9. Fighting Over Me.
1290 Words
~LUNA~
I could tell he was angry. It was obvious from the way he abandoned us at the parking lot and stalked off. He didn't need to talk much, I could see it in the widening of his broad shoulders and the rigidity of his gait. But what I couldn't fathom was why.
Still trying to wrap my head around what could possibly be wrong, I stepped out of the car, standing by the side as Ace proceeded to get the key from the keyhole.
He was fine before we left the country club, but something shifted during our ride home. I wasn't sure then, because the only outstanding event was him almost getting us killed by slamming on the brakes all of a sudden.
My brows furrowed in thought. Now that I thought about it, that action of his depicted anger. But there was still no hint of why he would be angry.
I remembered his stare through the rearview mirror when he apologized about it. Nothing in his gaze screamed anger. But his blue eyes had lost their sparks— or was it because I wasn't staring at him directly?
Ugh! A sigh escaped my lips. I didn't like this.
"You good?" Ace came up beside me as soon as he pressed the lock button and the car beeped.
I forced my expression not to look so forlorn. "Yeah. Just wondering what's up with him."
Ace smiled, waving me away casually. "Don't put your mind on it. He's like that at times. No hard feelings. Don't let it get to you." Too late. It already had. But I nodded anyway, falling into steps with him as we walked out of the parking lot.
I allowed my gaze to take in Ace. He had been so protective, never wanting to leave my side since Xander told him about my near-rape. I understood he was trying to look after me like my brother made him promise, but a part of me thought his actions and gestures were a bit intimate. Just like in the car when he held me.
It had felt good to be held by him, but no sparks or sizzling sensations associated with Xander's touch. It was just like a friend comforting a friend. Plus, Xander had already made me feel better by holding me in his arms long before he arrived.
I bit my lips as we neared the front door. He took care of me. I wanted to do the same for him.
"No damage done to your clothes or anything else, right?" Ace asked, yet again, for the umpteenth time.
I allowed myself a smile as he pushed the door. He was sounding like Micheal only that he was being subtle and not going all big brotherly on me.
I shook my head. "Not really. Xander appeared at the nick of time."
I saw the satisfactory smile that crossed his lips, mixed with relief. "I trust him to give that psycho the beating of his life."
I nodded, still nibbling on my lower lip. He sure did. Then his words filtered through my ears, like he was here growling it. "Nobody touches what's mine."
I pushed the thought of it away as I walked into the house with Ace.
"Where are you coming from this late, Ace." A crispy voice sounded at the entrance, causing us both to turn our heads sharply.
A very tall guy, almost the same muscular build as Xander stood by the door frame narrowing a questioning gaze at Ace, his big hands folded across his chest.
I turned to Ace and saw him smiling. "Come on, man. It's not that late."
He eased away from the doorframe, his eyes now resting on me as he sauntered closer. Something about his hair reminded me of Xander.
"Well, hello, dearie," he greeted softly, trailing a friendly gaze down my body and back to my face. He stopped a few feet away from us, his gaze narrowed at me.
"Hello," I muttered, realizing how awkward I sounded. His aura was just as powerful as Xander's. The only difference was that he was making me slightly uncomfortable.
"Have we met before? You look strangely familiar."
I shook my head slowly. Believe me, if I had met a man that striking, I wouldn't forget. "I don't think so." I replied with a slight tilt of my lips.
His furrowed gaze was still fixed on me before Ace cleared his throat.
"She's Michael's sister. And yeah, they look alike. Maybe that's why she looks familiar." Ace to the rescue. He always tried to shield me and make me feel at home.
The guy's eyes lit up. "Oh really!" I nodded, even knowing it wasn't a question.
"That explains the feeling of familiarity. So you and Ace..." He squinted his eyes at Ace and I felt heat rise through my cheeks. I opened my mouth to counter that, half wondering why Ace hadn't said anything yet.
"Of course, not!" Another voice beat me to it. I turned sharply to see Xander descending the stairs. My gaze strayed down his body and my pulse quickened.
He was clad in sweatpants and a tank top that emphasized his long athletic legs, and broad chest. My mouth went dry. This was the first time I was seeing him in something less casual.
"When did you get here, Andy?" He asked as he walked closer to us. His gaze flicked towards my direction and I wrenched mine away from his, mentally slapping myself for getting so carried away.
"Are you their spokesman now?" The guy arched his eyebrows at him, his lips tilted in a lopsided grin.
Xander scowled at him, a low growl rumbling from his throat. "Are you that blind to see nothing is going on? She's just here for us to protect her till Micheal's back."
He was now closer and I could feel his gaze on me, thanks to the hairs on my body that all but stood on end. I swallowed, darting my eyes around the sitting room.
"Us?" I heard Ace ask, detecting the mockery in his voice.
Xander let out a low hiss. "Yeah. Us. She's in my house."
I glanced at Ace to see him narrowing a questioning gaze at Xander, his lips hanging in a half smile.
"I didn't remember Micheal mentioning you as one of her protectors." I caught Andy alternating his gaze between them, depending on who spoke.
Xander's scowl deepened. Of course, I couldn't restrain my gaze from staying off him much longer. Not when the heat radiating off him was sucking me in, leaving me panting for at least his body contact.
"He didn't have to. As far as she's in my house, she's under my protection."
"What if I take her away from here." Ace seemed to be enjoying riling him up. But I wasn't. This game had gone far too long. It sounded as though they were fighting over me.
Xander let out a sardonic smile. "You know better than to cross me, Ace. She goes nowhere."
"I don't think—"
"Guys!!" Andy interrupted, causing a wave of relief to wash through me. "Is it just to protect her or is there something I'm missing."
"I'm guessing you need hearing aids then," Xander muttered as he uncapped the bottled water in his hand and proceeded to take a large gulp.
Andy chuckled before crossing over to his side and dragging him along. "Let's go, brother. I need to talk to you."
My brows furrowed as I watched them head towards the room directly adjacent to the stairs. "Brother?" I blurted out with a slight tilt of my head. Oh! Wow! That explained the resemblance.
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