Page 49 of Wicked Oath
She makes a face. “I know. I just don’t want my best friend ever to be hurt again. I mean, without you, how else am I supposed to stay out of trouble?”
We laugh, and it feels good to let loose a little.
But the good vibes don’t last long when I hear my brother’s voice ask, “What are you doing here?”
I sigh and turn to face him. He’s hovering over our booth. “What do you mean, Owen?”
“I mean, what are you doing here? This isn’t a place you should be at so soon after … you know.”
“You mean when I was kidnapped,” I ask flatly.
He huffs. “Yes, that. Go home, Olivia.”
“You’re not the boss of me,Owen. I’m here to support James.”
“Well, James shouldn’t have let you come.”
“Well, my husband doesn’t get to boss me around either.”
“Olivia, just stop.”
“No, you stop!”
Lucy cuts in. “I think we should all just calm down.”
I look at her. “Not when my brother is being an idiot.”
“Me?” Owen asks. “I’m just trying to protect you!”
“From what?” I turn back to him. “Protect me from the excited crowd? From the dangers of fighting in the ring? I’m perfectly safe back here in this booth.” I cross my arms and give him a smug look. “Now, Lucy and I were enjoying our time together until you came over here to ruin it.”
“Hey, Owen,” Lucy says, fluttering her eyelashes.
He doesn’t even acknowledge her. “Olivia, just be smart about your choices.”
I stand up, slamming my hands onto the table. “You really need to stop being so overprotective. I know you care, and I don’t fault you for that. But you have to step back. I’m going to live my life, and you can’t stop me. Now, I’m here to support my husband. You can accept that or not. But either way, you’re going to leave me alone and let Lucy and me enjoy our evening together.”
“I’m fine if Owen stays,” she adds.
“Lucy.” My tone is full of exasperation.
“What?”
I give her a look before she nods and backs down. I love my friend, but right now, her crush on Owen is not helping matters.
Owen still doesn’t look in her direction. His angry eyes are all for me. “Fine. I’ll give you your space. But if I catch wind of trouble, I’m getting you out of here before you can even blink.”
“Fine.”
Owen waits for a beat before walking away, and Lucy pouts, watching him go. “You know, he could have stayed.”
“Lucy, I don’t care about your crush on Owen right now.”
She blinks. I know my tone was harsh, but I’m just so freaking irritated.
I sigh, rubbing a hand over my face. “Sorry. Just tense.”
“It’s ok. I get it. You’re going through a tough time right now. You know, we can leave and just have a girls’ night if you want. I promise I won’t mention Owen again.”
