Once he’s in his room, Kara elbows me. “You did sound like a naggy parent. Jude’s a grown man withneeds. I’m surprised he didn’t stay over at Ben’s house.”
I bristle at the idea of that. “He barely knows, Ben. Why would he stay over?” It’s a stupid thing to say, but it comes out before I can stop it.
“What would that matter?” Kara laughs. “He moved in with you when you barely knew him.”
“That was different.”
“Why because you’re not fucking?” She laughs.
“Yeah. That’s exactly right.” My gut churns at her words. I can’t stand the idea Jude is having sex with Ben, even though I know that’s unfair of me and weird that it might bother me. “Heknows nothing about Ben. Ben could be the biggest asshole who ever lived for all he knows. He should be more cautious.”
“Oh my God.” She stares at me. “Who are you and what have you done with Liam?” She leans toward me. “Wehad sex the first night we met, or have you forgotten?”
“I haven’t forgotten,” I mumble.
“Well, why would Jude have to wait to get his rocks off?”
I scowl at her. “Don’t be crude, Kara.”
She narrows her eyes, mouth tight. “What’s going on with you, Liam?”
“Nothing.” I pull my gaze from hers.
“Liar,” she says softly. “I’ve never seen you this protective of anyone like you are Jude.”
Heat touches my cheeks. “I just don’t want Jude to get hurt.”
“That’s not your business.”
“I can care about my friend if I want to, Kara.” I sound childish even to my own ears. I’m embarrassed at how I’m acting, but I can’t seem to rein in my jealousy. My wolf keeps whispering to me, warning me I’m going to lose Jude. I don’t understand what it’s trying to tell me. I don’t understand why I can’t seem to get Jude out of my head.
She stands, looking angry. “Maybe I should go.”
I let out a shaky breath. “No, don’t go.” I stand and slip my arms around her. She’s stiff at first, but then she relaxes into me. “I’m sorry, honey. You’re right. I’m being overly protective of Jude. I think it’s because he has no one in his life to watch out for him. He’s like a little brother to me.”
A little brother I tried to fuck up against the side of the house.
I wince inwardly, the memory of that night burning through me. God, I’m an asshole. I’m acting like a lunatic. If I keep this up, I’m going to lose Kara. My focus needs to be on her. Jude can watch out for himself. He doesn’t need my protection. He doesn’t even want my protection.
“You’re right,” I say. “Jude’s private life is not my business.”
She hesitates, and then asks quietly, “Are you happy, Liam?” She sniffs and looks up at me with her big green eyes. There’s worry there and I feel guilty because I put that there. “Lately, it doesn’t feel like you’re happy with me.”
“I am, babe.” I hold her tighter, kissing her hair. “You’re everything I could ever want in a woman.” I’m not lying either. Kara is a wonderful woman. My perfect match.
“Are you sure?” She sounds like a little girl.
“Yes.” I put a finger under her chin and gaze into her eyes. “Stay the night, okay? I want you to.”
She smiles, looking happier. “Are you sure? You have work tomorrow.”
“I’m sure.”
“Okay.” She laughs. “If you insist.”
“I do.” I turn off the lights and we go upstairs together.
And I make a mental note to try and butt out of Jude’s love life.
