Chapter 3

CHAPTER THREE

HARRIET

“You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m not taking my brother to a wedding event for my date. It will be a four-day, three-night group thing where we’re doing all sorts of stuff. That I’m not going to do with my brother.”

Sean tries to give me that puppy-eyed look as if that will work. He’s crazy and out of his mind if he thinks I’m going to take him with me. He’s a great older brother, but he’s too overprotective.

“Why not? I’d make sure you had a fun time.” Sean grumbles, and I roll my eyes.

“Sean, you’re great, but no. One night, we’ll be out at a bar. What will happen if I dance with some guy? Anytime I’ve gone with y’all after work for drinks, you never let me dance with anyone.”

“No one’s good enough for you, Harry.”

That’s been my brother all my life. Nothing and no one is ever good enough. Riftan is right. I’m a damn adult, and there’s no way in hell I was going to take my brother with me.

“Besides, all those guys are going to want to grope you and try and get you in their bed for a one-nighter. You’re not that kind of girl.”

Now, I love my brother, but Jesus Almighty, save me from him. “How would you know? I’m not a virgin, Sean. I might not be as well-versed in the sexual arts as the likes of you guys, but I’m not a prude.”

Sean pales when he hears that, and out of the corner of my eye, I see Riftan stand taller, his hands clenched at his sides.

Is he okay?

Geez. They’re so alike in many ways, but Riftan has never spoken about the guys I’ve dated. He doesn’t try to throw me in saran wrap and hide me on a shelf like Sean tries to do. All. The. Time.

“Sean, you’re exhausting sometimes. I’m not taking you. However, I do want a plus one.” Then I will myself to keep my shit together when I turn my head up towards Riftan. He doesn’t even bat an eyelash when Sean picks up my subtle suggestion.

“Over my dead body.”

I roll my eyes, stand up, and go right up to my brother and poke him hard in the chest. “Listen, Sean Ashley Marks, you don’t get to dictate anything about any aspect of my life. You’re my brother, not my boss. I love you, but you’re overstepping. Besides, who better to protect me than Riftan.” I turn to look at him, and those midnight blue eyes darken, and there’s this atmospheric change in the air. It is as if electricity is striking all around us. He keeps himself in check, though. I can see that much. Would he go along with my wishes, or would he agree with Sean?

I shouldn’t feel so giddy about the thought of Riftan coming with me, but deep down, I am jumping for joy at the thought. Please. Please say yes.

“Riftan, get ready for a four-day, three-night free mini vacation. That a problem?” I might have boldly said that, but my insides are quaking. I’m trembling with nerves.

“Riftan, don’t even think about it.”

His dark eyes roam over my body, and a shiver races down my spine. Take the bait, Riftan. Don’t let me go all alone.

Then he gives Sean a droll look before looking back at me. “When and where?”

Everything inside me lights up like the Fourth of July. Sean stands there dumbfounded and a little angry, but that doesn’t stop the smile from curving on my face. He used to always end up siding with Sean, but there’s something about how Riftan stands taller as if he’s making a stand for something.

“We’re going to a plantation over in Roanoke Island. Jessica’s family is having the wedding there. It’s a three-hour drive. From Thursday to Sunday morning. Her wedding is Saturday in the early evening.”

“I don’t like this,” Sean states, crossing his arms over his chest.

“Good thing it’s not your decision to make. I’m sure Riftan is plenty capable of keeping me safe.”

“It’s not safety that concerns me.” Sean gives the both of us a sharp look, and I roll my eyes.

“Well, if I return pregnant, everyone will know who the father is.”

Sean chokes, coughing, and his face turns red as a cherry. “Pregnant?

“I’m joking. I know how he sees me, Sean. However, I’m taking him because he’s not my brother. They all know who you are. It would be embarrassing to take you. They don’t know Riftan. It’ll be fine.”

“I don't want anyone to take advantage of you, Harry.”

“Is that a dig, Sean?” Riftan’s voice goes low and lethal as he stands up to his full six and a half feet, his gaze narrowing on Sean like a panther ready to pounce.

Sean has the decency to look contrite, but he doesn’t say anything.

Boldness is my friend as I mutter, “What if I take advantage of him, Sean? What are you going to do?”

Sean’s eyes widen as they find mine, which are full of defiance and determination.

“That’s my best friend, Harry.”

Riftan snorts, relaxing once again against the door frame. “Sean, give it a rest. You know I’d never do anything to hurt Harriet. I will ensure she’s safe and let her have a fun time with her friends. You know it would be weird as fuck if you went with her.” His gaze travels from my brother back to me. “I’ll pick you up at your apartment on Thursday. What time?”

“Nine a.m.”

He nods curtly before giving Sean a hard, leveled look and then disappears from my office. Which also makes the bubble in this room pop, and I can breathe easier again. Although the look Sean is giving the place where Riftan used to be, well, he doesn’t like it still.

“Sean, everything’s going to be okay. As you see, he sees me as nothing more than a little girl to protect, but he’ll give me space to have fun. Which I know you wouldn’t because you’re too overprotective.” Seeing his gaze cast downward, I walk up to him and wrap my arms around his beefed-up, muscular body. “Sean, I love you. You’re an amazing brother, but I won’t let you ruin my fun. Besides, what’s the worst that could happen?”

I give him a bright smile and pull him down to kiss his cheek. He hugs me back and whispers, “You’ve no idea.”