Page 23 of Off-Limits Bad Boy
Chapter Ten
Kade
As we're staring one another down, there's a sharp, urgent knock at the door.
Her gaze ticks past me to the door, then comes back to mine again. I can see the mix of alarm and worry in her wide eyes.
“Are you expecting someone?” I ask.
She shakes her head.
“Are you going to answer it?” At my question, she lifts both shoulders and makes her way to the front door, which gives me my answer. She strides toward the door, casting a quick glance back at me. “It's okay,” she mouths silently before pulling it open.
As she faces her guest, I hear her surprised voice as she says, “Alex!”
Knowing that her brother is here, I feel my spine stiffen as I try to think of a quick, convincing story I can give him.
She steps back and he crosses the threshold, talking to her as he does. “I got a call from Ryan.” His words cut short as he scans the room and notices me. Surprise widens his eyes, and for a moment, I'm sure he's going to call me out.
Instead, Emma steps forward. “I'm not surprised. He and I kind of got into it tonight, but I called Kade because I knew you were busy, and I needed some moral support.”
“From him?” Alex doesn't sound convinced and Emma laughs.
“I know - he’s a bad choice.”
“Hey!” I say, playing along.
But the two of them are very quickly back to business. “Are you okay?” he asks his sister, his gaze searching her face.
“Oh, sure.” She rolls her eyes and lets us know she’s not trying to be convincing but is hiding hurt behind humor. It makes me want to step in close and hold her.
Alex stiffens, and I can see the protective older brother in every line of his posture.
“At least I was until this clumsy oaf dumped water on both of us.” She gestures at me with a dismissive flip of her hand. Then she wraps her arms around herself as if suddenly conscious of the damp fabric sticking to her skin. “This one's a klutz.” She nods at me.
“Guilty,” I say, forcing a sheepish grin as I shift my weight. Alex's eyes lock onto mine, and the look he gives me warns he isn’t buying the act. It’s not hostile, just... knowing.
“Right,” he says, drawing the word out, a hint of disbelief lingering in his tone. But he doesn't comment further.
“Thanks for checking on me,” she says into the sudden silence.
“Of course,” he replies, and gestures at me with a jerk of his shoulder. “Can we talk? Outside?”
I nod, keeping my expression neutral, even though my gut tightens with apprehension. I doubt he wants to talk. As I follow him out the door, I cast a last look at Emma, who offers me a small, reassuring smile. I step into the cool night air, ready for the fists to start flying.
The door clicks shut behind us, leaving us alone under the dim porch light. The tension is thick; I'm standing rigid, ready for a blow or harsh words.
“Ryan's bad news,” Alex says, his voice low and serious.
I nod, agreeing. “What makes you think so?” I ask, curious what gave him that impression as my fists unclench slightly. This isn't what I was expecting, but I’m grateful.
“Yeah, he’s dangerous.” His gaze is steady on mine. “I got a call from him earlier, and it wasn't good.”
“Is Emma safe?” The question bursts from me, and I know he can hear the concern in my voice.
“That's why I'm here.” He exhales heavily. “I'm setting up a security system for her tomorrow.”
I nod. That's a smart idea. Not just because of Ryan, but for anything that might happen. “How can I help?” I don't expect him to ask me for anything.