Page 126 of Girl Between (Dana Gray FBI Mystery Thriller #5)

Jake’s jaw muscles ached as he focused on the breathing technique he used to force his anger back into the steel trap where it belonged. But each time he pictured Dana walking down the aisle on the arm of another man, he had to start the process all over.

Never before had he considered causing unprovoked harm on another, let alone a friend.

Though Jake wasn’t sure he could consider Vincent George a friend.

The man was pushing his luck. Jake had wanted to pound the shit eating grin off his face more than once today as he watched George smugly escort Dana around the church and now the street.

He trailed the wedding parade as they danced their way to the reception, his eyes never losing Dana in the crowd. She’d asked him here.

… this is me officially asking. I need you …

That text message might as well have been an iron brand with the way it seared his soul. It was as good an invitation as Jake could’ve asked for to fight for the woman he couldn’t seem to live without.

Jake’s pulse quickened as he approached the reception venue, the tension in his body coiling like a spring ready to snap.

He knew how these events played out, with laughter and joy masking unspoken rivalries.

He’d caught a glimpse of Dana through the throng, her silhouette like a signal fire, drawing him closer.

The wedding march was a swirl of festivities, vibrant with music and laughter.

Jake’s eyes remained fixed on Dana, her every movement igniting a flare of possessiveness within him.

She was surrounded by people, but it was George’s presence that gnawed at his patience.

Jake’s mind raced, contemplating the confrontation that seemed inevitable.

As he navigated the crowd, weaving through well-wishers and guests, the words of Dana’s text echoed in his mind, a mantra that fueled his determination.

He could see George touching Dana’s back, his smile too comfortable, too familiar.

Jake’s fists clenched involuntarily, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he fought to maintain his composure.

He was here for her, and he wouldn’t let anyone stand in his way.

As he approached, the scene before him blurred slightly, the dancing parade revelers becoming mere shadows against the burning intensity of his focus. Dana’s laughter rang out, a sound so pure it momentarily soothed his raging thoughts. But the sight of George beside her reignited the flames.

Jake cracked his knuckles as he followed the crowd. He was used to biding his time. But he’d come here prepared to fight. If George wasn’t expecting it, that was on him.

What was it they said about love and war?

To Jake, this was both.

Anyone who got in his way was already a casualty.