss him. "That means everything to me."
Some of the tension leaves his shoulders at my words. "Never," he promises against my lips. "Not of your brothers, not of anyone."
The front door opens before we can knock, revealing Cole in all his intimidating glory. At six-foot-three with the build of someone who's spent years in military training, he fills the doorframe completely. His dark eyes, so like mine, assess Greyson with cold calculation.
"Greyson Reed." His voice is carefully neutral. "Right on time."
