“Perhaps you misunderstand. We weren’t asking. And we aren’t stepping anywhere to hide.”
Jack sighed, sounding more put out than angry.
That worried Madelaine more.
Because she recognized that tone in his voice. It meant someone had made a terrible mistake and Jack wasn’t going to let them get away with it. He’d used that same tone on each of his older brothers at one time or another and all of them had regretted not backing down.
“See,” Jack said conversationally, “that’s where things get awkward.”
The mercenary frowned.
“Why?”
“Because she’s mine and I never learned to share. You and all your friends are simply out of luck. Too bad for you.”
Madelaine nearly choked.
The mercenaries grinned as if they didn’t take him seriously. Madelaine knew they should take himveryseriously. He was protective of her. He had been that way years ago, when they’d been together.
“I’d say my luck is bountiful today. Right, boys?” The others all laughed with the leader.
“Yeah,” Jack said. “That’s what I was afraid of.”
The man pointed directly at Madelaine.
“Leave her and walk away.”
To Madelaine’s surprise, Jack draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her to his side. Possessively. Comfortably. Like she belonged there. Like they were married and he was about to kick butt and take names for the honor of his woman.
Then Jack said something she absolutely did not expect.
“That’s not happening.”
The mercenary smirked.
“And why not?”
Jack’s expression turned deadly serious.
“Because she’s my wife and carrying my child. And I’m most assuredly not sharing that.”
Silence drifted down all around them. Complete and deafening silence.
Madelaine had to work to keep her mouth from falling wide open.
The leader blinked. The mercenaries exchanged looks.
One of them actually lowered his weapon.
“What?”
Jack nodded solemnly. “You heard me. She’s three months along.”
Madelaine nearly choked.Three months?After their recent honeymoon, she might be several hours along, at best. Not that she was.
The mercenary looked uncertain. “Do you expect us to believe that?” He let out a brief chortle, but it didn’t sound like he meant it.
Jack pulled her a little closer. “Honestly, I don’t care if you believe me. But it means I’m not giving her over to you. Not happening.”
