“Being family doesn’t mean ownership.”
Belle leaned against Wyatt, glad he wasn’t backing down under Rigor’s evil glare and accusing finger.
Rigor’s nostrils flared. “Don’t tellmeabout a family.”
“Listen, buddy,” Wyatt said. “I like Belle. She’s single, and so am I. What’s the problem?” He shrugged. “What’syourproblem?”
“Problem?” Rigor’s eyes flashed. “Her pa’s behind bars, and he left me responsible for her, and already some asswipe has treated her like shit. I’m not about to let that happen again.”
“Over my dead body,” Teddy called, placing his hands on his hips and puffing up his chest.
Belle groaned. Typical that he’d waded in.
Wyatt glanced around the bar, at the faces turned his way.
For a moment, Belle felt guilty for putting him in this position, but then she saw the determined glint in his eyes and felt the possessive, vise-like grip he had on her.
“So you’re just worried about me hurting her?” Wyatt said.
“You could say that.”
“I’m not an asswipe.” Wyatt nodded at the room. “Ask my chapter brothers. They’ll vouch that I’m not a dick with women.”
“True,” Carter said with a nod. “He ain’t.”
Teddy glared at Carter.
Rigor kind of growled. “Answer my question. Did you fuck my sister?”
“I…” Wyatt paused. He looked down at Belle. “Have too much respect for this beautiful woman to answer that.” He jerked his head at the crowd. “So ya’ll show some respect too, and get back to your drinks. Show’s over.”
“I’ll fucking have your guts for this, and—” Rigor clenched his fists.
“Rigor.” Belle set her hand on his arm. “Let it drop.”
He huffed and reached for his whisky. Downed it.
“I need to move on from Billy,” Belle said, desperate to diffuse the situation. She didn’t like the set of Rigor’s jaw or the narrowed slits his eyes had become, not one bit. “Ihavemoved on from Billy. Like you told me to. I’ve forgotten him.”
“’Cause of this dude?” Rigor gestured to Nina for a refill.
She splashed in a double of whisky. The hum of conversation began to rise. People finally going back to their business and staying out of hers.
Except Teddy. She knew damn well he wouldn’t let it go.
“Yeah, because of Wyatt,” she said.
Rigor huffed. “Jeez. You only met him yesterday.”
“Sure, I know that.” She pushed her hair over her shoulders.
“So consider us … dating.” Wyatt grinned at Rigor then at Belle. “Ain’t that right?”
“Dating?” Rigor looked as though it was an alien word on his tongue.
“Yeah.” Wyatt kept his grin in place. “Dinner and hanging out and stuff.”
“We had pancakes.” Belle smiled up at Wyatt.