Unchain My Heart(8)

Lexi was coming too, bringing Rebecca with her, but she was always late, so I prayed she’d be here soon to help me out. My cousin was unfazed by most things, so she’d handle the situation in her usual laidback way that seemed to relax everyone around her. I hoped that was going to work tonight.

I did a double take when I turned my attention back to Eva. Even though my memory of Amy had somewhat faded over the years, Eva reminded me so much of her—her posture, her long, dark hair, and small mannerisms . . . it was as if a ghost stood in front of me. My gaze flew to Harrison and I sucked in a breath when I saw his face. Harrison couldn’t take his eyes off Eva. He hardly ever dated, as far as I was aware, and to see him so obviously taken by a woman wasn’t something I’d experienced for nearly a decade. This was going to be an interesting night indeed.

Ryder tucked me under his arm when he saw Harrison. The smile faded from his face and his lips pressed together as his eyes narrowed suspiciously. A small vein ticking in his jaw was a warning signal that he was on high alert, ready for fight or flight, depending on how the meeting with his nemesis played out. I didn’t want him to do either. All I wanted was for two of the most important men in my life to like one another and get along.

Is that asking too much?

Squeezing his arm in reassurance, I took a deep breath and shot up a silent prayer. It was now or never. “Harrison, I’d like you to meet Ryder.”

For what felt like an eternity, the two men just glared at one another. I held my breath, waiting to see how this would play out. Ryder had known we were meeting with Harrison; he’d promised me that because it was my birthday, he’d do anything I wanted. When he’d said that, he’d had no idea I was going to ask him to meet my brother. I knew it was the only day I’d get away with bringing them together, because both men wanted my birthday to be special.

“Knox,” Harrison growled, his fists balled by his side.

I guess a handshake is totally out of the question?

Ryder lifted his chin at my brother. “Summers.” Every muscle in his tight body was coiled, ready for action. The atmosphere could be sliced with a knife.

“Happy birthday, Sis,” Harrison said, directing his gaze at me, a small smile twisting his lips. I lunged forward and into my brother’s arms, my knees shaking so badly they were ready to give in.

He hugged me tightly to him. I could feel the tension in his body. My throat tightened; it was hard to breathe. “What the hell are you doing, Jade?” he hissed in my ear.

Harrison was handling the element of surprise better than I’d thought. At least he was keeping his disdain directed at me and not making a huge scene. I’d do anything to keep him from getting angry and going ape-shit crazy. I looked up into stormy eyes. “Please. Just tonight. Just for me,” I whispered. I wasn’t beyond begging.

His eyes searched mine for a moment as he squeezed my upper arms. He looked as if he wanted to shake me, his mouth drawn into a thin line, his jaw clenched tightly.

Was this a mistake? Was Harrison going to lose it? My heart was beating hard against my ribcage. I held my breath, waiting to see what Harrison would do next. If he flew into a rage, all hell would break loose. I trembled, fearing for the worst.

With a low growl, Ryder took a step closer and pulled me backward against his chest. Harrison’s mouth gaped for a few seconds before he released my arms. I don’t think he ever expected a man would claim me so blatantly. I shuddered and then let out a long slow breath as Ryder planted the softest kiss at the back of my neck.

A sweet voice cut through my consciousness. “Happy birthday, Jade! Ryder has told me so much about you.” Eva had taken a step closer, standing beside me with a smile so wide I had to suck in a deep breath to stop from breaking into hysterical laughter.

Does she know our brothers want to kill one another?

She placed a slender hand on Harrison’s arm. I watched his face as he gaped at her, blinking a few times before a surreal calmness washed over him. How the hell was it even possible that she could have this effect on my angry-to-the-bone brother?

“Thanks, Eva. I’m so happy to finally meet you. Ryder has told me about you too, so we’re even.”

Eva blinked up at Harrison, smiling. “So this is your brother? We met before you came. What a small world it is.”

“Yes. He’s a great guy . . . most of the time. He can be a pain.”

“Jade can be stubborn. She needs someone to watch over her,” Harrison said, glaring at Ryder.

I laughed, trying to ease the tension. “Hey, it’s my twenty-third birthday. I’m really quite capable of looking after myself. I don’t need a man for that.”