Zach winced. His woman? Where had that come from? He was mad at the little fool. Still, the words echoed through to his soul. His woman. “Yeah. You got a problem with that?”
“No.” Harper shook his head. “It’s just that she led me to believe she was available, that’s all.”
Zach tensed. Harper was interested in Dusty. He could smell it. He felt like a wolf, fierce and possessive, with another male sniffing around his mate. The thought of Harper’s hands on his woman made him want to throttle the guy.
“She’s not.” His voice was low, feral.
“All right. Jesus.” Harper rose from his chair. “I think it’s only fair to tell you, though, especially if you’re involved with someone else. Angie thinks she’s gonna start things up with you again.”
“She made her intentions clear at your party. I told her I’m not interested.”
“Good enough,” Harper said. “For me, that is. But Angie’s used to getting what she wants, and what she wants right now is you.”
“She can’t have me.”
“I understand. Just don’t expect
her to accept no for an answer.” Harper walked out the door, but turned his head and looked back. “Honestly, I’m glad you’re okay, Zach.”
“What are you standing there for?” Zach said to Chad. “I told you. I want to see my woman.”
“Your woman is the reason you’re in that hospital bed, Zach.”
“I don’t care. She’s mine, and I want to see her.”
Chad rolled his eyes. “I never thought I’d see the day. Fine. But don’t you dare get up. I’ll go get you a wheelchair.”
Chad had no sooner left the room when Angelina trotted in, followed by Dallas and Chelsea. “Oh, God,” Zach said under his breath.
“You poor thing,” she gushed. “I came as soon as I could. How are you feeling?”
“Like shit.”
She sat down on the edge of the bed and pushed his hair out of his eyes. He flinched.
“What can I do for you, sweetie pie?”
“Nothing. Chad’s here, and my ma’s on her way. I don’t need anyone else fawning over me.”
“Surely there’s something I can do.”
“Nothing.” Zach sipped his coffee, which was now lukewarm.
“Now, Zach, Angie’s just trying to help,” Chelsea said.
“And I don’t need her help, Chelsea.”
“Honey, why don’t you and Angie wait outside for a minute,” Dallas said. “I want to talk to my brother alone.”
“Christ,” Zach said, as the women left. “What is it?”
“Are you going to believe me now?”
“About what? Dusty being no good for me?” Yes, the woman had gotten herself and him injured, and yes, he was mad, but no way in hell would he clue Dallas in on that fact. “No, I’m not.”
“She got on your bull without permission. She could have been seriously hurt, and she would have sued us, and—”
“First of all, she’s okay, thank God,” Zach said. “And secondly, she wouldn’t have sued us. She doesn’t have a malicious bone in her body.”