Elias looked uncomfortable. “I protected June.”
“You care about her, don’t you?” Cole asked.
Elias stiffened, then nodded.
Chuckling, I said, “Look at us. The three men sleeping with June. Funny coincidence we’re all here at the same time, huh?”
Elias frowned. “Not coincidence. I called you.”
“Right, I guess… nevermind,” I said.
“I can’t believe she almost died.” Cole leaned forward and held his head in his hands. “We had a big fight. I was mad at her for trying to butt into my personal life.”
“She didn’t mean to,” I explained. “She was just curious about Alice. By the way, whoisAlice?”
“Someone I don’t talk about,” Cole snapped.
I held up my hands. “Hey, I’m just passing along info, buddy. Maybe relax a bit, yeah?”
“Sorry. Alice is a… sensitive subject.”
“Clearly.” I cleared my throat. “I really care about June, too. A hell of a lot more than I expected when we first hooked up. I know she’s our trainer and all, and that shit’s messy, but… well, a man can’t control what’s in his heart.”
“He cannot,” Elias agreed, patting his own chest. “Such strong feelings after a short time. June is a special woman.”
“Very special,” Cole agreed.
“Then why are you acting like a horse’s ass with her?” I demanded. “The fight y’all had put her in a bad place. She just wants to know more about you, Cole.”
“I know. It’s just not easy to let people in sometimes,” the captain of the Reapers said.
“Yes,” Elias nodded emphatically.
“Okay, so we all like this girl,” I said. “What do we do about it? Rock paper scissors?”
Elias stiffened, his hands curling into large fists. “I will fight anyone for her.Anyone.”
I glanced at Cole and gulped. “Nobody wants to fight you, big man.”
“Yes. You would lose.”
“Ehh. I think I could take you,” I said.
“I know you’re cocky, but let’s be realistic,” Cole told me.
I stood up slowly and cracked my knuckles. “Growing up, my momma told me all about David versus Goliath. The way I see it? I’m David in this situation.”
Elias narrowed his eyes.
“What the hell are you doing?” my sister Patricia suddenly snapped from the doorway. “You’re not seriously gonna fight this giant of a man, are you, Rhett?”
“No…”
“Yes, he was,” Cole said. “Your brother is an idiot.”
“Coulda told you that.” Patricia stepped between me and Elias. “My brother’s a damn fool. Don’t take him seriously, andpleasedon’t fight him.”
Elias nodded slowly. “I have already broken one nose today. I do not wish to make it two.”
