Good. I'm glad to see Owen is taking his big-brother duties seriously.
"You don't get to act stupid because Mom and Dad aren't here. I'm letting Connor in before he leaves because he gave up on anyone coming to the door."
Owen mentioned something about fucking with her date. I'm all for that but we can't if Claud doesn't go to her room.
I step in front of her and block the path to the door. We're nearly chest to chest when I bring my hand to her mouth and drag my thumb over her pouty bottom lip. "Your lipstick is smeared. You should go fix it … Little dove."
Her eyes widen and her face softens the instant she hears me say the special pet name reserved only for her. A sigh escapes her mouth when she rubs her index and middle fingers over the lip I just touched. "Okay … Duke."
Ah. She's never said my nickname like that before.
The doorbell rings again and River slaps his palms together, rubbing them back and forth. "All right, all right, all right, boys. Time to have a little fun with this punk-ass."
Owen opens the front door and the kid is standing there with flowers in hand. "Good evening, sir. I'm Connor Bass."
Flowers? And sir? What a fucking suck-up.
Owen offers his hand for a shake. What is he doing? I thought we were going to fuck with this kid. "I'm Claudia's brother, Owen. Come in."
River and I stand straight-faced, chests puffed out, arms crossed. Intimidation. It's the only way to handle cocky little shits like this guy. "This is Bram and River. Claudia's other bodyguards."
The kid laughs. "Okay, I get it."
"I'm not sure you do. But you will." Owen puts his arm around Connor's shoulder and leads him into the living room. "Come. Sit. Let's talk while my sister finishes getting ready."
Claudia's date sits on the sofa and the three of us tower above him. My face is stone but I'm laughing inside as I wonder if he's ready to piss his pants and run out the door.
"Claudia is a very special girl to all of us. We would be very unhappy if anyone hurt her," River says.
Connor shakes his head. "I would never hurt her."
"That's good. I'm happy to hear that." Owen walks over to his baseball bag propped against the wall and removes his favorite bat. "Did my sister tell you I play baseball at UT?"
"She didn't have to; I already knew. I've seen you play a lot." His voice is trembling. I like that.
"Then you already know how hard I can swing a bat?"
Before he replies, Owen takes the stance and demonstrates his swing. Doesn't matter how many times I see it: I'm still amazed by the sheer power behind it. "That swing would crack a skull for sure."
"This is Priscilla." Owen wraps his hand around the bat and strokes it lovingly. "You touch my sister or hurt her in any way and you and Priscilla will become very well acquainted. And I don't mean on the baseball field. Do you understand what I'm saying?"
"Yes, sir."
"Have Claudia home by eleven. Not. One. Minute. Later. We'll be here waiting." River points to his watch. "And we'll be watching the time."
"Yes, sir."
I lean down so I'm in his face. "No going parking. No making out. No hands or fingers or any other appendages inside or on top of any article of her clothing. And don't even think about walking her to the door and trying for a goodnight kiss. I will end you." The last threat comes out with a bit of growl and I surprise even myself with how angry I feel at the thought of him trying anything with her.
This kid looks ready to piss his pants and run out the door. Goal accomplished. "Yes, sir."
Claudia comes into the living room and I'm both pleased and relieved to see her wearing a jacket over her sexy red top. Hell, that shirt and her exposed skin made me have inappropriate thoughts about her. This boy wouldn't stand a chance.
"Hey, Connor."
"Hey." His voice is deadpan and he doesn't even look in her direction.
Claudia studies the four of us. "What's going on here?"
"Nothing much." Owen chuckles. "Connor mentioned that he's seen me play ball, so I thought he might want to have a look at Priscilla."
"What did you do, Owen?"
He chuckles a second time. "I didn't do a thing."
"I don't believe you."
"Ask our boy Connor if you don't believe me."
He shrugs. "Just showed me Priscilla. And his swing."
"Pfft … like I believe that." Claudia's stiff expression softens when she sees the bouquet. "What beautiful flowers. Let me put those in some water before we go."