Bennett saw Dean’s right hand clench into a fist. Knowing who you were dealing with always helped in manipulating the situation. Just a bit more and this party will be over.
Dean took a step toward Bennett, but what he hadn’t foreseen was Alex intervening. He grabbed hold of Dean’s shoulder as he spoke. “Don’t say it, Bennett. Zoey’s our sister. I’m not happy to see who she chose, but I’m willing to give you a chance. Hurt her, and you won’t need to worry about Dean coming after you. I’ll crush you myself.” Alex’s tone never changed, but the look in his eyes was one Bennett hadn’t seen before. He was serious.
I might have to keep my eye on Alex. Not the pushover I thought. I don’t normally miss something like that. What’s got me distracted? Bennett nodded and said, “Understood.”
His agreement had nothing to do with being intimidated by any of them. He knew once he collected the cigars he didn’t need to see Zoey again. He could handle everything over the phone. Yet, something in him said to keep the act going. He wasn’t sure exactly what was causing this gut feeling, but he wasn’t about to ignore it.
“Bennett, what my brothers are trying to say is that we love our sister, and we want to make sure your intentions are honorable,” Logan added.
Honorable? Not in the least. “Zoey is special to me.” It wasn’t a lie. He’d been attracted to her since the moment he met her. And somehow he did care. If he didn’t, he wouldn’t be here now. That much he was willing to admit to himself. Anything more than that wasn’t possible for someone like him. His life didn’t allow time for any permanent attachments. Even to someone as lovely as Zoey. Especially to someone as lovely as Zoey.
“Good. Treat her that way,” Logan said as he brought his cigar back to his mouth.
Shaun broke up the tension between the brothers. “I’ve gotten to know you, Bennett. She seems to care about you. All I ask is you keep the smile on her face that she had when the two of you finally decided to join us in the dining room.”
I’d love to, but trust me, you won’t like me when you find out the truth. “I’ll do my best. So are we going to talk or smoke these things?” Bennett held up his cigar. He eyed Dean who finally lit his and took a long drag. About fucking time.
The rest of the conversation was about their personal business matters. None of which mattered to Bennett. At least, not at this moment. But I’m sure it won’t be long before one of you requires me to protect your ass. Again.