Page 9 of The Holiday Clause

Logan frowned. “Protect her from what?”

“Anything could happen in those woods.”

Soren snickered. “Is that what all those nature walks have been about? I think you have protector confused with stalker.”

Greyson’s jaw ticked, but he didn’t deny it. Had he been watching over Wren in the woods? Their house was secluded enough that no one would know.

“I don’t see what any of this has to do with the fact that Wren’s getting hot.” Soren instantly drew back at Greyson’s icy stare. “Chill, dude! My arm’s already bruising from your last punch.”

“Then watch your mouth.”

“I’m just saying, even if we agree not to look at her that way, we can’t stop everyone else from noticing her. Wren’s always been beautiful. We’re not the only ones with eyes.”

Finally feeling like he had helpful information to share, Logan sat up. “I heard Travis Whitaker plans on asking her to the Winter Formal.”

Greyson’s stare snapped to him. “Who told you that?”

“Chelsea, Travis’s little sister. She said they went for pizza last week and Travis kissed Wren.”

Soren gaped. “You’re lying.”

Greyson’s jaw locked.

“Why would I make that up?”

“Aw, man,” Soren clicked his tongue against his teeth. “Travis is such a player. He got in Becca Reese’s pants the day after he did the deed with Addison Levy.”

“He’s not touching Wren,” Greyson growled through gritted teeth.

“According to Chelsea, he already did.”

“Did you hear me?” Greyson snapped. “No one lays a hand on her. She’s going through something massive. She’s vulnerable and not thinking clearly. One wrong move with an asshole like Travis Whitaker could destroy her future. It’s our job to make sure that doesn’t happen. Mom always said we should watch over her like a sister.”

“Maybe she likes Travis.”

“Like I said, she’s not thinking clearly. Travis is not getting near her. And that rule goes for everyone. Anyone who thinksof laying a hand on her will have to get through us first. Understand?”

Logan frowned. “I don’t think Wren’s going to like that.”

Greyson leveled his brother with a hard stare. “Tough. It’s for her own good. From here on out, we protect her like one of our own.”

After that Christmas, any guy who got within two feet of Wren got his ass kicked. Greyson was such a force to be reckoned with that it didn’t take long for other guys to get the hint. No one touched Wren Wilde. And soon enough, no one even looked at her.

CHAPTER 2

“Out Jumps Good Old Santa Claus”

Fifteen YearsLater

Wren screamedas the cats bolted for cover. Her groceries scattered across the porch as she threw her hands up to shield her face. The moment Soren sprang off the snowmobile, her terror transformed into rage. “Are you trying to kill me?”

“I have to talk to you.”

“Don’t listen to him, Wren!” Logan launched out of the black super-duty truck and rushed up the porch.

Soren grabbed him by the back of the shirt and tugged. They stumbled down the steps and scuffled, tripping into a snowbank and grunting like idiots as they peppered each other with pathetic slaps.

“What the hell is going on?”