“Fuck,” he said and pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. She was shaking as he caressed her back and calmed his anger. He scared the hell out of her. She would think he was like that dick who abused her. Damn it to all hell.
“I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’m angry,” he said to her. She pulled back and he cupped her cheeks and looked down into her glistening eyes.
“I’m sorry, Hunter. Please don’t be angry with me.”
“Shh, baby, I’m not angry with you. I’m angry with them. They’re over here being pushy, touching your hair and trying to get you to come to the beach with them. It pisses me off because you’re mine, and my brothers’. We care so much about you, and we’re protective of you, especially because we know what you went through. You deserve better than that. Hell, you deserve better than a man like me. I’m no good at hiding my feelings. I see men talking to you and I’m jealous because I don’t want to lose you and what we have. It’s a first for me, so I’m sorry if I scared you.”
She smiled at him.
“I think we both have a lot to learn. Maybe I can help you to not be so jealous and you can help me to not be so scared and afraid that you could strike me in anger because it became almost normal for Cameron to do to me.”
He tightened his jaw. “We would never hurt you or strike you, not ever. Real men don’t do that. And of course I’ll help you. My brothers and I will help you any way we can.”
“Okay then, so what’s the plan?” she asked.
“Hmm, maybe a little make out session and then lunch?” he asked and she giggled as he sniffed and kissed her neck, tickling her before he moved to her lips and kissed her deeply. It upset him that she was so timid around those men, but more so that he scared her and she reacted by covering her face and turning as if ready to receive a strike from him. That just didn’t sit right at all with him. That was something he and his brothers needed to help her with. He knew in that moment that he cared for her even more, and would do everything in his power to protect her and keep her safe. Everything.
Chapter 7
C.J. picked Caroline up after work and brought her back to their house. He was feeling concerned, overprotective, and a little uncertain after Hunter explained what happened at the park and her reaction to him. It seemed she really was still living with fear that all men were abusive and could strike at any time. That wasn’t right. It angered him and he thought about the best way to approach this and to build her confidence and take away her fears. As he discussed it with his brothers, they decided to do their best to encourage her, to help her to see that she was no longer a victim, wasn’t weak, or easily overpowered. They needed to do it in a way that wasn’t controlling, commanding, or made to make her feel like they were trying to change her. It was tough, but she was worth it. They already cared so much about Caroline.
When they arrived at the house, Hunter was cooking dinner and York was working but due home soon. As they gathered in the kitchen talking, C.J. watched Caroline. He took in the sight of her as she stood by Hunter, helping him slice up vegetables. She looked sexy as usual in the knee-length beige skirt that hugged her hips and the pink camisole that showed off her curvy figure. She was well endowed for such a petite woman. Watching her, seeing how tiny she was compared to Hunter made him feel very protective. Especially knowing that other men were trying to hit on her and stake a claim. Hunter also mentioned that one of the guys touched her hair and she didn’t press his hand away but lowered her eyes and her head in retreat and submission. That wasn’t going to happen again.
He worried about her and although she had come a long way in the last month trusting them, opening up about her fears and what made her nervous or uptight, he wondered if he could help her feel more confident.
“Hey, Caroline, do you know any self-defense moves?” he asked her.
“Me? No, why?”
“Oh I was just thinking that sometimes when people learn some self-defense moves it boosts their confidence and also lessens their own fears. Would you like to learn some?” he asked.
She looked up at Hunter. “Go ahead. I’ll be in in a minute,” he told her and she smiled.
C.J. headed into the living room. He took off his shoes and Caroline followed by slipping off her heels.
“Okay, so what do you do if someone comes charging at you like this?” he asked and stepped toward her. She covered her face, turned sideways, and went stiff.
He caressed her arms. “Not exactly. You should react with a countermove or stance to show that you’re not intimidated.”