Chapter 24

As I sat in a chair next to him, he took my hand and interlaced our fingers. Jackson harrumphed and poked his phone screen more forcefully than necessary.

“It sounds like you’ve got something in your throat, Jackson,” Liam said but didn’t take his eyes off me. The buzz radiated from my belly into the rest of my body. “You’d better fix that. Get some coffee.”

“I’m fine,” Jackson mumbled.

“Dude, it wasn’t a suggestion.”

With a sigh, Jackson stood, and his gaze zeroed in on our joined hands. “Will you be okay?”

Liam’s face softened. “I’m pretty sure I’m safe. Austin’ll protect me if necessary.”

“That’s what I’m afraid of.”

I averted my eyes as he stomped away, and my stomach sank to my feet. “He doesn’t like me.”

Liam tugged on my hand. “He’s got a protective streak a mile wide. He’s taken it upon himself to take care of all of us. He just wants us to be safe and is afraid you’ll hurt me.”

I scoffed. “Have you seen you? You’re way bigger than I am.”