Page 42 of The Wrong Husband

"That’s what I said." Connor’s voice is patient, in an exaggerated fashion.

“Hey!” I jump up, shove my chair back. “I’m still here.” I look between them. “You know—the woman you’re talking about like I’m some item on the auction block?”

James looks stunned.

Connor’s lips curve into the kind of smirk that should not be sexy but absolutely is. And I hate that I notice.

Enough.

I wave a hand. “Let’s get one thing straight—I don’t need anyone’s permission to date, let alone marry. Especially not my brother’s.”

I swing toward Connor. “And you—what kind of caveman asks for permission to ‘court’ a woman in the twenty-first century? Are you planning to exchange goats while you’re at it?”

He doesn’t flinch. If anything, his smirk deepens.

“And who said I’d even consider marrying you?” I add, stabbing a finger in his direction. “I barely know you.”

"I’m going to change that." Connor nods. "We’re going to get to know each other in a respectful, structured way. And I’m going to win your attentions. To show you…" His eyes flash. "That I’m the man for you."

A treacherous warmth tugs on my insides. My thighs clench. Despite the fact that my brother is standing over us, I can’t stop my nipples from growing hard. The possessiveness in Connor’s tone, the intent in his eyes… All of it is so hot. I have no doubt, he means what he's saying. And it makes me feel cherished. Wanted. Seen.

The way he’s focused on me makes me feel special in a way that Drew never did. Thinking of my ex-boyfriend dampens my spirits at once.

I glance away. "I’m not interested."

James stiffens. "You heard her." He folds his arms across his chest.

"I don’t need you to speak on my behalf." I lower my chin.

"But—"

"But nothing. I’m a grown woman. And yes, I’m aware I ignored my family, so you felt duty-bound to look me up. You can let everyone know I'm fine, but from here on out, you have no reason to be involved in this."

"So, there is a 'this?’" Connor quips.

I throw him a dirty look, but he’s unperturbed. He leans back, his ridiculously big frame overshadowing the chair and making it look like a toy.

"Somehow, I feel responsible." My brother glares at Connor.

"You should feel that way, considering you asked him to look out for me, which I still can’t believe you did."

"And which I’m glad you did," Connor murmurs.

James looks even more pissed off at that.

"Will you stop riling him up," I admonish Connor. "And you—" I turn to my brother. "It’s time you back off."

James shifts his weight from foot to foot. "I didn’t mean to upset you," he finally offers. "I was merely looking out for you."

Some of the tension slides from my shoulders. A warm sensation squeezes my chest. My big brother has always been overprotective. As have my other four brothers. It’s James, however, who has never stopped himself from getting involved in things where he doesn’t need to.

"I’m aware." I blow out a breath. "But this is my life, and I have the right to live it how I see fit."

His brow furrows. He looks like he’s about to protest but then nods. "You’re right, Phe. I was out of line with you. As for this bastard—" He nods in Connor’s direction. "I’m watching you. If you hurt her, you’ll have me to contend with."

Before I can say anything else, he turns and stalks off. We watch him head to the back of the restaurant and through the door that leads to the kitchen.

"Well, then…" Connor turns to me. "Where were we?"