Kane took a deep breath. "I can't afford to give Hannah more reason to get upset. It will make things even more difficult."
Ray smiled sympathetically. "I know. What do you plan to do?"
"What can I do but wait until the time is right? Problem is, I don't think it will be anytime soon."
Ray patted his shoulder consolingly. "Everything will turn out fine eventually."
"Does Jasmine know about Hannah?" he asked his future brother-in-law.
"I don't think so," Ray responded. "But both Jess and Faye hope that what you and Jasmine have for each other is just a little crush."
"What? Jess doesn't approve of me?" he asked with feigned indignation.
"She just doesn't want her sister to get hurt. And your sister doesn't want you to have more problems. I don't either."
"Is this your way of telling me not to make a move on Jasmine?"
"No. That's none of our business. We're just hoping things don't get any harder for you than it already is."
"Yeah, thanks," he said with a heavy sigh.
The MC's voice rose over the music and encouraged everyone to join the bridal party on the dance floor.
"Well, I'm off to waltz with the most beautiful bridesmaid of them all," Ray announced as he stood up and made a beeline for Faye.
Kane watched as Ray pulled Faye in his arms and smooched her right in the middle of the room with no care in the world.
He chuckled at the demonstrativeness of the couple as his eyes searched for Jasmine in the crowded area. He was determined to have her in his arms for as long as he could tonight, if only to move with the music.
Except that another guy had already claimed her.
His face flushed as a wave of sheer possessiveness hit him. His eyes slitted at the way the guy was running his hand seductively over Jasmine's back while keeping her plastered against his body with a tight arm around her waist. His chest constricted at the intimate picture unfolding before him.
Who the fuck is that guy? A boyfriend?
His gut clenched when he caught the expression on Jasmine's face. She looked angry and upset. Then worry enveloped him as the pair left the dance floor and went out the door.
With no other thought, he followed.
Kane kept a discreet distance as Jasmine's companion led her to a quiet corner outside the ballroom. He stopped behind a post, hidden from their view. It was rude to eavesdrop on a private conversation but he wanted to make sure Jasmine was okay.
"Listen to me, Tim," he heard her say with controlled anger. "I am not going to put up with you touching me like you just did."
"I'm sorry, sweet pea," the guy called Tim droned. "You know I'm just hot for you."
Kane's hands fisted at his sides. He didn't like the way the punk talked. But he stayed where he was. Jasmine might not appreciate him interfering.
"Stop calling me sweet pea!" Jasmine cried. "Do you realise how drunk you are already? You are at my sister's wedding, Tim. Please behave yourself. And please leave me alone."
"All I want is one chance with you, Jasmine. Just one. Please," the jerk whined.
"I'm sorry, but no."
Jasmine's voice was firm and Kane felt proud of her.
"Well, I have two weeks to wear you down," Tim said smugly, his tone turning into something more sinister.
"What do you mean?"
"I took a couple of weeks off work so I could stay here in Sydney with you."
"What? I'm not going to spend any time with you so you might as well go back to Melbourne." Jasmine replied, her voice losing some of its bravado.
"I heard you'll be all alone in Jessa and Rob's big house while they enjoy their honeymoon. You might want a warm body to keep you company," the creep slurred suggestively.
That's it. This has gone on long enough. Kane stepped out and showed himself.
"Jaz. There you are. I've been looking for you." He reached out for her.
"Kane!" Jasmine cried as she practically ran to him.
His breath hitched as he put his arm protectively around her shoulders. "Everything okay?"
Jasmine nodded, smiling up at him with grateful eyes.
He turned his attention to the other man. "Hi, I'm Kane Summers," he said coldly, not even gesturing for a handshake.
"Well, well, Kane Summers. Who might you be? Her new boyfriend?" Tim asked with a sneer.
"Yes," he responded, the lie rolling off his tongue easily.
Tim glared at Jasmine, his lips twisting with contempt. "You give everyone else a turn, Jasmine. But not me. What do they have that I don't? A bigger bank account?"
Kane took a menacing step towards the jerk but stilled when Jasmine clutched his arm.
"Kane, it's Jessa's wedding," she whispered frantically.