I'm simply hanging out with my nephew, Jake. That can't be harmful." Though a sparkle in his eyes suggested he wasn't backing down so quickly, he remarked with a little smile.
Jake moved in closer, his voice menacingly low. "Jeb, I told you to be careful. Avoid going too far. Emily has stated that she only wants friendship. Therefore, I won't allow you to make matters more difficult."
Jeb shrugged, his easygoing manner failing to ease the strain.
"Calm down, Jake. All I'm trying to do is be a decent uncle. Besides, Emily is a mature adult. Isn't it possible for her to make her own decisions?"
Emily stuck in the center, could feel the strain increasing and was experiencing excruciating headaches. The pain increased by the minute they continued arguing.
She was expecting a fight; she had no clue how much time Jeb had spent with them that would annoy Jake.
She stepped between them and said, "Both of you, stop."