Savor the Danger by Lori Foster

back in, Dare stood, too. “All done?”
    Alani said, “Yes,” and started to sit by Jackson again.
    He was just reaching for her when Dare caught her elbow. “Great. Now it’s my turn.”
    Frustration pushed Jackson over the edge. He shot to his feet. “This is bullshit!” He did not want Dare and Trace filling her head with reasons to run from him. “Let’s roll credits on the drama already.”
    At his raised voice, Trace’s muscles bunched up. “Watch your mouth in front of my sister.”
    â€œShe’s not a damn china doll.”
    Alani started to speak, but Trace didn’t give her a chance. “You’ll treat her with respect.”
    Jackson stiffened. He wasn’t going to explain himself to her brother. What was between them was private—and he wanted to get back to it, damn it. But he wouldn’t keep putting up with Trace’s animosity, either. “You think I don’t?”
    Dare tugged Alani along. “Let’s leave them to it, hon, okay?”
    And Alani, left with little choice in the matter, again walked away.
    â€œThis is insane.” Jackson dropped back down on thecouch and glared at Trace. “You two will wear her out with all this covert chitchat, back-and-forth nonsense.”
    â€œYou’ll both survive.”
    Jackson wasn’t at all sure about that. If they talked Alani into keeping her distance from him, he’d detonate. Trying to hide his tension, Jackson said more calmly, “What the hell did you say to her, anyway? And why couldn’t you say it right here in the comfort of her living room?”
    Pensive, silent, Trace leaned against the wall.
    Jackson stewed until he couldn’t hold it in. “And what the hell does Dare have to do with anything? He’s not even her damn brother.”
    Eyes narrowing, Trace suffered him in silence.
    With nothing more to do, and Trace being a bore, Jackson poured himself another cup of coffee.
    He had just taken a sip when Trace said, “I assume you haven’t told her everything.”
    What the hell could he tell her when he didn’t remember even a smidge of the night? “What’s that?”
    Pushing away from the wall, Trace stood beside the chair Dare had vacated. “There are things about you, Jackson, added responsibilities that Alani’s unaware of. Or have you told her about Arizona?” Oh. That. Shit. “Not yet, no.”
    â€œI didn’t think so.”
    As always when discussing Arizona, heat crawled up his neck. Half under his breath, Jackson said, “Haven’t really had much chance for talking, not with you two hanging around, making her think the world is coming to an end.” And besides, what woman would understand about Arizona? He sure as hell didn’t want to shoot himself in the foot this early.
    â€œIf that’s your way of saying I’m overreacting, Alani isused to my idea of caution. She’d think something more was wrong if I acted any other way.”
    Maybe he had a point. “If you say so.”
    â€œTell her about Arizona, or I will.”
    That challenge couldn’t go unanswered. Jackson set the cup down with a clatter. “It’s my business, Trace.” And besides, Trace might think he knew everything about it, but he didn’t. Not by a long shot.
    â€œWhen you’re sleeping with my sister, it becomes my business.”
    Jackson locked his back teeth, but he’d never taken well to ultimatums. “Arizona has nothing to do with her.”
    â€œIf you care about her, then Arizona has plenty to do with her.” Trace crossed his arms over his chest and widened his stance. “And if you don’t care, then I’m telling you right now, leave her the hell alone.”
    Â 
    H EARING RAISED VOICES in the living room left Alani uneasy. She tried to rush back in, but Dare didn’t let her.
    He caught one of her hands in both of